Beacons Head to Nashville for Tough Test Against Belmont
Valpo looks to bounce back after Murray loss as Bruins ride momentum into Valley showdown
The Valparaiso Beacons (8-9, 2-4) hit the road for a Missouri Valley Conference clash at the Curb Event Center, where they’ll face the Belmont Bruins (15-3, 5-2). Belmont enters the matchup tied for second in the league standings and riding a two-game win streak, including a dramatic 78-76 comeback victory at Drake over the weekend. After trailing 44-25 at halftime, the Bruins stormed back with a 53-point second half to stun the Bulldogs on their home floor.
Valpo, meanwhile, is coming off a 92-79 loss at Murray State—a game that was competitive until the final three minutes when the Racers pulled away. The Beacons are part of a four-way tie for sixth place in the Valley, making this road test a critical opportunity to climb the standings.
Belmont boasts the conference’s best KenPom rating at 65, fueled by elite shooting and efficiency. The Bruins rank first nationally in effective field goal percentage, fourth in three-point shooting, and 13th in two-point percentage. Defensively, they excel inside the arc, forcing opponents into tough looks, though they allow the second-highest three-point scoring distribution—a potential opening for Valpo.
Despite their impressive numbers, Belmont’s schedule has been light, featuring only one top-100 opponent (UNI, ranked 98), a game they won. Two of three losses have come against Valley foes Indiana State and Southern Illinois—both by a single point—and UNI remains their only matchup against the conference’s upper tier. The question remains: have the Bruins truly been tested?
Belmont’s depth is a strength, with 10 players averaging double-digit minutes. They play fast and shoot often from deep, led by Tyler Lundblade, one of the nation’s premier perimeter threats. Lundblade averages 16.4 points per game (third in the Valley), leads the league in minutes (33.9), free-throw percentage (92.6%), and three-pointers made (68). Sam Orem adds 13 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while Drew Scharnowski contributes 11.7 points and 6.8 boards, leading the Valley in field goal percentage at 71.2%. Point guard Nic McClain runs the offense with 10.4 points and 6.3 assists per game.
For Valpo, the formula for an upset is clear: defend the perimeter, find a way to attack the rim, and capitalize at the free-throw line. If the three-point line is open, the Beacons must knock that down too. The Beacons’ defense has been a strength, and recent offensive adjustments have sparked improvement. If Valpo can combine aggressive defense with efficient shooting, they could disrupt Belmont’s rhythm and steal a win in the Music City.
KenPom projects an 80-68 Belmont victory, giving Valpo just a 13% chance. But as the Beacons have shown, they’re a tough out—and with grit and execution, they could turn those odds upside down.
Belmont is a beatable team and has some questionable games on their docket. They got taken to the wire by UIC and Drake. As well as a heartbreaking loss to SIU and Indiana State
@rezynezy I think your right on this, combined it with the fact Valpo has played better competition relatively close this year and this could be a great opportunity for the Beacs.
A development I heard about is the pep band. I don't know if it will start at the next home game or not but I was informed that the university has restarted the pep band as a club. I was told they have about 30-40 members and will now be organizing for the basketball games. I don't mind the DJ and pumped music, however there is something about the pep band that brings the tradition back into a basketball game. I hope we see it soon and with sustained success.
78-74 type game. Stoping dribble drive penetration and contesting 3’s. Very winnable game. Home court won’t be much of a factor as they don’t really have rowdy crowds in the curb Center. This game will come down to 50/50 balls, rebounding and contesting 3’s. Hand down man down. Expect Justice to Dease to have a huge game
Valpo can beat any team in the MVC this year. Valpo can lose to any team in the MVC this year.
Valpo can beat any team in the MVC this year. Valpo can lose to any team in the MVC this year.
For better or for worse, the majority of the MVC has been chaos with the amount of parity
Can we get some NIL collected for pep band members? Might be the key to filling in if we have thin sections of horns or drums. I would guess they are all slotted at different pay levels. What does a first chair sax cost?
Solid first half. Putting ourselves in a position to win.
Belmont has some of the best 3 shooters in the country including the best. Well need really tight defense and continued good shooting to pull this one out.
This is a L, if we don’t guard better on the perimeter. Way too many clean looks coming off screens and a few uncontested threes. Must respect their shooting. work the ball inside more and draw fouls, get them in trouble.
Got 3 happy and it cost us.
The 3s werent what cost the game. The game came down to the missed open court by dease.....
…and our FT shooting
As much as I love Shon, we’re playing with four v. 5 on offense. Much promise and probably our best team in several years. Keep moving!
