CHICAGO (Interstat) — Valparaiso held off Illinois-Chicago 71-67 in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at UIC Pavilion.

The Beacons led 31-29 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 2,247. Valparaiso’s efficiency proved decisive, posting an offensive rating of 111.2. The Beacons made eight 3-pointers and 19 free throws, while the Flames hit only four from beyond the arc and 11 from the line.

Rashund Washington led Illinois-Chicago with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Elijah Crawford scored a game-high 22 points for the Flames. Sader Servilus came off the bench to lead Valparaiso with 13 points.

Both teams are now 16-13 overall. Valparaiso swept the season series, having also won on Jan. 4.