Can the Valparaiso Beacons Upset the Bradley Braves in the MVC Tournament?
The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament semifinal on March 8, 2025, features the No. 2 seed Bradley Braves (25-7, 15-5 MVC) facing off against the No. 11 seed Valparaiso Beacons (15-18, 6-14 MVC). The game is set for 6:00 PM EST at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Season Overviews
The Bradley Braves have enjoyed a strong season, finishing second in the MVC with a 15-5 conference record. The Braves have been efficient offensively, averaging 77.9 points per game, ranking 80th nationally, while maintaining a solid defense that allows 69.1 points per game, placing them 91st. Their field goal percentage stands at an impressive 48.6%, ranking 21st in the nation.
Valparaiso’s journey has been more tumultuous. The Beacons concluded the regular season with a 6-14 conference record, positioning them as the 11th seed. Despite these challenges, they’ve demonstrated resilience in the tournament, notably upsetting No. 4 seed Northern Iowa 64-63 in the quarterfinals. Offensively, Valparaiso averages 75 points per game but has struggled defensively, conceding 74 points per contest, ranking 241st nationally.
Key Players
For Bradley Braves:
- Duke Deen: The junior guard leads the Braves with 14.2 points per game and contributes 3.7 assists. His proficiency from beyond the arc is notable, averaging 3.2 three-pointers per game.
- Darius Hannah: A force in the paint, Hannah averages 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He was pivotal in the quarterfinal win over Murray State, recording 17 points and nine rebounds.
For Valparaiso Beacons:
- Cooper Schwieger: The senior forward leads the Beacons with 15.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
- All Wright: The freshman guard has been a revelation, averaging 14.5 points per game. He was instrumental in the upset against Northern Iowa, scoring 29 points, including six three-pointers.
Head-to-Head Matchup
Bradley’s balanced offense and defense have been key to their success. Their efficient shooting and solid defensive metrics make them a formidable opponent. Valparaiso, while offensively capable, has struggled defensively, which could be a concern against Bradley’s efficient offense.
Valparaiso Beacons vs Bradley Braves Betting Odds (Heritage Sports)
As of March 8, 2025:
- Spread: Bradley favored by 8.5 points.
- Moneyline: Bradley -481, Valparaiso +360.
- Total (Over/Under): 139.5 points.
Injury Report
Both teams have reported no significant injuries leading up to this matchup.
Conference Tournament Implications
The winner of this semifinal will advance to the MVC Tournament championship game. This brings them one step closer to securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament Implications
Bradley’s strong season positions them as a potential at-large candidate for the NCAA Tournament. However, securing the MVC Tournament title would eliminate any uncertainty. Valparaiso, given their overall record, likely needs to win the MVC Tournament to secure an NCAA berth.
Prediction
The Bradley Braves consistent performance throughout the season stands out. Their balanced offense and defense make them the favorites in this matchup. Valparaiso’s recent surge and ability to upset higher-seeded teams cannot be overlooked. However, the Braves’ efficiency on both ends of the court suggests they have the upper hand.
This semifinal matchup offers a classic tournament narrative. One team is high-seeded, aiming to solidify their postseason aspirations. The other is an underdog riding a wave of momentum. Fans can anticipate a competitive and thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the MVC championship game.
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