Illinois State Dominates Valparaiso in Convincing Win
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 86, Valparaiso Beacons 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Valparaiso Beacons vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Valparaiso Beacons 86-64 at CEFCU Arena on February 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -470 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at CEFCU Arena, the Illinois State Redbirds triumphed over the Valparaiso Beacons with a final score of 86-64. This victory not only showcased Illinois State's offensive capabilities but also marked a significant turnaround after their recent struggles. The Redbirds, who had been on a downward trajectory with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, managed to break a one-game losing streak with this win, bringing their overall record to 18-9.
Illinois State entered the game with an average of 72.1 points scored per game and had allowed 71.3 points in their last ten outings. Their recent form included a mix of results, with notable wins against the Drake Bulldogs and Murray State Racers, but also disappointing losses to teams like Evansville and Southern Illinois. Their home record stood at 3-2 in the last five games, indicating a solid performance on their own court despite some inconsistency.
On the other hand, Valparaiso came into the game with a record of 13-13 and had been performing better recently, winning six of their last ten games and riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 72.2 points scored while allowing 70.9 points during that stretch. Valparaiso's last five games featured a mix of results, including victories over Evansville and Drake, but they also suffered losses against Bradley and Belmont. Their away record was 2-3 in the last five games, which highlighted their struggles outside of their home venue.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, this match was the third encounter between the two teams in the current season. Earlier in the season, Illinois State had lost to Valparaiso 71-77 on January 8, but they had previously defeated them 86-78 on February 1, 2025. This latest win allowed Illinois State to even the season series at 1-1.
The game was influenced by the odds provided by DraftKings, which had Illinois State as 8.5-point favorites and set the total at 138.5. The home team’s money line was priced at -470, while Valparaiso's was at 360, reflecting the expectation of a strong performance from Illinois State.
Throughout the game, Illinois State demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Key scoring plays included Johnny Kinziger making a 14-foot jumper and Ty'Reek Coleman adding a layup to extend their lead. Valparaiso struggled to keep pace, with their scoring efforts falling short as they attempted to rally back.
The conditions at CEFCU Arena were favorable for the home team, and the crowd was energized by Illinois State's strong start and continued offensive pressure. As the game progressed, it became clear that Illinois State was in control, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive pressure on Valparaiso.
Overall, this match served as a reminder of Illinois State's potential as they head into the latter part of the season, while Valparaiso will need to regroup after this setback. The Redbirds' ability to bounce back from recent losses and secure a convincing win will be crucial as they aim to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -8.5 | 138.5 o -112 / u -108 | Valparaiso Beacons +360 · Illinois State Redbirds -470 |
Leaders
- PointsJohnny Kinziger21Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsTy Pence4Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsTy Pence8Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsJT Pettigrew17Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsOwen Dease3Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsJT Pettigrew13Valparaiso Beacons
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 4-6Streak L172.1 scored · 71.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L80-88at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 10
- W86-76vs Drake BulldogsFeb 7
- L50-54vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 4
- W70-65at Murray State RacersJan 29
- L69-80at Belmont BruinsJan 24
- W59-54vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 22
- W88-62vs Bradley BravesJan 17
- L89-94at Indiana State SycamoresJan 15
- L59-63vs UIC FlamesJan 10
- L71-77at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 8
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 6-4Streak W272.2 scored · 70.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- W81-76at Drake BulldogsFeb 10
- W70-63vs Evansville Purple AcesFeb 7
- L65-72at Bradley BravesFeb 4
- W76-72at Indiana State SycamoresJan 31
- L77-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 29
- W69-63vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 22
- W54-44vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 17
- L74-78at Belmont BruinsJan 14
- L79-92at Murray State RacersJan 10
- W77-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsJan 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Valparaiso Beacons | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-66 | 30-58 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 6-16 | 9-26 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 35 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 17-17 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 31 |
| Assists | 8 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 42 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 34 | 56 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-37Justus McNair makes layup
- 2nd Half43-39Landon Moore makes layup
- 2nd Half43-42Landon Wolf makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half44-45JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Ty Pence makes layup
- 2nd Half47-47Owen Dease makes 26-foot three point jumper (Carter Hopoi assists)
- 2nd Half47-50Boden Skunberg makes 26-foot three point jumper (Landon Moore assists)
- 2nd Half49-50Brody Whitaker makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-51Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-52Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-52Rakim Chaney makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-53Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-54Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-55Boden Skunberg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Boden Skunberg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-58Ty Pence makes 5-foot dunk (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 2nd Half52-60Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half54-60JT Pettigrew makes layup
- 2nd Half54-62Mason Klabo makes layup (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half55-62JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-64Ty Pence makes layup
- 2nd Half57-64Owen Dease makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-66Landon Moore makes layup (Brandon Lieb assists)
- 2nd Half57-68Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half57-69Ty Pence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-70Ty Pence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-72Johnny Kinziger makes layup
- 2nd Half57-74Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half57-76Landon Wolf makes layup
- 2nd Half57-78Boden Skunberg makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-78JT Pettigrew makes layup
- 2nd Half59-80Johnny Kinziger makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-80Owen Dease makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-80Owen Dease makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-82Johnny Kinziger makes layup
- 2nd Half64-82Shon Tupuola makes 17-foot jumper (Sader Servilus assists)
- 2nd Half64-84Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half64-85Landon Wolf makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-86Landon Wolf makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance3607
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Ervin Wilson, Grant Jeffres
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