Eastern Illinois 63, at Valparaiso 66

VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — In a season-opening slugfest defined more by defensive pressure and missed opportunities than offensive artistry, the Valparaiso Beacons held off the Eastern Illinois Panthers 66-63 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Before an announced crowd of 1,095, neither team could find a consistent shooting rhythm. The Beacons, however, capitalized on a significant advantage in takeaways to secure the victory. Valparaiso forced 19 Eastern Illinois turnovers, converting them into crucial extra possessions, while committing only 13 of their own. The Beacons also recorded 13 steals to the Panthers’ five.… Read more...