Valparaiso Crusaders vs
Evansville AcesPredictions & Preview

Evansville Looks to Extend Winning Streak Against Valparaiso in MVC Showdown

The 2024-25 college basketball season continues with a Missouri Valley Conference matchup between the Valparaiso Beacons and the Evansville Purple Aces on Sunday, February 16 at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Evansville coming out on top in their previous matchup. The current betting line favors Evansville at -2.5. Stay tuned for our Valparaiso vs. Evansville prediction and more NCAAB picks for Sunday's games.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Crusaders +119 | Aces -144
• Spread: Crusaders +2.5 (-110) | Aces -2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 145.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Evansville will win straight-up is 59%.

Valparaiso vs Evansville Stats

Valparaiso Crusaders

The Valparaiso Beacons recently ended a nine-game losing streak by defeating Belmont 101-86 as 4.5-point home underdogs. They shot 56.9% from the field, made 10 three-pointers, and had a strong 18/9 assist-to-turnover ratio in the game. Sophomore forward Cooper Schwieger led the team with 27 points and 13 rebounds. The Beacons have struggled in recent games, with a 2-7-1 ATS record in their last ten matchups. Overall, they score 106.1 points per 100 possessions and allow 113.0 points in return, ranking them 226th in the NCAA NET Rankings. Offensively, they shoot 42.75% from the field and 77.84% from the free-throw line, while defensively they allow opponents to shoot 46.38% from the field and 71.06% from the free-throw line. Valparaiso has a power ranking of 306 and is currently ranked 151 in offense and 270 in defense.

Evansville Aces Analysis

The Evansville Purple Aces are currently on a three-game losing streak and have not covered the spread in those games. In their most recent loss to Missouri State, they struggled shooting from the field, free-throw line, and committed numerous turnovers. Despite leading scorer Tayshawn Corner's 17 points, the team has a low offensive rating and struggles defensively. In terms of their power ranking and statistics, the Aces rank low in offense but slightly better in defense. Their upcoming matchup with Valparaiso does not bode well for them as Valparaiso has had the upper hand in recent meetings. Overall, the statistics show that Evansville needs to improve in various areas to turn their season around.

Evansville to Rely on Defense and Firepower in Closely Contested Matchup Against Valparaiso

In league play, Evansville ranks last in adjusted offensive efficiency, averaging 97.9 points per game while allowing 101.2 points (2nd in the MVC) on shooting percentages of 46.5% inside the arc (1st) and 33.6% from beyond the arc (3rd). Conversely, Valparaiso scores 104.4 points per 100 possessions (9th) and gives up 110.8 points (10th) with a field goal percentage of 42.3% (12th). Despite Valparaiso's struggles, Evansville should rely on their defense for crucial stops in crunch time and exploit the Beacons’ weaknesses. The upcoming game is expected to be closely contested, with the Purple Aces having the offensive firepower to challenge Valparaiso. In their previous encounter this season, Evansville dominated Valparaiso, shooting 58.0% from the field and easily outplaying them despite committing 21 turnovers.

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