Valparaiso Beacons at Northern Iowa Panthers, Picks and Prediction for Monday, December 29, 2025 Beacons at Panthers Preview
The Valparaiso Beacons travel to Cedar Falls to take on the Northern Iowa Panthers on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the McLeod Center. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.
Valparaiso Beacons Analysis
Valparaiso enters this contest with a 6-6 overall record and is still searching for consistency in MVC competition. The Beacons have shown scoring punch in recent games and rebound well, but defensive execution and limiting opponent field-goal efficiency remain areas of emphasis.
Team Overview and Metrics
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Points per game: 72.8
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Field-goal %: 41%
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Rebounds per game: 38.6
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Assists per game: 12.5
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Steals per game: 6.6
Strengths
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Perimeter shooting: Valparaiso shoots respectable percentages from three, with Rakim Chaney averaging around 2 made threes per game.
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Balanced scoring: Several players contribute points, making it difficult for defenses to lock in on one threat.
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Rebounding: Valpo averages over 34 rebounds per game, keeping possessions alive.
Weaknesses
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Defensive field-goal % allowed: Valparaiso allows opponents to shoot efficiently, which Northern Iowa can exploit.
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Consistency: Recent losses (including an 85–79 defeat) show the Beacons can struggle to close against strong offenses.
Northern Iowa Panthers Analysis
Northern Iowa enters this game at 9-3 overall with a strong home record and a balanced offensive attack. The Panthers score efficiently, protect the ball well, and play aggressive perimeter defense, creating opportunities for steals and transition offense.
Team Overview and Metrics
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Points per game: 71.2
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Field-goal %: 46.4%
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Rebounds per game: 30.6
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Assists per game: 17.0
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Steals per game: 8.0
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Blocks per game: 3.8
The Panthers have gone 6-1 at home and shoot at an efficient clip, putting pressure on defenses to contest inside and outside.
Strengths
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Efficient offense: Northern Iowa shoots well from the field and moves the ball, reflected in strong assist numbers.
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Defensive activity: The Panthers generate steals and blocks at a high rate.
Weaknesses
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Rebounding: Northern Iowa’s rebounding numbers lag slightly, which can affect second-chance scoring.
Standout Players and Key Matchups
Valparaiso
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Rakim Chaney: Leading perimeter scorer with efficiency from beyond the arc.
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Owen Dease: Has provided recent scoring lifts and creates opportunities off the bounce.
Northern Iowa
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Trey Campbell: All-around offensive threat, averaging 13.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.3 steals.
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Leon Bond III: Provides scoring and rebounding help, shooting efficiently over his last stretch.
Valparaiso vs Northern Iowa Prediction Reasoning
Northern Iowa’s combination of efficient shooting, defensive activity, and home crowd energy gives them an edge in this MVC matchup. Valparaiso’s scoring balance and rebounding keep them competitive, but the Panthers’ ability to generate stops and push the pace could make the difference late. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Northern Iowa with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on Valparaiso by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Northern Iowa vs Valparaiso bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
Final Score Projection: Northern Iowa 74, Valparaiso 69
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Best Picks
- Valparaiso +12.5
- Over 126.5 total points
