Drake Bulldogs vs Valparaiso Beacons Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Valparaiso vs Drake NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Des Moines.

Valparaiso vs Drake Prediction

The Beacons and Bulldogs are set to face off at 7:30 ET on ESPN+. The Bulldogs will host the game at The Knapp Center in Des Moines, IA. The over/under for this Missouri Valley conference contest is set at 130.5 points, with Drake being favored by -13.5 at home against Valparaiso.

Valparaiso vs. Drake Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Valparaiso Beacons at Drake Bulldogs
Where: Des Moines at The Knapp Center
Date: Wednesday, January 22nd
Betting Odds DRAKE -13.5, VALP +800 | DRAKE -1400 O/U 130.5

Beacons Preview: Are Valparaiso Ready for a Road Win?

Valparaiso Beacons Recent Game/Games

Valparaiso fell to 8-9 on the season after an 81-74 loss to UIC on Saturday. The Beacons, who were +1.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 155 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.

At halftime, the score was tied at 38, but Valparaiso allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36, leading to the loss.

Beacons Offense Breakdown

Valparaiso put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 44.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 49.2%. They hit 51.3% of their two-point attempts and went 6-for-20 from beyond the arc, shooting 30% from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they connected on 16 of 24 attempts, good for 66.7%.

All Wright led the way with 18 points, shooting 58.3% overall and 60% from three-point range (3-for-5), while also dishing out 5 assists. Javon Jackson and Tyler Schmidt each added 17 points, with Schmidt contributing 4 assists. Modestas Kancleris was efficient, hitting 6 of 7 shots for 13 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Sasa Ciani pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds to go with his 11 points.

Beacons Team Defense

Valparaiso's defense gave up 81 points, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 20 two-point baskets on 39 attempts, a 51% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Valparaiso's defense held their opponents to 6 threes on 20 attempts, or 30% shooting. They also sent them to the line 24 times, where they made 16 free throws, a 66% clip.

Bulldogs Preview: Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Bulldogs?

Drake Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Drake improved to 14-2 on the season with a 71-53 win over Indiana State on Saturday. The Bulldogs, who were -7 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.

Drake led 32-25 at halftime and outscored the Sycamores 39-28 in the second half. The game’s total points of 124 fell short of the 138.5 O/U line.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

Drake put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 52.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.8%. They connected on 60.6% of their two-point attempts and hit 38.9% from beyond the arc, going 7-for-18 from three-point range.

Mitch Mascari led the way, hitting 5-of-7 from deep and overall, finishing with 19 points. Bennett Stirtz added 16 points and 9 assists, despite shooting just 1-of-6 from three.

Bulldogs Team Defense

Drake's defense was strong in their last game, holding the opposing team to just 53 points on 36% shooting from the field. They allowed 14 two-point field goals on 27 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Drake's defense was particularly effective, limiting the opposition to 4 made threes on 23 attempts, just 17% shooting. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 13 free throws, an 81% rate. Drake gave up 13 offensive rebounds.

Beacons vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last ten road contests, the Beacons offense has averaged 65 points per game while allowing an average of 77. Valparaiso posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 4-5-1 ATS.
The Bulldogs are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Beacons have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 0-2-1.
Through their last three games as the favorite, the Bulldogs have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 3-0.