CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Interstat) — The Northern Iowa Panthers, off to a strong 9-3 start, look to rebound from a narrow road loss when they host the .500 Valparaiso Beacons in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Monday at McLeod Center. The Panthers, who fell 63-58 at Saint Mary’s on Dec. 22, have been formidable at home, winning all five contests in Cedar Falls this season. Their defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to an average of 58.2 points in those victories. Guard Trey Campbell has been the engine for Northern Iowa, averaging 15.2 points and 4.3 assists over his last five games. He logged 38 minutes and scored 18 points in the loss to Saint Mary’s. Valparaiso (6-6) arrives seeking consistency after dropping its last three games, including a 79-75 home loss to Murray State on Dec. 21. The Beacons have struggled on the road, with all six losses coming away from home, including defeats at Kentucky, Marquette and Northwestern. A key matchup will feature the teams’ leading scorers. Valparaiso’s Owen Dease is coming off a career-high 25-point performance against Murray State and has averaged 15.6 points over his last five outings. Containing Dease will be a primary focus for a Northern Iowa defense that has allowed just 63.8 points per game overall. The Panthers have dominated the recent series, winning the last six meetings. In their only matchup last season, Northern Iowa secured a 71-57 victory in Cedar Falls on Jan. 28, 2025. For Valparaiso, a win would provide a crucial road signature to open MVC play. For Northern Iowa, protecting home court is essential to maintaining its position near the top of the conference standings. Following this game, Northern Iowa hosts Indiana State on Jan. 1, while Valparaiso travels to face Southern Illinois on the same date.