UIC Flames @ Valparaiso Beacons
Valparaiso beats Illinois-Chicago 85-56
VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Vashil Fernandez scored a career-high 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting and had blocked four shots to lead a balanced Valparasio attack Thursday in an 85-56 win over Illinois-Chicago.
Alec Peters, Tevonn Walker and Darien Walker scored 11 apiece, Jubril Adekoya scored 10, and the Crusaders (15-3, 2-1 Horizon) shot a hot 60.4 percent from the field to 30.4 percent for the Flames and outrebounded them 40-32.
UIC led 12-8 after a 3-pointer by Jay Harris, but Valparaiso pulled ahead 13-12 on a free throw by Peters, then used a 15-5 run to lead 47-32 at halftime. Fernandez scored 11 points in the half.
The Crusaders opened the second half with a 13-6 run, then pulled away on a 10-2 run to lead by as many as 30. All nine Crusaders who check in scored points and Valparasio's bench outshot UIC's 28-17.
Ahman Fells led the Flames (5-13, 1-2) with 13 points.
Game Information
Valparaiso, IN
Referee:John Higgins
Referee:Don Daily
Referee:John St. Clair
2025-26 Standings
| Missouri Valley ConferenceMissouri Valley Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 16-4 | - | 26-6 |
| Bradley | 13-7 | 3 | 21-13 |
| Illinois State | 12-8 | 4 | 23-13 |
| Murray State | 12-8 | 4 | 20-13 |
| UIC | 12-8 | 4 | 19-16 |
| Northern Iowa | 11-9 | 5 | 23-13 |
| Valparaiso | 11-9 | 5 | 18-15 |
| Southern Illinois | 10-10 | 6 | 16-16 |
| Drake | 6-14 | 10 | 14-20 |
| Indiana State | 4-16 | 12 | 11-21 |
| Evansville | 3-17 | 13 | 7-25 |
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