Valparaiso Beacons vs Southern Illinois Salukis Picks and Predictions for Thursday, January 1, 2026
Valparaiso travels to Carbondale to face Southern Illinois in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup on Thursday afternoon. The Beacons are 6-7 overall and 0-2 in conference play, while the Salukis are 6-8 overall and still searching for their first MVC win. This matchup offers betting value with our free college basketball picks.
Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Game Information
- Date: Thursday, January 1
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Banterra Center, Carbondale, IL
- TV: ESPN+
Valparaiso Beacons Outlook
Valparaiso scores 71.4 points per game while shooting 41% from the field. Owen Dease leads the Beacons with 12.1 points per game, providing steady scoring inside. Shon Tupuola controls the paint with 6.8 rebounds per game and gives Valparaiso rim protection. Rakim Chaney runs the offense and leads the team with 3.2 assists per game.
Defensively, Valparaiso allows 70.2 points per game and relies on half-court defense rather than full or three-quarter court pressure. Turnovers have been a problem, especially on the road, which limits scoring chances and puts stress on the defense. When the Beacons fall behind early, they have struggled to recover.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 71.4
- Points Allowed: 70.2
- Rebounds: 38.2
- Assists: 12.3
- Steals: 6.4
- Blocks: 4.2
- Turnovers: 10.7
Southern Illinois Salukis Outlook
Southern Illinois scores 78.9 points per game and shoots 49% from the field. Quel’Ron House leads the Salukis with 14.7 points per game and also contributes with assists. Averaging 3.4 per game. Rolyns Aligbe leads the team on the glass with 6.4 rebounds per game and gives Southern Illinois second-chance opportunities.
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On defense, the Salukis allow 74.3 points per game and are more active in passing lanes. The Salukis record 8.4 steals per game, which helps create extra possessions. At home, Southern Illinois plays with more control and has shown better balance on both ends of the floor.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 78.9
- Points Allowed: 74.3
- Rebounds: 39.2
- Assists: 14.0
- Steals: 8.4
- Blocks: 3.1
- Turnovers: 13.1
Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Prediction
Southern Illinois holds the advantage in scoring, ball pressure, and home-court play. Valparaiso’s turnover issues will lead to scoring runs for the Salukis, while Southern Illinois controls the pace and finishes more possessions with points late in the game. Final Score Prediction: Southern Illinois wins and covers ATS, 81-68. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on Valparaiso. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Southern Illinois with the Onyx Odds promo code. Getting the most out of your bets on Southern Illinois vs Valparaiso can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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Best Picks
- Southern Illinois Salukis
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