<p>Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Beacons and Bears. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Bears at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, MO. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this Missouri Valley conference contest is set at 140.5 points, with Missouri State being favored by -4.5 at home against Valparaiso.</p><h3>VALPARAISO BEACONS VS MISSOURI STATE BEARS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Missouri State Bears -4.5</p><p>This game will be played at Great Southern Bank Arena at 8:00 ET on Wednesday, January 1st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE MISSOURI STATE BEARS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Bears.</li><li>Not only will Missouri State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.</li></ul><h3>Will Valparaiso Win on the Road?</h3><h3>Valparaiso Beacons Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Valparaiso fell to 5-6 on the season after a 81-75 road loss to Bradley on Sunday, December 29th. Despite being +13.5 point underdogs, the Beacons kept it closer than expected. The combined points of 156 went over the pre-game O/U line of 149.5.</p> 

<p>Valparaiso trailed 36-30 at halftime but tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 27 points while scoring 33 of their own. Although they covered the spread, the Beacons couldn’t complete the comeback.</p><p>Valparaiso's offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 34.4% overall and 29.2% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 40.6%, but they managed to score 75 points, thanks in part to hitting 24 of 33 free throws (72.7%) and grabbing 16 offensive rebounds.</p> <p>Cooper Schwieger and Darius Hannah each scored 21 points, with Hannah shooting 61.5% from the field. Duke Deen added 20 points, while Zek Montgomery contributed 19, despite shooting 8 of 19. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro struggled, hitting just 4 of 19 shots, including 1 of 8 from three-point range.</p><p>Valparaiso's defense gave up 81 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 40% from the field on 28 of 70 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 21 of 45 shots to fall, a 46% conversion rate.</p> <p>From three-point range, Valparaiso's opponents hit 7 of 25 attempts, shooting 28%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they connected on 18 shots, an 85% success rate. Valparaiso allowed 12 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Do the Bears Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?</h3><p>Missouri State’s season record fell to 5-6 after a 57-40 road loss to Evansville on Sunday. The Bears, who were -4 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points were 97, well under the O/U line of 133.</p> <p>Missouri State trailed 23-20 at halftime but struggled in the 2nd half, scoring just 20 points while allowing 34.</p><p>Missouri State struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 40 points with a field goal percentage of 25.9% (14/54). Their effective field goal percentage was 29.6%, and they hit only 20% of their three-point attempts (5/25).</p> <p>At the free-throw line, the Bears shot 53.8% (7/13), and they grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. Cam Haffner led the team with 13 points, shooting 3/7 from beyond the arc, while Dez White added 12 points and 4 assists, despite shooting 3/13 overall.</p><p>Missouri State's defense was solid, holding their opponent to just 57 points on 38% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 10 of 25 shots for 40%.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, their opponent shot 8/22, hitting 36% of their threes. Missouri State also sent them to the line 20 times, where they converted 13 free throws for 65%. The Bears allowed 6 offensive rebounds.</p>

Valparaiso Beacons vs Missouri State Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/1/25

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Valparaiso Beacons vs Missouri State Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/1/25

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