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NCAAB · Final

Northwestern Wildcats Defeat Valparaiso Beacons 86-70

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena

Northwestern Wildcats 86, Valparaiso Beacons 70, 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 Northwestern Wildcats?

Northwestern Wildcats beat Valparaiso Beacons 86-70 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on December 16, 2025.

Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Northwestern Wildcats?

Northwestern Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1450 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.

In an impressive display, the Northwestern Wildcats secured a decisive 86-70 victory over the Valparaiso Beacons at the Welsh-Ryan Arena. This matchup highlighted the Wildcats' strong home performance, improving their record to 8-4, while Valparaiso fell to 6-6. The Wildcats have shown resilience and scoring prowess, averaging 82.3 points over their last ten games, with a recent record of 6-4. Their latest victory against the Jackson State Tigers, where they won 93-53, showcased their offensive capabilities and set the stage for this game.

Valparaiso, on the other hand, entered the game with a mixed record of 6-5, but their recent form has been less consistent, losing their last game against UNC Wilmington 70-73. They have averaged 73.1 points in their last ten games, indicating a need for improvement in their scoring efficiency. Historically, the Wildcats have performed well at home, holding a 5-2 record at the Welsh-Ryan Arena, while Valparaiso has struggled on the road with a 1-3 away record this season.

The game saw significant contributions from both teams, but Northwestern's offensive depth proved too much for Valparaiso. Key moments included Rakim Chaney's long-range three-pointer and Jayden Reid's turnaround jump shot, which helped the Wildcats maintain their lead in the second half. The scoring plays reflected the Wildcats' ability to capitalize on their opportunities, as they consistently found ways to extend their advantage.

In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, allowing for a competitive matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Northwestern favored by 14.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. This line indicated a strong expectation for a Wildcats victory, which they delivered convincingly.

The conditions in the arena were favorable for a high-scoring game, contributing to the Wildcats' ability to execute their offensive game plan effectively. Viewers were treated to a showcase of basketball skill, with Northwestern demonstrating their ability to score efficiently both inside and beyond the arc.

Overall, the Wildcats' victory not only highlights their strong home form but also sets a positive tone as they move forward in the season, while Valparaiso will need to regroup and address their scoring challenges as they continue their campaign.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsNU -14.5 145.5 o -115 / u -105 Valparaiso Beacons +850 · Northwestern Wildcats -1450

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsNick Martinelli29Northwestern Wildcats
  • AssistsJayden Reid5Northwestern Wildcats
  • ReboundsArrinten Page7Northwestern Wildcats
  • PointsJT Pettigrew13Valparaiso Beacons
  • AssistsJT Pettigrew3Valparaiso Beacons
  • ReboundsJT Pettigrew6Valparaiso Beacons

Recent form

Northwestern Wildcats

Last 10: 6-4Streak W182.3 scored · 71.1 allowed per game5-2 at home

  • W93-53vs Jackson State TigersDec 13
  • L82-86vs Ohio State BuckeyesDec 6
  • L73-85at Wisconsin BadgersDec 4
  • L81-86vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 28
  • W79-77vs South Carolina GamecocksNov 23
  • L78-83at Virginia CavaliersNov 21
  • W81-79at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 15
  • W110-63vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 11
  • W76-52vs Boston University TerriersNov 7
  • W70-47vs Mercyhurst LakersNov 4

Valparaiso Beacons

Last 10: 6-4Streak L173.1 scored · 68.3 allowed per game1-2 away

  • L70-73vs UNC Wilmington SeahawksDec 13
  • W98-58vs Calumet St. Joseph Crimson WaveDec 6
  • L72-75at Marquette Golden EaglesDec 3
  • W84-55vs Western Michigan BroncosNov 29
  • L56-64vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesNov 26
  • W90-75at Cleveland State VikingsNov 20
  • W68-50vs Bryant BulldogsNov 16
  • W68-63vs Nicholls ColonelsNov 13
  • L59-107at Kentucky WildcatsNov 8
  • W66-63vs Eastern Illinois PanthersNov 5

Standings

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
Belmont26-6-16-4
Bradley21-13313-7
Illinois State23-13412-8
Murray State20-13412-8
UIC19-16412-8
Northern Iowa23-13511-9
Valparaiso18-15511-9
Southern Illinois16-16610-10
Drake14-20106-14
Indiana State11-21124-16
Evansville7-25133-17
Michigan37-3-19-1
Nebraska28-7415-5
Michigan State27-8415-5
Illinois28-9415-5
Wisconsin24-11514-6
Purdue30-9613-7
UCLA24-12613-7
Ohio State21-13712-8
Iowa24-13910-10
Indiana18-14109-11
Minnesota15-18118-12
USC18-14127-13
Washington16-17127-13
Rutgers14-20136-14
Northwestern15-19145-15
Oregon12-20145-15
Maryland12-21154-16
Penn State12-20163-17

Box score

StatValparaiso BeaconsNorthwestern Wildcats
Field goals24-5433-61
Field goal %4454
Three-pointers6-195-21
Three-point %3224
Free throws16-2215-22
Free throw %7368
Rebounds3133
Offensive rebounds1011
Defensive rebounds2122
Assists1217
Steals66
Blocks24
Turnovers157
Team turnovers20
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers624
Fast-break points411
Points in the paint2650
Fouls1915
Largest lead024
Lead changes00
Time in front099

How the scoring went

  1. 2nd Half36-51Justus McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
  2. 2nd Half37-51Justus McNair makes free throw 2 of 2
  3. 2nd Half37-53Arrinten Page makes 6-foot hook shot (Jordan Clayton assists)
  4. 2nd Half37-54Arrinten Page makes free throw 1 of 2
  5. 2nd Half37-57Arrinten Page makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jake West assists)
  6. 2nd Half37-59Arrinten Page makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
  7. 2nd Half37-61Arrinten Page makes 2-foot dunk
  8. 2nd Half39-61Isaiah Barnes makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
  9. 2nd Half41-61Carter Hopoi makes 3-foot dunk (Tucker Tornatta assists)
  10. 2nd Half42-61Carter Hopoi makes free throw 1 of 1
  11. 2nd Half42-63Tre Singleton makes layup (Jayden Reid assists)
  12. 2nd Half43-63Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
  13. 2nd Half43-65Nick Martinelli makes layup (Tre Singleton assists)
  14. 2nd Half45-65Carter Hopoi makes driving layup
  15. 2nd Half46-65Carter Hopoi makes free throw 1 of 1
  16. 2nd Half47-65JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
  17. 2nd Half50-65Justus McNair makes 22-foot three point jumper (Carter Hopoi assists)
  18. 2nd Half52-65JT Pettigrew makes 0-foot tip in layup
  19. 2nd Half52-66Justin Mullins makes free throw 1 of 2
  20. 2nd Half52-68Tre Singleton makes layup
  21. 2nd Half52-70Arrinten Page makes 6-foot hook shot
  22. 2nd Half52-72Nick Martinelli makes layup
  23. 2nd Half55-72Isaiah Barnes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
  24. 2nd Half55-74Jayden Reid makes driving layup
  25. 2nd Half56-74JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 2nd Half58-74Brody Whitaker makes 22-foot step back jumpshot (JT Pettigrew assists)
  27. 2nd Half58-75Tre Singleton makes free throw 1 of 2
  28. 2nd Half58-76Tre Singleton makes free throw 2 of 2
  29. 2nd Half61-76Brody Whitaker makes 23-foot three point jumper
  30. 2nd Half63-76Brody Whitaker makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
  31. 2nd Half63-78Nick Martinelli makes layup
  32. 2nd Half63-80Justin Mullins makes 2-foot dunk
  33. 2nd Half66-80Rakim Chaney makes 24-foot three point jumper
  34. 2nd Half66-82Jayden Reid makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
  35. 2nd Half66-83Arrinten Page makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. 2nd Half67-83JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 3
  37. 2nd Half68-83JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 3
  38. 2nd Half68-85Nick Martinelli makes 0-foot tip in layup
  39. 2nd Half70-85Owen Dease makes driving layup
  40. 2nd Half70-86Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.

Venue

  • Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
  • Attendance4525
  • OfficialsKevin Brill, Paul Szelc, Anthony Burris

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.