Illinois State 71, at Valparaiso 77

VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game defined by contrasting styles and a decisive second-half surge, the Valparaiso Beacons used a blistering shooting performance and clutch free throws to upset the Illinois State Redbirds 77-71 in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The most important part of the game unfolded in the final minutes, as Valparaiso’s Owen Dease transformed from a steady scorer into a closer. With the Beacons clinging to a narrow lead, Dease delivered a series of critical plays to seal the victory. After Illinois State’s Tyreek Coleman cut the deficit… Read more...