Preview: Valparaiso Beacons at Murray State Racers

MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — The surging Murray State Racers will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their position atop the Missouri Valley Conference when they host the Valparaiso Beacons on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the CFSB Center.

Murray State (14-3, 4-0 MVC) enters on a seven-game win streak, including a perfect start in conference play. The Racers’ most recent victory was a 79-69 road win at Evansville on Wednesday, led by 22 points from Javon Jackson and 19 from Roman Domon. Domon has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 12.4 points over the last seven contests. He scored 20 points in the first meeting this season against Valparaiso.

The Racers won that prior matchup 85-79 at Valparaiso on Dec. 21, part of a dominant stretch where they have averaged 86.1 points per game.

Valparaiso (8-8, 2-3) arrives with renewed momentum after snapping a three-game skid with back-to-back home wins over Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State. The Beacons’ offense runs through forward Owen Dease, who is coming off a career-high 28-point performance in the 77-71 win over Illinois State. Over his last five games, Dease is averaging 20.8 points, including a 25-point effort in the loss to Murray State last month.

The Beacons have struggled on the road this season, posting a 1-5 record in true away games. Containing Murray State’s high-powered offense, which has eclipsed 80 points in nine games, will be their primary challenge.

Murray State holds a significant edge in recent performance and home-court advantage, where they are 8-1 this season. Valparaiso will need another high-scoring afternoon from Dease and improved defensive intensity to reverse December’s result and hand the Racers their first conference loss.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.