Valparaiso Beacons vs Drake Bulldogs Picks and Prediction for Monday, February 9, 2026
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The Valparaiso Beacons travel to Des Moines to face the Drake Bulldogs on Monday night at the Knapp Center. Valparaiso is 12-12 overall and seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference at 6-7 after a 70-63 overtime win over Evansville, while Drake is 12-13 overall and ninth in the MVC at 6-8 following an 86-76 road loss to Illinois State. Get a betting edge with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Monday, February 9
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Knapp Center, Des Moines, Iowa
- TV: ESPN+
Valparaiso Beacons Preview
Valparaiso is averaging 71.0 points per game while allowing 70.0 points per game this season. Owen Dease leads the Beacons in scoring at 14.4 points per game, providing their primary scoring option in half-court sets. JT Pettigrew is averaging 6.1 rebounds per game and gives Valparaiso interior presence, while Rakim Chaney leads the team in assists at 2.8 per game. Dease and Pettigrew combine to anchor the offense, with Chaney controlling tempo.
Defensively, Valparaiso holds opponents to 41% shooting from the field and relies on positioning and rebounding rather than pace. The Beacons average 6.3 steals per game, led by Chaney at 1.3 steals per contest, and Shon Tupuola averages 1.5 blocks per game to protect the rim. Valparaiso is committing 10.8 turnovers per game, allowing them to stay within striking distance in MVC play. Valparaiso does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 71.0
- Points Allowed: 70.0
- Rebounds: 37.0
- Assists: 11.3
- Steals: 6.3
- Blocks: 3.8
- Turnovers: 10.8
Drake Bulldogs Preview
Drake is averaging 77.6 points per game while allowing 74.7 points per game this season. Jalen Quinn leads the Bulldogs with 19.4 points per game and also leads the team in assists at 3.3 per game. Okku Federiko is averaging 5.2 rebounds per game to lead the Bulldogs, providing the Bulldogs with a big interior presence, while Jaehshon Thomas is scoring an average of 10.5 points per game to complement Quinn.
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On the defensive end, Drake averages 5.8 steals per game and 3.1 blocks per contest, with Federiko leading the team at 1.1 blocks per game. The Bulldogs shoot 45% from the field and take care of the basketball, averaging 10.1 turnovers per game. Drake’s ability to maintain scoring output while limiting mistakes has translated into competitive conference performances. Drake does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 77.6
- Points Allowed: 74.7
- Rebounds: 36.0
- Assists: 14.0
- Steals: 5.8
- Blocks: 3.1
- Turnovers: 10.1
Valparaiso Beacons vs Drake Bulldogs Prediction
Drake holds the advantage through consistent scoring production and Jalen Quinn’s control of the offense through scoring and playmaking. Valparaiso’s defense limits opponents, but their lower scoring output and limited assist numbers create pressure to execute perfectly in the half-court. Drake’s ability to generate points from Quinn while keeping turnovers down will help the Bulldogs create a lead in the second half in a controlled tempo game that favors the Bulldogs. Final Score Prediction: Drake Bulldogs win and cover ATS, 76-66.
Best Picks
- Drake Bulldogs
- Under
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