VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — The Valparaiso Beacons and Eastern Illinois Panthers will tip off their 2025-26 men’s basketball seasons against each other Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Both teams enter the opener with 0-0 records, looking to build on the final results of their previous campaigns. Eastern Illinois concluded its 2024-25 season with a 73-58 home victory over Southeast Missouri State on March 1. Valparaiso, meanwhile, fell 70-65 on the road to Bradley in its season finale on March 8.

The intrastate matchup serves as the first of a challenging non-conference slate for both programs. The Panthers will immediately turn around to host Nicholls State on Friday before a difficult road stretch that includes games at Notre Dame and Kentucky.

Valparaiso also faces a quick turnaround and a high-profile opponent, traveling to face Kentucky on Friday. The Beacons’ early schedule includes future road tests at Marquette and Northwestern.

Tuesday’s game will be the first opportunity for both teams to establish new identities and build momentum before the bulk of their demanding schedules.