There are certain matchups from a season ago you have to toss out the window for assessment. That is the case with Valparaiso who blew out Eastern Illinois 81 to 53. Both teams were hit hard by the portal especially the Beacons who lost key players to Wake Forest, Cornell, and the big one All Wright to Xavier. Yet, Eastern Illinois their lack of ability to score in the half court is not the side you want to be on in the final ten minutes. Valparaiso gets the key baskets and free throws late to win this by nine to twelve points.