Northern Iowa vs Valparaiso Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 16 2025

By: Jeremy O'Quinn Published 01/17/2026, 01:10 AM ET

Northern Iowa Preview

The Northern Iowa Panthers are heading to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Thursday, where they will take on the Valparaiso Beacons. Get the rest of our free college basketball picks here! The Northern Iowa Panthers come into this Missouri Valley Conference matchup with a 12-6 overall record and a 4-3 mark in MVC play. Northern Iowa has shown tremendous defensive prowess this season, ranking second in Division I in scoring defense by allowing just over 60 points per game, while also holding opponents under 20 % from three-point range in many recent outings. UNI is averaging 71.2 points per game on 46.4 % shooting from the field, and in their most recent meeting with Valparaiso they secured a 58-48 victory — holding the Beacons to a season-low point total.

Valparaiso Preview

The Valparaiso Beacons currently sit at 8-10 overall and 2-5 in MVC play. The Beacons have dropped back to back meetings, as they are coming off a 78-74 loss against Belmont earlier this week. Valparaiso has been competitive at times but inconsistent, as they are averaging 71.9 points per game while shooting 41.0% from the field and 32.1% from three. Valparaiso has been mediocre on the defensive end thus far, entering this matchup with a 106.4 defensive rating.

Valparaiso vs Northern Iowa Prediction

Northern Iowa looks to bring their three game losing skid to an end on Saturday, while Valparaiso comes off consecutive losses themselves. The defense from Northern Iowa to lead them to a win on Saturday. Final score prediction, Northern Iowa wins 73-69 and covers the -1.5 spread.

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