What's Up In The Missouri Valley: What's Up In The Missouri Valley 1/1/2026

New Year, New Slate: Best College Basketball Bets for New Years Day, 2026--Busting Brackets

Valparaiso Beacons at Southern Illinois Salukis

It has been a tough start in Missouri Valley Conference play for both teams. The Salukis though have played some of the best teams in the conference to start the season. Southern Illinois is a more talented basketball team and should have no problem getting a win in this one. There is no other bet to make than the home team to cover the spread and win by double digits on Thursday.

Betting Pick: Southern Illinois Salukis -7.5 over Valparaiso Beacons

Final Score Prediction: Southern Illinois 82-68 over Valparaiso

Evansville Aces at Illinois State Redbirds

The Illinois State Redbirds led by head coach Ryan Pedon are a really strong basketball team. A few early losses may keep them from getting into the dance with an automatic bid, but this is a team that can win the league title. Evansville does not appear to have the weapons to be able to put up enough of a fight to cover in this game. The Redbirds win this game easily in Normal on Thursday.

Betting Pick: Illinois State Redbirds -14.5 over Evansville Aces

Final Score Prediction: Illinois State 88-60 over Evansville

Bradley Braves at Belmont Bruins

Two of the best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference get together in Nashville. This is a massive sports week and weekend for the folks in Nashville. While this may not be one of the more elite games, this is a big one. The Braves have yet to lose in league play, while Belmont is coming off a road loss. If the Bruins want back in the race, this is a game they need to win. They should and they will. Take the Bruins at home.

Betting Pick: Belmont Bruins -5 over Bradley Braves

Final Score Prediction: Belmont 88-78 over Bradley

Hoops HD Daily Rundown – Thursday, Jan 1st--Hoops HD

NOTABLE GAMES:
-Bradley @ Belmont (Missouri Valley) – Belmont is looking to bounce back from their conference opening loss to Indiana State and should be able to hold serve at home
-Indiana State @ Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley) – Indiana State had a big win over Belmont in their last game, but going on the road against a very good Northern Iowa team is another tall order

1/1/26 THURSDAY NEWS AND NOTES--Staring at the Floorboards

Subscriber Content

Belmont just lost a game in Terre Haute where they shot 12-28 from 3, as they were outphysicaled by Indiana State of all teams.... Defensively, Bradley is aggressive on the ball with a high hedge rate and two to the ball defensive schemes...

Indiana State’s rotations (and coach) have completely changed in MVC play, with more dual PG lineups between Hall and Van Buggenhout, and Vorst has actually been a serviceable hub 5 in this offense since Markus Harding’s injury. This is a better halfcourt offensive lineup for the Trees, which is notable against the ultra grind of Northern Iowa’s defense...

We Have Finally Arrived at Conference Play--Valley Hoops Insider

From Way Downtown: The Hottest Three-Point Shooters in College Basketball Right Now--Busting Brackets

Top 8 Three-Point Shooters in College Basketball
These are the guys fans circle on the roster before tipoff. The ones who defend nonstop and never want to lose in transition. This list highlights the top eight three-point shooters in college basketball right now, players who can change a game in a hurry and make every possession feel dangerous.
Lundblade is one of the most important players for a Belmont team with Missouri Valley Conference title hopes. The 6-foot-5 senior is making just under four threes per game while shooting nearly 42 percent from deep. He is averaging 16.6 points per game and recently poured in 26 points in an overtime loss at Indiana State. Belmont leans heavily on his shooting, and with conference play underway, his ability to space the floor is critical.

Bruins Host Bradley Friday Afternoon to Start New Year--belmontbruins.com