VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — A recent overtime thriller will be fresh in mind when Valparaiso hosts Indiana State in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball rematch Sunday. The Beacons (13-13, 6-7 MVC) edged the Sycamores (10-16, 4-9) 76-72 in Terre Haute on Jan. 31. Valparaiso’s JT Pettigrew was pivotal in that win, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He enters this contest averaging 17 points over his last three games, including a 23-point performance in a win at Drake on Feb. 9. Indiana State, however, has lost seven of its last eight games, including a heartbreaking 74-72 home loss to Murray State on Thursday. The Sycamores have struggled to close out tight contests, with five of their nine conference losses coming by six points or fewer, including the earlier overtime defeat to Valparaiso. A key for the Sycamores will be the production of guard Enel St. Bernard. He was held to six points in the first meeting but is coming off a 12-point effort against Murray State and exploded for 18 points in a win at Evansville on Feb. 3. His consistency will be crucial for an Indiana State offense that has been held under 75 points in six of its last seven games. Valparaiso looks to bounce back from an 86-64 road loss at Illinois State on Thursday. The Beacons have been strong at the Athletics-Recreation Center this season, winning three of their last four home conference games. Pettigrew and guard Brody Whitaker, who had 13 points against Illinois State, form the core of their attack. The matchup pits Valparaiso’s pursuit of a winning season and improved conference seeding against an Indiana State team desperate to reverse its recent fortunes and avenge its earlier overtime loss. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon.