VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — Owen Dease scored 28 points to lift Valparaiso to a 77-71 men’s basketball victory over Illinois State on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons, who led 35-23 at halftime, shot a blistering 9 for 12 from 3-point range and made 26 free throws to secure the Missouri Valley Conference win.

Dease was efficient, making 9 of 12 shots from the field. JT Pettigrew added 21 points for Valparaiso (8-8). Johnny Kinziger scored 17 points and Chase Walker added 20 for the Redbirds (12-4), who outscored Valparaiso 48-42 in the second half but could not overcome the early deficit. Valparaiso’s offense proved too potent, posting an offensive rating of 119.1.