Indiana State Sycamores vs Valparaiso Beacons Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 5 2026
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The Indiana State Sycamores face the Valparaiso Beacons in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament First Round on Thursday March 5, 2026 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline, total, or spread. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for more daily college basketball betting insights.
Sycamores Looking to Build Momentum in the Tournament
The Indiana State Sycamores enter the MVC Tournament with an 11-20 overall record and a 4-16 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. Indiana State has struggled throughout conference play but comes into this matchup with a recent win over UIC 79-63. The Sycamores also recently lost to Southern Illinois 66-55, lost to Belmont 87-70, lost to Northern Iowa 81-60, and dropped a tight game to Valparaiso 76-75.
Indiana State averages 73.9 points per game while allowing 74.8 points per contest. The Sycamores shoot 46% from the field and average 35.0 rebounds per game while distributing an impressive 17.5 assists per game, showing their ability to move the ball effectively on offense.
One of Indiana State’s biggest strengths is their ball movement and ability to generate open looks. Their assist numbers are among the stronger marks in the conference, and when their offense is flowing they can create efficient scoring opportunities.
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Beacons Hoping Strong Conference Finish Continues
The Valparaiso Beacons come into this matchup with a 17-14 overall record and an 11-9 record in MVC play. Valparaiso has played well recently, winning four of their last five games. They recently defeated Drake 74-71, beat UIC 71-67, defeated Bradley 79-72, and picked up a close win over Indiana State 76-75. Their only recent loss came against Evansville by a narrow 80-79 score.
Valparaiso averages 71.9 points per game while allowing 71.2 points per contest. The Beacons shoot 42% from the field and average 36.1 rebounds per game while contributing 11.9 assists per game.
One area where Valparaiso stands out is their rebounding presence. The Beacons average over 36 rebounds per game, allowing them to control possessions and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.
Indiana State Sycamores vs Valparaiso Beacons Pick
Sycamores vs Beacons Pick
- Pick: Valparaiso Beacons Spread
Valparaiso appears to have the edge in this matchup thanks to their stronger conference performance and recent momentum. The Beacons have already beaten Indiana State recently and have been playing well down the stretch. With Indiana State struggling throughout conference play, Valparaiso should be able to control the pace of this game.
Sycamores vs Beacons Total Pick
- Pick: Take the Under
I like the under in this matchup because Valparaiso tends to play more controlled and defensive games. Their defensive numbers are solid, allowing just over 71 points per game, and tournament games often slow down as teams focus more on defense and limiting mistakes.
Final Score Prediction: Valparaiso 70, Indiana State 65
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