Game Thread (201) UIC (5-9, 0-3) @ (197) Valparaiso (6-8, 0-3) Sunday Jan 4th, 2026 @ 2PM CST

Bryan F. · 2026-01-02T19:57:08Z

Two Struggling Squads Collide as Beacons Face Flames KenPom projects a tight contest as Beacons aim to end five-game slide and ignite momentum. Valparaiso returns to action at home Sunday, hosting the UIC Flames in a matchup where both teams are desperate to snap losing streaks and regain momentum in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Beacons enter the contest searching for a much-needed win after a rough stretch dating back to early December. Valpo has dropped five straight and sits at 1-6 in its last seven games. UIC hasn’t fared much better, going 1-7 over its last eight and still seeking its first MVC victory as well. Neither squad managed to defeat a Division I opponent in December, with their lone wins coming against non-D1 foes. Offensive struggles have plagued Valpo throughout the season. The Beacons rank in the bottom third nationally in shooting, hitting just 28.1% from beyond the arc (342nd) and 45.1% inside it (327th). Those numbers dipped even lower in their last two outings against UNI and SIU respectively. UIC’s shooting woes mirror Valpo’s, as the Flames shoot 30.1% from deep and 47.5% inside the arc—also among the nation’s lower tier. Despite offensive concerns, Valpo boasts advantages in size, bench production, and defense. The Beacons have done well limiting opponents’ scoring and defending the three-point line. For the Flames, this is a team that leans heavily on guard play and attacking the basket. UIC’s frontcourt is undersized, giving Valpo an opportunity to dominate the paint, this size advantage should also help Valpo defend the rim. UIC is led by a small speedy junior guard in Ahmad Henderson II (14.1 PPG, 2.9 APG), freshman Andy Johnson (13.3 PPG), and versatile junior Mekhi Lowery (9.1 PPG, team-high 6.0 RPG). Expect the Flames to push the tempo and rely on their backcourt to generate offense. While Valpo’s offensive/shooting issues have kept games out of reach late, every MVC matchup has been a battle—and this one should be no different. With KenPom projecting Valpo as a slight favorite (72-69, 60% win probability), the Beacons have a prime opportunity to build momentum before a grueling four-game stretch against the conference’s top teams. Tip-off is set for Sunday at the ARC. For Valpo, it’s more than just a game—it’s a chance to reset and power through the MVC slate with confidence. Ill be in the ARC for this one, I hope to see you all there!

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Valpo Basketball

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Bryan F.

(@iyellatgames)

Posts: 221

Junior Varsity

Topic starter

Posted by: @rezynezy

↑

Owen Dease has won the "Newcomer of the Week" for efforts in SIU and UIC. JT Pettigrew has won the "Freshman of the Week" award for the same reasons.

well deserved!

Posted : 01/05/2026 9:43 PM

valpotx

(@valpotx)

Posts: 451

Junior Varsity

After this game, I was thinking that UIC fans will be complaining about the foul difference, but for anyone watching the game, you could easily see that UIC was committing some really dumb fouls. Each was earned, as we weren't just chucking it from behind the arc for once, whereas UIC was taking some bad shots and not earning FTs.

Posted : 01/05/2026 11:13 PM

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Game Thread (201) UIC (5-9, 0-3) @ (197) Valparaiso (6-8, 0-3) Sunday Jan 4th, 2026 @ 2PM CST

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