Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Prediction, Picks & Odds | 01 Jan 2026

College Basketball Betting Preview: Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois

The Valparaiso Beacons square off against the Southern Illinois Salukis, with tip-off scheduled for 15:00 on Thursday, January 1.

Don’t miss out on the chance to side with Southern Illinois on the spread at -8.5. On the face of it, this seems a generous line and odds of -110 can be backed against Valparaiso.

Following our advice? Redeem the exclusive BetMGM promo code and read our expert review of the sportsbook before deciding where to put your money.

Valparaiso Beacons lost on the road in their previous game. Northern Iowa Panthers won 58-48.

Southern Illinois Salukis lost on the road in their last game. Murray State Racers won 84-81.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Valparaiso won the last matchup between the pair. Enjoying a 83-79 triumph when facing Southern Illinois. In the past 10 games between the teams, Southern Illinois have won seven.

NCAAB	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Southern Illinois	6-8	1105	1040	65	4-2	2-6	4L
Valparaiso	5-7	830	854	-24	4-3	1-4	5L

View Full Standings

Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Prediction & Picks

We’ve lined up expert Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois betting tips, from our main match prediction and correct score call to bet builder advice. Read on for the full breakdown.

Game Prediction

We expect Southern Illinois to cover the -8.5 line on the spread. This is a really good number and that’s why we’re playing the favorites at -110 for this college showdown.

Our college basketball handicappers start by reviewing the latest team news for each team, followed by a close look at recent form. That information is then applied to the most relevant stats to reach a well-informed verdict.

Key Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois stats:

• The -8.5 line has been covered by Southern Illinois in 3 of their last 5 games at home.
• The +8.5 line hasn’t been covered by Valpo in 3 of their last 5 games on the road.
• The +8.5 line hasn’t been covered by Valpo in 2 consecutive games on the road.

Southern Illinois -8.5 Probability

Looking at the latest betting odds, our pick has a 52.4% chance of winning. However, our cappers have this figure closer to 60% based on their in-depth research. It's therefore regarded as a value wager.

In the quest to secure bigger odds, there’s the possibility of moving the line. There are plenty of choices when it comes to doing this, so you can choose the option that suits you.

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Our Game Prediction

Southern Illinois -8.5 @ -110 Bet Now

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Correct Score Prediction

Valparaiso 68 - 81 Southern Illinois

There are some big returns lying in wait if you can get the correct score right. With this in mind, we’ll have a play on Southern Illinois to enjoy a 81-68 winning scoreline.

Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

The favorites are 82% likely to win according to the sportsbooks’ latest Moneyline odds, with Southern Illinois priced at -455 to triumph in this college game. The market suggests that Valparaiso are least likely to win at +340.

The spread is currently 8.5, with the total points line at 146.5. Having a wager on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball bets. If you want to wager Over 146.5, there are odds of -114.

If you’re betting on college basketball, it’s a good idea to visit the best sportsbooks and browse the wide range of game lines and team props available. You’ll have the option to place wagers both pre-game and in-game.

Moneyline

Valpo

+340

Southern Illinois

-455

Point Spread

Valpo +8.5

-110

Southern Illinois -8.5

-110

Total Points

Under 146.5

-106

Over 146.5

-114

Should you be more interested in a specific individual who is competing, check out the gambling sites’ prop bets where you can pick out player lines that focus on performance rather than the game result.

Among the various options for wagering on college basketball, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as Next Field Goal, where you select if the shot will be a two or three-pointer.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Valparaiso Stats

Southern Illinois Stats

Moneyline

• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Point Spread

• +8.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 games
• +8.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 games on the road

Point Spread

• -8.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 3 of the last 10 games
• -8.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 home games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 138.90 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 143.10 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 144.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 144.5 on the Road: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 70.50 pts and allowed 68.40 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 69.10 pts and allowed 74.00 pts in the last 10 games on the road

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 149.70 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 151.80 pts in the previous 10 home games
• Over 144.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 144.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 75.50 pts and allowed 74.20 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 80.30 pts and allowed 71.50 pts in the last 10 home games

NCAAB Table Select Season 2025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/2020

Missouri Valley	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Belmont	12-2	1190	968	222	7-1	5-1	1L
Illinois State	11-3	1126	931	195	8-1	3-2	3W
Murray State	11-3	1245	1096	149	9-0	2-3	7W
Northern Iowa	10-3	912	745	167	7-1	3-2	1W
Bradley	10-4	1096	972	124	9-2	1-2	7W
Indiana State	8-6	1074	1032	42	6-1	2-5	1W
Drake	7-7	1084	972	112	4-6	3-1	1L
Southern Illinois	6-8	1105	1040	65	4-2	2-6	4L
Valparaiso	5-7	830	854	-24	4-3	1-4	5L
UIC	5-8	1011	958	53	4-3	1-5	1W
Evansville	4-10	970	1023	-53	3-6	1-4	5L

• Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
• PF = Total Points For
• PA = Total Points Against
• N. Pts = Point Differential
• Home = Home Record
• Away = Away Record
• Strk = Current Streak

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