Event Preview
Overview
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Valparaiso Beacons will host the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave in a non-conference men's basketball matchup at the Athletics–Recreation Center (ARC) in Valparaiso, Indiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM CST. This game marks the third meeting between the two programs, with Valparaiso leading the series 2-0. The Beacons are looking to build momentum as they approach the heart of their Missouri Valley Conference schedule. (valpoathletics.com)
Season Snapshot
Valparaiso Beacons
The Beacons enter this game with a 5-3 record, including a 4-1 mark at home. They have demonstrated a strong offensive presence, averaging 70.4 points per game, while allowing 69.0 points per game. Valparaiso's field goal percentage stands at 39%, and they average 39.3 rebounds per game. Defensively, they average 5.5 blocks and 7.0 steals per game. (espn.com)
Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave
The Crimson Wave have a 6-4 record, with a 1-3 mark in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). They average 65.3 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 25.0%. On the boards, they average 8.0 rebounds per game. Defensively, they allow 70.8 points per game. (espn.com)
Recent Form
Valparaiso is coming off a 76-73 victory over Western Michigan, where they overcame a 22-point deficit to secure the win. Cooper Schwieger led the team with 19 points, including 14 consecutive points during the comeback. (valpoathletics.com)
Calumet College of St. Joseph's most recent game was a 87-57 loss to Eastern Illinois, where they struggled defensively, allowing 39 points in the first half. (cbssports.com)
Talking Points
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Valparaiso's Offensive Resurgence: After a challenging start to the season, the Beacons' recent offensive performance against Western Michigan has fans optimistic about their scoring capabilities.
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Calumet's Defensive Challenges: The Crimson Wave have faced difficulties in containing opponents, as evidenced by their recent loss to Eastern Illinois.
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Home Court Advantage: Valparaiso's strong home record suggests they will be formidable opponents at the ARC.
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Player Matchups: The individual performances of key players like Cooper Schwieger and R. Chaney could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.
Players to Watch
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Cooper Schwieger (Valparaiso): Scored 19 points in the comeback win against Western Michigan, including 14 consecutive points during the rally. (valpoathletics.com)
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R. Chaney (Valparaiso): Averaging 13.9 points per game with a field goal percentage of 55.1%, making him a consistent offensive threat. (espn.com)
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J. Caleb Slawinski (Calumet College of St. Joseph): Averaging 10.0 points per game with a field goal percentage of 33.3%, he will be key to the Crimson Wave's scoring efforts. (espn.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Efficiency vs. Defensive Struggles: Valparaiso's potent offense will test Calumet's defensive capabilities, which have been inconsistent this season.
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Home Court Dynamics: The Beacons' strong home performance could provide them with a significant advantage, especially against a team like Calumet.
Fun Facts
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Valparaiso's Comeback: In their previous game, Valparaiso overcame a 22-point deficit to win, showcasing their resilience. (valpoathletics.com)
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High-Scoring Affair: In their last meeting, Valparaiso defeated Calumet 107-57, indicating a potential for high-scoring action. (espn.com)
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Historic Arena: The Athletics–Recreation Center, where the game will be held, has a seating capacity of 5,000 and has been the home of Valparaiso basketball since 1984. (en.wikipedia.org)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Valparaiso's offense continue its momentum after the big win against Western Michigan?"
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"Will Calumet's defense step up to challenge the Beacons at the ARC?"
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"How will the home court advantage impact Valparaiso's performance?"
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"Which player will emerge as the game-changer in this matchup?"
Prediction
Valparaiso's recent offensive surge and strong home performance suggest they will have the upper hand in this matchup. However, Calumet's potential for an upset cannot be discounted, especially if they can improve their defensive play. Overall, the Beacons are likely to secure a victory, but the game could be more competitive than anticipated.