The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference, announced its 20-game league docket for the 2024-2025 season on Friday.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) is set to make a community appearance on Friday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. at McAfee Animal Hospital in Valparaiso.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) was one of five Missouri Valley Conference players named to the preseason all-conference team by Blue Ribbon Magazine on Tuesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced its 2024-25 nonconference schedule, highlighted by seven regular-season home games and one home exhibition at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program received recognition last week as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its academic awards for the 2023-24 season.
A special bond that unites the past and present of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program was as clear as ever this past weekend.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced a partnership with vivenu, a ticketing company dedicated to simplifying the purchasing process for fans.
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX networks – will see the return of The Cru, a Valparaiso alumni team. The Cru will play in the Butler Regional, with games at Hinkle Fieldhouse from July 19-23.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball Director of Recruiting & Player Development Lubos Barton will highlight his native Czech Republic as part of the Valparaiso International Center’s “Fourth Friday” speaker series. His presentation will take place on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, which is located at 201 N. Washington in Valparaiso.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics is saddened by the loss of Janet Drew, who passed away on Saturday, June 8 in Phoenix at the age of 80.
Tyler Schmidt (Valparaiso, Ind. / Victory Christian Academy [Olivet Nazarene]) is coming home.
A team comprised of Valparaiso University men’s basketball alumni will participate in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) once again this year. The annual midsummer event is entering the first year of a television partnership with FOX Sports. This year, local fans will have a chance to support the team, known as “The Cru,” as its regional will be hosted in Indianapolis from July 19-24.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of a pair of players to the 2024-25 roster. Ramzi Salem (St. Louis, Mo. / John Burroughs) and Nick Lombardi (Lisle, Ill. / Montini Catholic) have joined the team as walk-ons.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has welcomed Seamus Glennon to its staff as Director of Sports Performance for Men’s Basketball.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of 6-foot-8 forward Jayden Watson (Chicago Heights, Ill. / Bloom [Bosco Institute]), who will join the team as a true freshman for the 2024-25 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro (La Salle, Quebec, Canada / Orangeville Prep [Western Michigan]), a 6-foot-4 guard who joins the program as a transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
Valparaiso University head men’s basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. received a high honor on Saturday evening as he was enshrined into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of 6-foot-9 forward Louth-M Coulibaly (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada / Canada Topflight Academy [Holy Cross]), who joins the program as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of 6-foot-3 point guard All Wright (Durango, Mexico / Link Year), who joins the program as a true freshman for the 2024-25 season.
Valparaiso University head men’s basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. banged on his desk. His office was filled with emotional human beings hugging and embracing one another. Soon, an enthusiastic Homer Drew and his wife Janet Drew would learn the news via phone. The joy was caused by a full-circle moment that can only be described as “meant to be.”
The venue will change from the basketball hoop in the driveway to the Athletics-Recreation Center and the circumstances will alter from a pickup game to a Division-I practice, but the stakes will remain the same with family bragging rights on the line.
Former Valparaiso University men’s basketball great Ben Krikke won’t have to travel far from home to experience his first taste of professional basketball.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the signing of Devon Ellis (Schaumburg, Ill. / Conant [Maryland Eastern Shore]), who will join the program as a transfer for the 2024-25 season.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) added yet another feather to his crowded cap on Wednesday as he was named to the 2023-24 Kyle Macy Freshman All-America Team and a finalist for the Kyle Macy Freshman of the Year Award.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its season come to an end on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) scored a team-high 20 points, while Jerome Palm (Almere, The Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) turned in a double-double in an 86-61 loss to Belmont.
A stellar season by Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) received well-earned recognition on Wednesday night as the Valpo rookie was presented with the league’s Freshman of the Year Award, as announced at the MVC Awards Banquet in St. Louis.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They look back at Sunday's Senior Day win over Illinois State, discuss Jerome Palm's marriage proposal and preview Arch Madness.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) was recognized yet again by the Missouri Valley Conference on Monday as he was tabbed the league’s Freshman of the Week for the fifth time this season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will embark upon Arch Madness, the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, on Thursday afternoon in St. Louis. The 12th-seeded Beacons will play fifth-seeded Belmont in the first round with the winner of Thursday’s game advancing to play fourth-seeded UNI on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) didn’t look like a freshman. There was a marriage proposal on Senior Day at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team beat Illinois State. No, this isn’t an assemblage of headlines seen on ValpoAthletics.com over the last decade, and yes this is a game story summarizing new developments that occurred on a memorable Sunday afternoon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will finish out the regular season on Sunday by hosting Illinois State at 1 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will be Senior Day for the Beacons as the program will celebrate Connor Barrett, Jerome Palm and Anthony Sciarroni as well as student manager Nate Maxwell and cheer/dance seniors, all of whom will be recognized prior to the game. Head coach Roger Powell Jr. and senior players will address the crowd following the game. Valpo has hopes of sweeping the season series from the Redbirds and continuing the program’s dominance in head-to-head matchups since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played shorthanded with Cooper Schwieger and Connor Barrett absent due to illness, and host UNI took advantage by recording a 68-54 victory in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Valpo’s frontcourt of Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) and Jerome Palm (Almere, Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) provided the highlights, as Sepp was a point shy of a double-double while Palm matched a career best in the scoring column.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly. They discuss Cooper Schwieger's career performance, Sherman Weatherspoon IV's 3-point shooting this week and recognizing longtime official scorer Dot Nuechterlein with the "Grit Chain."
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the road portion of the regular season on Tuesday night as the Beacons clash with UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Valpo will face a quick turnaround as the midweek game will take place on Tuesday instead of Wednesday for the first time this season. The Beacons will have a breather from game action after this one, as the next contest will be on Sunday at home against Illinois State for Valpo’s Senior Day.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together a strong first half and led 44-36 at the intermission, but host Murray State pulled away after the break en route to an 80-68 win on Saturday afternoon at CFSB Center in Murray, Ky. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) poured in 20 first-half points and finished with 26 for the contest.
As the regular season winds down, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will engage in its first and only matchup with Murray State of the 2023-24 regular season on Saturday afternoon in Murray, Ky. This will mark the first of back-to-back road games as the team will face a quick turnaround with a visit to Cedar Falls, Iowa upcoming for a Tuesday night tilt with the Panthers. These two games will mark the final regular-season road trips for the Beacons.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received a career-high 14 points from senior Jerome Palm (Almere, Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) and junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) enjoyed another big day with 23 points, but visiting Indiana State prevailed 83-64 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This marked a step forward from the team’s visit to Terre Haute earlier this month as this time Valpo trailed by only three midway through the second half.
Two teams looking to bounce back from rough patches will lock horns on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team tries to get back in the win column against first-place Indiana State, a team that was nationally ranked for the first time this season last week but fell out of the Top 25 on Monday after losing back-to-back games. This will be Dot Nuechterlein recognition night as the longtime official scorer will be honored prior to the game for her 40 years of service. She will retire from her duties at the end of the season. Wednesday will represent the penultimate home game of the 2023-24 campaign.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led by as many as 10 points, but Missouri State went on an 18-0 run in the game’s closing minutes to rally past the Beacons 82-74 on Saturday afternoon at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. Two Valpo players eclipsed 20 points as Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) paced the team with 24 and Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest) turned in 22.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will take the court for a televised showdown with Missouri State on Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. After playing back-to-back home games for the first time in conference play, the Beacons return to the road, where they will spend three of their next four contests.
A Valparaiso University men’s basketball game is set to tip off at the Athletics-Recreation Center, and the team shares a fist bump.
Junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) tallied a game-high 21 points and fellow junior Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Canada / Orangeville Prep) turned in a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to UNI 86-67 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. A hot-shooting Panther team hit at a 66.7 percent clip.
For the fourth time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week on Monday.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss the importance of a student section in college basketball including his memories of playing in front of the Orange Krush, talk about the quick turnarounds made by other MVC programs and more.
It’s Valentine’s Day at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts the second of back-to-back home contests with UNI in town for a 7 p.m. tip. The Beacons will play consecutive home games for the first time since the start of Missouri Valley Conference action and will have a midweek home date for the first time since Jan. 10 after four consecutive road Wednesdays.
Four Valparaiso University men’s basketball players scored in double figures and the Beacons outscored the guests 51-42 after halftime, but an early deficit was too much to overcome as visiting Belmont prevailed 96-78 on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Part of the department’s All-Sports Reunion Weekend, the game featured a halftime celebration of the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024, including Raitis Grafs ‘03 (men’s basketball), Jon Robisch ‘64 (men’s basketball/baseball), Jordan Rutkowski ‘12 (softball) and Ozzie Young ‘96 (football).
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be back home on Saturday afternoon as Belmont makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 3 p.m. tip. Fans are encouraged to wear gold as part of Love Valpo weekend, where supporters and alumni celebrate their love of Valpo. Free pom-poms and Love Valpo posters will be available, plus the first 500 fans will receive a free Valpo shoe charm. Part of the department’s All-Sports Reunion Weekend, this game will celebrate the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which features Raitis Grafs ‘03 (men’s basketball), Jon Robisch ‘64 (men’s basketball/baseball), Jordan Rutkowski ‘12 (softball) and Ozzie Young ‘96 (football).
Coming off the bench for the first time in the last 13 games, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) responded in a big way, pouring in 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting to go along with four rebounds on Wednesday night as the Beacons fell 101-61 to host Indiana State at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Ind. The first-place Sycamores remained undefeated at home and improved their overall mark to 21-3 and 12-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to knock off the Missouri Valley Conference’s top team on Wednesday night in Terre Haute as the Beacons clash with first-place Indiana State for a midweek matchup. The Sycamores were ranked No. 22 nationally in the CBS Sports Top 25 that was released on Sunday and are unblemished at home this season. This will mark the first matchup of the season between these two instate foes as the squads lock horns twice in a five-game span.
For the second straight matchup between the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team and Evansville, the Beacons experienced heartbreak, this time falling 63-62 in a game that was hanging in the balance until the final horn sounded. Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year] poured in a game-high 22 points, but the freshman’s effort was not enough in a game that featured 11 ties and 11 lead changes.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will welcome Evansville to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon for a game that is presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. Fans have an opportunity to escape the cold weather with a Beach Party at the ARC as the first 1,000 spectators will receive free Hawaiian leis. Attendees can enter to win a free 55-inch television courtesy of LBJI, plus three lucky fans will win a $300 airfare credit for a vacation getaway. Fans are encouraged to wear beach gear and will enjoy island music throughout the contest. The Beacons and Purple Aces will rematch after a game that came down to the wire on Jan. 17 in the southern portion of the state, with Evansville notching a three-point win on its home court.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) made shots from all over the court. It didn’t matter if he was driving to the basket, firing from midrange or launching a 3, Stafford made tough looks look easy all night as part of a career-high 32 points that came in an 81-70 loss to Drake, the defending Missouri Valley Conference champion and a team battling for the top spot in the league standings again this season.
On this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, head coach Roger Powell Jr. shares his message to the fan base, discusses the role of a coach beyond basketball and previews Wednesday's game at Drake.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to knock off one of the Missouri Valley Conference’s top teams on Wednesday night in Des Moines, Iowa as the Beacons pay a visit to Drake, the defending league champion and preseason favorite to defend that crown. The Beacons will look to bring a brief two-game skid to a halt, but Valpo won two out of three prior to back-to-back setbacks. This game will feature two of the league’s top three freshmen in terms of conference-only scoring average as Cooper Schwieger leads all MVC rookies at 12.2 points per game and Drake’s Kevin Overton ranks third at 9.4.
Playing without the services of leading scorer Isaiah Stafford for family reasons, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team started four freshmen for the first time in 40 years on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons were even or ahead for the majority of the first half, but the experience of visiting Missouri State proved too much to overcome as the Bears used a 12-0 second-half run to prevail 81-70 despite a combined 39 points from Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada / Orangeville Prep) and Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy).
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will enjoy another home Saturday and look to repeat the success of last week’s home date as Missouri State comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the first matchup of the season between these two teams. Blaze is celebrating a birthday on Saturday, and some sources close to the situation are calling it “the biggest mascot birthday party ever.” High-flying frisbee dogs will perform at halftime, fans will gobble up BOGO (buy one, get one) hot dogs and the first 1,000 arrivers will receive a free mascot coloring book. In addition, Valpo will be participating in Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled to the finish, but the host Southern Illinois escaped with a 75-69 win at the Banterra Center in a game that saw Valpo lead by seven early in the second half before never going away despite facing a gap as large as 13. SIU’s Xavier Johnson, who ranks third in the nation in scoring, was held to two points in the first half but exploded for 23 after the break. Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) paced the Beacons with 20 points and seven rebounds.
For the second straight week and third time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to make it three wins in four games and back-to-back victories on Wednesday evening as the Beacons make their way to Carbondale, Ill. to close out the regular-season series with Southern Illinois. This will mark the first time the Beacons have visited the Salukis since Jan. 30, 2022 as Valpo did not make the trip to Carbondale last season. According to KenPom, this is a matchup of the Missouri Valley Conference’s most-experienced team (Southern Illinois, 67th nationally) and least-experienced team (Valpo, 356/362 nationally).
Simply put, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team never gave up on Saturday afternoon. Not when UIC already owned a double-figure lead with not even seven minutes elapsed in the game. Not when the Flames maintained an 11-point advantage with 7:47 remaining. And not even when Valpo still trailed by four with 2:30 to go.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home on Saturday to welcome UIC for a 3 p.m. tip at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The world-famous Pacers Power Pack will bring their high-energy halftime dunk show to the ARC. Before the game, all children 12 and under are invited to join a pregame basketball clinic hosted by the Valpo team and staff from 1-2 p.m. The clinic is free with a game ticket and all attendees receive a Valpo drawstring bag. In addition, free mini-basketballs will be given away to the first 500 fans and postgame autographs will be available.
Junior Isaiah Stafford drilled nine 3-pointers and tied a career high with 31 points, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came out on the wrong end of a back-and-forth thriller against Evansville at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind., falling 78-75. Freshman Cooper Schwieger turned in his second straight double-double.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint to look back at the program's best road defensive performance in eight years in Sunday's win at Illinois State and preview Wednesday's matchup with Evansville.
For the second time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a set of back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference road games on Wednesday as the Beacons voyage to Evansville, Ind. to square off with the Purple Aces. Valpo will look to make it consecutive wins after capturing a victory at Illinois State on Sunday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returned to the win column on Sunday afternoon, putting together a solid, 40-minute team effort to defeat host Illinois State 59-50 at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Ill. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) enjoyed his first collegiate double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds to lift the Beacons to their first Missouri Valley Conference victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its first Sunday game of the season this week with a matinee against Illinois State. This is one of two Sunday contests all season for the Beacons, and both are against the Redbirds. The next time the two teams clash will be in the regular season finale on March 3 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored visiting Southern Illinois 44-33 in the second half, but the Salukis held on for a 77-68 victory after owning a 20-point halftime advantage at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday. The Beacons were led by 19 points from Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) and 18 from Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ontario, Canada / Orangeville Prep).
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night when Southern Illinois comes to town for a conference clash. The Beacons will attempt to get back to .500 at home for the season with a win on Wednesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was engaged in a 62-62 deadlock with 8:20 remaining, but UIC’s defense did not allow a made field goal for the game’s duration in a 70-64 win for the Flames at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) returned to the floor after missing the previous two games with an injury and paced the team with 19 points.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make the short jaunt to the Windy City on Saturday as the Beacons prepare to clash with UIC in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup. This showdown will extend a long all-time series between the two nearby foes and represent Valpo’s first road game of the new year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to Bradley 86-61 in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation despite an inspired effort from point guard Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Canada / Orangeville Prep), who enjoyed the top performance of his collegiate career with 19 points.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up the calendar year of 2024 and start the continuous portion of Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night by hosting Bradley at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons will play at home for the first time since Dec. 19 and return to league action after starting the MVC slate with two games the week after Thanksgiving. This will mark the only regular-season matchup between these two teams as Bradley is one of two Valley foes that Valpo will face only once during the 20-game Valley gauntlet.
Playing without the team’s leading scorer due to an injury, a young Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was even younger when it took the floor on Friday afternoon for the nonconference finale in Elon, N.C. Young talent was on display as Valpo – the seventh least experienced team in the country according to KenPom – was led by the freshmen duo of Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy) and Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]), who combined for 45 points in an 82-78 setback to Elon. Valpo trailed by as many as 17 early in the second half before using a valiant rally to create a tight finish.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the court following a nine-day hiatus for the Christmas holiday on Friday, Dec. 29 as the Beacons close out the nonconference portion of the season with an afternoon tilt at Elon. After the final horn sounds on Friday afternoon in North Carolina, it will be exclusively conference games from that point forward, starting on Wednesday, Jan. 3 vs. Bradley.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 79-61 to Samford in the final game prior to the Christmas holiday on Tuesday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) topped the team with 15 points, while fellow rookie Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host Samford in a pre-holiday matinee on Tuesday at 1 p.m. as part of the team’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game. This will mark the team’s final game before the Christmas holiday as Valpo will have nine days without a game before closing out the nonconference slate on Dec. 29 at Elon.
Both teams erased double-figure deficits on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but it was visiting Chicago State who enjoyed the game’s final run in a 63-62 victory over the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, which return to the court after a six-day layoff for final exams. The Beacons received a big-time boost from Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy), who poured in 20 points after missing the previous two games due to an illness.
After six days without a game due to final exams, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be back in action on Saturday as Chicago State visits the Athletics-Recreation Center for a mid-afternoon clash. The Beacons are back home – where they are 4-2 this season – for the first time since Nov. 29 after a stretch that featured road games at Belmont, Central Michigan and Virginia Tech. This will mark the first of a set of back-to-back home games to close out the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule as Valpo hosts Samford on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the final game before the holiday.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly to highlight the play of Kaspar Sepp and Darius DeAveiro, recap last week's games and discuss this week's schedule during final exams.
Freshman Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) continued a breakout week by registering his first double-figure scoring output and sophomore Jaxon Edwards (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral also provided a scoring lift, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 71-50 on Saturday afternoon at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will take the court one final time prior to final exams as the Beacons make their way to Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies. This marks the team’s third straight game on the road and the final trip prior to the Christmas holiday. After Saturday’s game, Valpo will not play again until Saturday, Dec. 16 vs. Chicago State and will not hit the road again until Friday, Dec. 29 at Elon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team showed grit and fight throughout the second half on Wednesday night at Central Michigan, whittling what had been a 22-point deficit all the way down to three with nine seconds to go in an eventual 71-67 loss to the host Chippewas in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) poured in a team-high 23 points, while Sherman Weatherspoon IV (Bowie, Md. / Bethesda Chevy-Chase [Golden State Prep]) provided a bench boost with a career-best 13.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a stretch of three straight games away from the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday night as the middle game of the road-heavy stretch takes the Beacons to Mount Pleasant, Mich. for a matchup with Central Michigan. After playing the first two Missouri Valley Conference contests of 2023-24 last week, the Beacons will step outside of league play for the last five nonconference games of the season to close out the calendar year.
Belmont started the game red hot from 3-point territory, hitting three 3-pointers over the game’s first 90 seconds to jump out to an immediate 9-0 lead on Saturday afternoon at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe the rest of the way in a road Missouri Valley Conference contest, matching the Bruins 68-68 over the game’s final 38:30 of a 77-68 win for the hosts. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) poured in a game-high 21 points, while Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) tallied up a career-high 18.
After starting the season with six of its first seven games within the confines of the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will keep the travel bags handy for an upcoming nine-day stretch that features three games away from home on three separate trips to three different states. The Beacons will start that stretch with their first road Missouri Valley Conference game of the season on Saturday at Belmont before stepping outside of league play for the final five nonconference games including two on the road next week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led for much of the first half, but preseason Missouri Valley Conference favorite and defending league champion Drake utilized a strong second half to beat the Beacons 83-65 in the league opener for both teams, a game that was closer than the final score would indicate. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) paced the Brown & Gold with 20 points.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They talk about the play of MVC Freshman of the Week Cooper Schwieger, Ola Ajiboye's big night and the team's 2-0 week. Plus, they preview Wednesday's MVC opener vs. Drake.
For the second consecutive week, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program received recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference office, this time in the form of Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) being named the league’s Freshman of the Week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night as the Beacons host Drake in head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s first-ever league game at the helm of a program. Valpo will continue a home-heavy stretch by playing its sixth home game in the season’s first seven contests and its third straight at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the defending MVC champions come to town. Valpo is seeking a third straight victory, its fourth win in five games and its fifth victory in the season’s first seven contests.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led wire-to-wire on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, handling every Southern push with poise as the Jaguars trimmed what was a 15-point first-half deficit to as few as one on several occasions, but each time the Beacons had the answer to stay ahead. The hosts knocked down their free throws in the final minute to pull away for a 71-59 victory in the last nonconference game prior to Wednesday’s start of Missouri Valley Conference action.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its third and final game of a multi-team event featuring Illinois, Western Illinois and Southern as the Jaguars come to town for a post-Thanksgiving faceoff on Saturday afternoon. This will mark the final nonconference contest prior to the Missouri Valley Conference opener next Wednesday, Nov. 29 vs. Drake. This also continues a home-heavy stretch where six of the team’s first seven games are taking place at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went to the bench on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Beacons didn’t miss a beat. The underclassmen trio of Ola Ajiboye (Chicago, Ill. / Evanston Township [Central Michigan / Bosco Institute), Sherman Weatherspoon IV (Bowie, Md. / Bethesda-Chevy Chase [Golden State Prep]) and Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario Canada / Royal Crown Academy) combined for 41 bench points, playing a pivotal role in Valpo’s 73-66 home win over Western Illinois.
After a strong week highlighted by a stellar first half on Friday night at No. 23 Illinois, Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home to continue a stretch of playing six of their first seven within the confines of the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo will clash with Western Illinois on Tuesday in the first of three straight at home including two this week sandwiched around the Thanksgiving holiday. The matchup with the Leathernecks, in their first season of Ohio Valley Conference membership, continues a trend of Valpo facing old conference foes this season as the two teams shared league affiliation from 1982-2007.
A night that started with a focus on the past ended with an emphasis on the future for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will face a top-25 test on Friday night as the Beacons hit the road for the first time this season to clash with No. 23 Illinois. This will mark a homecoming for head coach Roger Powell Jr. as he was a three-year starter for the Illini during his playing days, helping the team to three Big Ten regular-season titles, two Big Ten Tournament crowns and three Sweet Sixteen berths. During his senior year in 2004-05, Powell was part of an Illinois team that finished 37-2, won 29 straight to open the season and reached the national title game.
When the stakes were highest, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got the job done on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After a setback on Friday night in which they led for the entire first half before seeing the opponent pull away late, the Beacons flipped the script on Tuesday. They took their first lead of the game with 9:04 remaining and outscored visiting Green Bay by 10 in the second half to assemble a 64-59 victory.
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss his first career win in Monday's season opener, look back at Friday's setback vs. IUPUI, highlight the women's soccer program reaching the NCAA Tournament and discuss the support of the Valpo student body. In addition, they look ahead to Powell's return to his alma mater on Friday at Illinois.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a home-heavy stretch on Tuesday night as Green Bay enters the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 7 p.m. tip. The Beacons will continue to renew old rivalries as they lock horns with a team they previously shared conference affiliation with for the second straight game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team carried the lead for much of the first half, but a seesaw second half saw the guests from IUPUI pull away in the closing minutes for a 66-56 victory on Friday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Justus McNair (Joliet, Ill. / Joliet West) has signed his National Letter of Intent to join head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s program for the 2024-25 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a home-heavy early-season schedule on Friday night when the Beacons match up with a Division-I opponent for the first time in 2023-24 as IUPUI comes to town for an 8 p.m. tip. This will mark the second half of a volleyball/basketball doubleheader at the Athletics-Recreation Center as head coach Carin Avery’s team hosts Drake at 5 p.m. Anyone who purchases a men’s basketball ticket can arrive early and receive admission to the volleyball match at no additional charge. Anyone who purchases a volleyball ticket will be encouraged to stay for the men’s basketball game at no additional charge, but must move to the upper mezzanine area at the conclusion of volleyball.
A night that started as a welcome back party for Roger Powell Jr. ended with even more reason to celebrate on Monday at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The first game of the regular season is upon us for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. The Roger Powell Jr. head coaching era will officially begin on Monday night as the Beacons welcome Trinity Christian College to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The theme for the night of fun is “Powell Party of 5,000,” a welcome back extravaganza for Powell, who previously served as an assistant coach at Valpo from 2011-2016. The evening will begin with a pregame event at Peddler’s Pizza Sidebar before the excitement moves down the street to the ARC. The game will count as a regular-season contest for the Beacons but will be an exhibition contest for the Trolls.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took the court in a game environment for a final tune-up prior to the regular season on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, pulling away late for an 82-71 victory over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks) paced the team with 26 points, leading a group of four Beacons in double figures.
The time has come.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced plans for a welcome back party for men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. during the regular-season opener vs. Trinity Christian on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2023-24 MVC TV Network schedule, with men’s and women’s basketball contests airing on Bally Sports, NBC Sports Chicago and ESPN+.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2023-24 men’s basketball preseason poll, which was revealed by the league office on Tuesday.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its plans for games televised on the ESPN family of networks during the 2023-24 basketball season.
Episode 1 of "Powell Party of Six" is now available. Valpo head coach Roger Powell Jr. and his family visit Burgerhaus in Valparaiso.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced details for an action-packed day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 14, an event dubbed “A Day at Brown Field.”
The Missouri Valley Conference has revealed the 2023-24 league basketball schedule, which will feature a 20-game journey for each team leading into the 2024 State Farm MVC Tournament from March 7-10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has revealed its nonconference schedule for the 2023-24 season, the first season of the Roger Powell Jr. head coaching era. The nonleague docket is highlighted by seven home regular-season contests plus a home exhibition.
A Valparaiso University men’s basketball legend is back in the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has added walk-on Luke Carroll (Westfield, Ind. / Hamilton Heights [Lake Land]) to head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s squad for the 2023-2024 academic and athletic year.
When Anthony Sciarroni (Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis DeSales [Alderson Broaddus at Findlay]) filled out information for an academic award in high school, he listed his future goal as playing for a mid-major Division-I college basketball team and making a Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. has announced the hiring of Sean Taylor as the program’s Video Coordinator/Director of Basketball Operations.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of Lucas Scroggins, a 6-foot-9 forward from Woodbridge, Va. who joins the program as a freshman for the 2023-24 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have finalized the signing of Sherman Weatherspoon IV, a 6-foot-3 point guard from Bowie, Md.
The assembly of the 2023-24 Valparaiso University men’s basketball roster continued on Monday as head coach Roger Powell Jr. officially announced the signing of Kaspar Sepp, a 6-foot-7 forward from Tartu, Estonia.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of Lual Manyang, a transfer from Hofstra who arrives at Valpo as a redshirt freshman for the 2023-24 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball family continued to grow on Friday, as head coach Roger Powell Jr. has announced the signing of Cooper Schwieger, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward who joins the team as a freshman for the 2023-24 season.
After making its debut appearance in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in 2022, a group of Valparaiso University alumni has plans to represent their alma mater once again at this year’s edition of the annual summer event that is televised by the ESPN family of networks.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Jaxon Edwards, a transfer from Murray State University who will join head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s program as a sophomore for the 2023-24 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Isaiah Stafford, a junior college transfer from John A. Logan College who will join head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s program for the 2023-24 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Ola Ajiboye, a transfer from Central Michigan who will join the program as a sophomore for the 2023-24 campaign after spending his freshman campaign with the Chippewas.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. has announced two additions to his staff as A.J. Moye has been named an assistant coach, while Quintin Garrison joins the staff as Director of Basketball Operations.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. has announced the first three members of his coaching staff as Pat Baldwin and Matt Gordon will serve as assistant coaches, while Kylen Butler joins the staff as special assistant to the head coach.
In the week since Roger Powell Jr. was selected as the 23rd head coach of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, the news has received significant media attention.
In the week since the announcement that Roger Powell Jr. is the new head coach of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, we have heard from individuals across the collegiate athletics landscape who are familiar with Powell as a person and as a basketball coach.
The sweet sound of the victory bell cut the air on Wednesday afternoon during a gorgeous spring day on the campus of Valparaiso University.
Roger Powell Jr. will be officially introduced as the head coach of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in an introductory press conference.
Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Small recently announced that Roger Powell Jr. will serve as the 23rd head coach of the Valpo men's basketball program. Click here to view his video message with further details on our process and the selection of Coach Powell as Valpo head coach.
Valparaiso University Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Small has announced that Roger Powell Jr. has been selected as the 23rd head coach of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program.
Valparaiso University Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Small has announced that Matt Lottich will no longer serve as the head coach of the Valpo men’s basketball program.
We’re running out of words to write when it comes to Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place), so we’ll get straight to the point: He’s an Academic All-American.
The accolades continued to pour in for Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) on Tuesday as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its All-District Teams. Krikke was tabbed to the second team for District 16.
Incoming Valpo men's basketball freshman Zane Doughty has been named Marion County Player of the Year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball season came to an end on Thursday night in the opening round of Arch Madness, the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The Beacons fell 78-50 to Murray State. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) both tallied double figures in the scoring column.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) added to his long list of achievements with his highest honor yet on Wednesday night at the Missouri Valley Conference Awards Banquet in St. Louis.
Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was already a high-level player prior to the 2022-23 season, but this year his play reached a whole new level for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday night in St. Louis in a rematch with Murray State after the two teams closed out the regular season against one another. Valpo is the No. 10 seed in the 12-team event, while Murray State is the No. 7 seed. Both of the regular-season matchups between these two teams required overtime to determine a victor.
For the third consecutive season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete First Team, which was announced by the league office on Monday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team had Murray State on the ropes, but the host Racers found a way to improve to 26-2 at home over the last two seasons by pulling out a 77-76 overtime win at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) poured in a game-high 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting for a short-handed Valpo squad that played without starter Quinton Green due to an injury.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the regular season on Sunday afternoon by making its first Missouri Valley Conference trip to league newcomer Murray State. The game holds significance for Arch Madness seeding as the Beacons have the opportunity to earn the No. 9 seed with a victory. This will serve as the final tune-up for the State Farm MVC Tournament, which begins on Thursday, March 2 in St. Louis.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program recognized a quintet of seniors on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center prior to a 76-66 setback to Bradley in the home finale. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place), Nick Edwards (Atlanta, Ga. / Grayson [Glenville State]), Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]), Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) and Luke Morrill (Lombard, Ill. / Montini) along with student manager Sam Back (North Judson, Ind. / North Judson) and cheer/dance seniors were celebrated as part of a pregame ceremony. Head coach Matt Lottich and the senior players addressed the crowd after the game.
While his performance on the court continues to speak for itself, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) has also sustained a level of excellence in the classroom throughout his collegiate tenure.
For the second time this season and the third time in his career, Valparaiso University men’s basketball standout Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on Monday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will take the Athletics-Recreation Center floor for the final time this season on Wednesday night as first-place Bradley comes to town for the home finale. It’s Senior Night for the Beacons as Kobe King, Quinton Green, Nick Edwards, Luke Morrill and Ben Krikke as well as student manager Sam Back and senior cheer/dance team members will be recognized prior to the game. After the game, head coach Matt Lottich and senior players will address the crowd. Krikke is currently undecided on whether or not he will utilize his extra year of eligibility created due to COVID-19, while the other aforementioned seniors will close out the home portion of their collegiate careers on Wednesday. The pregame festivities will also feature O Canada in honor of Krikke’s Senior Night. The game will be televised regionally in the Chicago market on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.
Playing with his parents in attendance for the first time in his collegiate career, Valparaiso University men’s basketball standout Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) continued to play at an elite level, this time racking up a career-high 34 points on Sunday afternoon at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Krikke’s effort could not quite get Valpo over the hump in a heartbreaking 74-73 loss to host UIC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to close out its perfect record against teams picked to finish below the Beacons in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll on Sunday afternoon. The team will take the short bus ride into the Windy City for a matchup with UIC in hopes of securing its third season sweep of the league slate. Valpo is currently 5-0 against Illinois State, UIC and Evansville. This also represents a big game in terms of Arch Madness seeding as Valpo is in a tight battle with Illinois State to earn the No. 9 seed in the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from down by as many as 12 to take its first lead of the game with 5:48 remaining, but the Beacons could not put away visiting Southern Illinois as the Salukis prevailed 66-62 on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Seniors Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) poured in 24 points apiece, but didn’t get enough help as no other Beacon tallied more than five points.
The final team in the Missouri Valley Conference that the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has not yet played this season will be in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday night as Southern Illinois makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the lone matchup of the regular season between the two programs. Tuesday’s promotion is a special date night treat for Valentine’s Day pairs as fans who purchase upper mezzanine tickets can take advantage of a “buy one, get one” (BOGO) special.
Contrary to what his last name would indicate, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Quinton Green’s (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]) new favorite color may be red after what transpired in games against Illinois State this season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to complete a season sweep of Illinois State and replicate the success they found last month in Normal, Ill. when the Redbirds make their way to Northwest Indiana for a Saturday night showdown. The first 200 fans will receive a free Valpo mini-cooler. This begins a home-heavy stretch where the team will go over two weeks without a hotel stay – a sequence that features three home games plus a one-day trip to UIC. This is a big game for seeding as Illinois State holds a one-game lead over Valpo for the nine seed at Arch Madness but Valpo could draw even with the Redbirds and secure the tiebreaker with a win on Saturday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team shot 60 percent in the first half, but cooled off in the second stanza of a game where Indiana State knocked down 17 3-pointers on their way to an 84-62 win over the Beacons at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute. Valpo was led in scoring by 22 points from Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place).
After back-to-back heartbreaking overtime losses, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to continue its recent stretch of quality play and this time get over the hump on Wednesday night with a visit to Indiana State. Six of Valpo’s last seven games have been either wins or overtime losses. The Beacons will attempt to earn a split in the season series with their instate rivals.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led for 42 minutes, 30 seconds on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. But when the final horn sounded after 50 minutes of play, Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Drake prevailed 85-82 in double overtime in front of an electric atmosphere and large student section. Valpo was led in scoring by Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper]), who poured in 27 points before fouling out with 1:59 remaining in the first overtime.
The Indiana Pacers Power Pack dunk crew will perform at halftime on Saturday night as Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Drake comes to town to meet the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team in a Missouri Valley Conference showdown. The Beacons will look to extend their home winning streak to three and bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss at Missouri State on Wednesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led by five with 1:21 to play and had a seven-point lead with just over three minutes on the clock, but host Missouri State rallied to force overtime and eventually controlled the extra session to prevail 76-67 at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. Valpo heated up from 3-point territory during a stretch in the second half to build up the late lead, but the Bears responded to eke out a game that Valpo led by seven at halftime.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball standout Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference office on Monday after one of his best weeks yet, earning MVC Player of the Week honors.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that the Indiana Pacers Power Pack Dunk Squad will provide halftime entertainment during the men’s basketball game vs. Drake on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to extend its recent stretch of success on Wednesday night at Missouri State. The Beacons have won four of their last five games as they get set to battle the Bears for the first and only time during the regular season. Missouri State is the lone Valley team that will not enter the Athletics-Recreation Center in 2022-23 as part of the new 20-game scheduling format in the 12-team league.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team scored the game’s first 12 points and never looked back on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, leading by double figures for most of the night en route to an 81-69 victory over Evansville to sweep the season series from the Purple Aces. Valpo’s biggest day came from the team’s biggest scoring threat as Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) finished with 30 points, one shy of a career high.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to capture its fourth win in the last five games on Saturday night as Evansville comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the second matchup between the two teams in a two-week span. The first 500 patrons through the turnstiles will receive a free Valpo koozie. In addition, the Valpo coaching staff will participate in Suits and Sneakers Week as part of the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. This will also be a Mental Health Awareness Game presented by Valpo’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Dam Worth It Company.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday night with a 77-66 setback to host UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A valiant effort by Ben Krikke and a double-double by Kobe King helped the Beacons make several pushes, but the guests could not fully dig out of a hole created by several big first-half runs for the Panthers.
The Valpo Athletics family is saddened by the passing of David Redmon ’95, a hometown product who helped lay the foundation for the legacy of success of the Valpo men’s basketball program and a 2004 inductee into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame.
After shooting lights out to help the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a 71-51 victory at Illinois State on Saturday night, Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]) was tabbed Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week on Monday.
The red-hot Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak to four on Wednesday night in Cedar Falls, Iowa in a rematch of a buzzer-beating loss at the Athletics-Recreation Center earlier this month. The Beacons will look to sustain the mojo developed during this recent tear that includes each of the last two wins coming by double figures.
Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]) drilled 3-pointer after 3-pointer. Ibra Bayu (Flevoland, The Netherlands / Perkiomen) got the rim for thunderous dunks. Connor Barrett (Chicago, Ill. / Loyola Academy) knocked down 3s. Nick Edwards distributed the rock. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) did their thing.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will seek its first three-game winning streak of the season on Saturday night as the Beacons make their way to Normal, Ill. to clash with Illinois State. The squad will look to secure its first three-game winning streak since late December and early January of last season – a stretch that featured wins over Eastern Michigan, William & Mary and Illinois State. The program’s last three-game MVC winning streak was late January 2021 (at Illinois State twice, vs. Bradley). Valpo will also try to win back-to-back MVC road games for the first time since sweeping two at Illinois State on Jan. 23-24, 2020.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hit big shots down the stretch, pulling away for a 76-66 victory over UIC on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Nick Edwards twice beat the shot clock horn with a 3-pointer, Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]) converted a 4-point play and Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Centrla [Wisconsin]) poured in a game-high 24 points to help the Beacons to their second straight victory.
For the first time as Missouri Valley Conference adversaries, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and UIC will renew an old rivalry on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. With the Flames in their first season in The Valley, this marks the third time these two teams have shared conference affiliation. Valpo will look to make it back-to-back wins after prevailing at Evansville on Saturday. Prior to tipoff, Valpo’s Kobe King will be recognized for reaching the 1,000-career point milestone last week vs. Belmont.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team picked up a road Missouri Valley Conference win on Saturday afternoon, building up an 18-point lead before holding on to beat host Evansville 76-69 at the Ford Center. A big second half from Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) played a key role as he led the way with 20 points, while Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) poured in 18 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will renew an instate rivalry with one of the program’s most frequent all-time opponents on Saturday afternoon as the Beacons head south to take on Evansville at the Ford Center. This will mark a reunion of sorts as first-year Evansville head coach David Ragland spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Valpo under Matt Lottich in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central) surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for his collegiate career in the second half of Tuesday’s game at the Athletics-Recreation Center. King reached the milestone as part of his game-high 17 points in a 74-59 setback to visiting Belmont.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced Business & Basketball, a leadership initiative with Valpo Athletics. Click here for details or to purchase tickets.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play the second matchup against an opponent for the first time this season by battling Belmont on Tuesday night. This marks the Bruins’ first game at the Athletics-Recreation Center since joining the Missouri Valley Conference. The two teams will close out the regular season series despite the fact that Valpo has yet to play five MVC programs this year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 88-66 to Bradley on Saturday afternoon at Carver Arena in Peoria. Four Beacons scored in double figures, led by Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) with 17 points and seven rebounds.
After playing six of the last eight games at the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play four of the next six away from home, starting on Saturday afternoon in Peoria with a nationally-televised matchup with Bradley on CBS Sports Network.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team overcame an early 10-point deficit to take a five-point lead late in the first half, but visiting UNI eventually pulled out a 69-67 victory on a buzzer-beating putback as time expired on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) paced Valpo with 20 points, leading four Beacons in double figures.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its second straight home game on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as UNI comes to town for a 6 p.m. tip. With an always-challenging trip to Bradley looming next, Valpo will look to defend its home floor against a UNI team that has split its first four Missouri Valley Conference contests. This rounds out a rare home-heavy stretch as it marks Valpo’s sixth home game in its last eight outings, but four of the next six will be away from the ARC.
Visiting Indiana State remained the lone undefeated team in Missouri Valley Conference play on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, defeating the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team 68-50 on the first day of the 2023 calendar year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will ring in the new year with a New Year’s Day matinee against instate foe Indiana State on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will mark the team’s second Missouri Valley Conference home game of the year and first since an early December date with Murray State. The first-place Sycamores are the only team in The Valley with an unblemished league mark.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led at halftime and twice rallied from down double figures to create late drama, but Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Drake escaped with a 68-63 home win on Thursday night at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Ben Krikke paced the team with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in a game Valpo led 26-24 through 20 minutes.
After closing out the nonconference portion of the season with a winning record in nonleague games, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin the continuous portion of Missouri Valley Conference play with a post-Christmas visit to Des Moines, Iowa, where the S’s may be silent, but the Knapp Center will be buzzing as the Beacons match up with MVC preseason favorite Drake. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.
The holidays will be a little jollier for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team after a second consecutive victory as part of Community Day at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday. The community Christmas celebration featured a victorious effort as Valpo defeated Stonehill 77-67 in a game that was not nearly as close as the final score would indicate. Nick Edwards (Atlanta, Ga. / Grayson [Glenville State]) posted a double-double of 20 points and 12 assists to lead four Beacons in double figures in the scoring department.
The final Valparaiso University men’s basketball game before the Christmas holiday and the last nonconference game of the season will take place on Wednesday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. For the second straight year, Valpo will host a Community Game with a special midday start time to spread holiday cheer. Upper bleacher tickets will be available for the discounted price of $5 and free of charge for children ages 18 and under. In addition, the first 400 fans who make their way into the ARC will receive a free Valpo Santa Hat.
The 3-point arc told the tale of the game’s outcome on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made a season-most 10 triples while boasting a season best in terms of 3-point defense en route to a 71-66 victory over visiting Elon. Valpo built up an 18-point advantage before holding on for the triumph.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has added a national television appearance as the Saturday, Jan. 7 game at Bradley has been selected for CBS Sports Network.
After a week away from game action due to final exams, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will face its next test on Sunday afternoon as Elon makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the penultimate nonconference game of the season. It will be Family Day at the ARC, with all children 18 and under receiving $5 tickets for upper bleacher seating. Tickets will be available at the door or online at valpoathletics.com/tickets.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced details for its annual Community Day, which will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at noon at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the men’s basketball program hosts Stonehill in its nonconference finale.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played its final game prior to a week-long break of action for final exams, falling 98-61 to Ole Miss on Saturday at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford, Miss. Valpo was led in scoring by Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]), who poured in 20 points, while the rebounding of Ibra Bayu (Flevoland, The Netherlands / Perkiomen) served as another bright spot as he collected 13 boards.
For the first time since the most famous moment in the history of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, the team will take on Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon. The game will be televised nationally on SEC Network. The Beacons are 3-1 at home and 1-1 on neutral floors but will seek their first true road win of the year on Saturday. This will mark the team’s final nonconference road game of the season prior to two pre-Christmas home dates. In addition, this will mark the squad’s first game this season against a power-five conference opponent.
Led by a big performance from point guard Nick Edwards (Atlanta, Ga. / Grayson [Glenville State]), the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team coasted to a 96-60 victory over Trinity Christian College on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Edwards stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada [Jasper Place]) poured in 20 points in just 19 minutes of action. All 13 Beacons who saw the floor scored.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host its second home game in three days on Tuesday night as Trinity Christian visits the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 7 p.m. tip. After starting Missouri Valley Conference play with two early-December league dates, this marks the start of a four-game nonconference burst before the continuous portion of the Valley docket begins in earnest on Dec. 29.
In a season of big offensive production, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) had his biggest production yet on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Despite a career-high 31 points from the Canadian forward, visiting Murray State raced back from down 10 to beat the Beacons 77-70 in overtime.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play host to Murray State on Sunday afternoon for the second of two early-December Missouri Valley Conference contests. This will mark the first conference home game of the season and will represent Murray State’s first ever Missouri Valley Conference road tilt. After this matchup, Valpo will play its final four nonconference games of the season before starting the continuous portion of league play on Dec. 29 at Drake.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made a surge to cut what had been a 15-point deficit to six with seven minutes remaining, but Belmont closed out a 76-64 win on its home floor in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. Kobe King poured in 21 points and was backed by 18 from Ben Krikke, while Jerome Palm was a rebound shy of a double-double.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open Missouri Valley Conference play on Thursday night, the first of back-to-back early December league contests before finishing out the nonconference slate with four more dates. The Beacons will serve as the league welcoming committee by providing the opposition for Belmont’s first ever MVC contest after the Bruins transitioned from the Ohio Valley Conference on July 1. Thursday’s league lidlifter in Nashville will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
Two members of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program received All-Tournament Team nods following their performances at the Hostilo Community Classic in Savannah, Ga. this weekend.
Point guard Nick Edwards (Atlanta, Ga. / Grayson [Glenville State]) drove inside for a game-winning basket in the closing seconds of overtime, lifting the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a heart-pounding 81-79 victory over James Madison to close out the Hostilo Community Classic in Savannah, Ga. on a winning note. The Beacons beat a Dukes team that entered the contest with a 6-1 record and checked in at No. 79 in the KenPom rankings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held defending Summit League champion South Dakota State to 26.9 percent shooting in the opening half as the game went into the locker room even, but the Jackrabbits prevailed 61-50 to open the Hostilo Community Classic in Savannah, Ga. Senior Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) produced 18 points to lead three Beacons in double figures.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue its road swing in Savannah, Ga. for the program’s annual Thanksgiving multi-team event. The Hostilo Community Classic begins on Friday afternoon as the Beacons battle South Dakota State, and then James Madison will provide the opposition on Sunday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 79-49 on Wednesday in a pre-Thanksgiving matinee at Samford. The Beacons were led in scoring by Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) who posted 20 points. Freshman Ibra Bayu (Flevoland, Netherlands) made his collegiate debut after missing the first four games due to a hernia.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a stretch of 10 straight days on the road on Wednesday afternoon with a pre-Thanksgiving matinee at Samford. This starts a four-game southern swing that also features a multi-team event in Savannah, Ga. and the conference opener at Belmont. Valpo head coach Matt Lottich is one win away from 100 for his collegiate career.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team moved to 2-0 at home by besting Incarnate Word 68-64 on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After being recognized for surpassing 1,000 career points in a pregame ceremony, Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) poured in a team-high 22 to help the Beacons fend off the Cardinals.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team is all set to host a Saturday night home game at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Incarnate Word comes to town for the first ever matchup between the two teams. The Cardinals feature several Northwest Indiana ties as head coach Carson Cunningham previously served as the high school coach at Andrean, his alma mater, while assistant coach Chris Artis played collegiately at Valpo. Ben Krikke will be recognized prior to the game for becoming the latest member of Valpo’s 1,000-point club.
For the second time in as many road games, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got the better of the play after halftime, but an early hole proved to be too much to overcome in an 87-74 setback at Chicago State on Wednesday. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) had another monster performance with 27 points on 12-of-16 shooting, while Nick Edwards (Atlanta, Ga. / Grayson [Glenville State]) provided an offensive lift by scoring 15 second-half points.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a stretch of three games in seven days on Wednesday as the Beacons make the short journey across the state line to the city of Chicago for a midweek matchup with Chicago State. Valpo will attempt to secure its second straight victory.
The Valpo Family continued to grow over the past week as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program revealed three members of its incoming signing class.
Three members of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together career performances as the Beacons opened the home portion of the season by pulling away from Western Michigan in the second half for an 81-65 victory on Sunday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up the home portion of the 2022-2023 slate on Sunday as Western Michigan comes to town for a 4 p.m. CT tipoff. It’s a country western theme night as the first 100 students will receive a free Valpo cowboy hat. This begins a stretch of three games in seven days as the Beacons visit Chicago State on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and host Incarnate Word on Saturday, Nov. 19.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored Toledo by 11 after halftime, but a slow start was too much to overcome in a season-opening 85-70 setback at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. The play of Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]) in his Beacon debut was a major bright spot as he drilled five 3s en route to a team-high 20 points.
The ball will be tipped on Monday night in Toledo, Ohio as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team begins its 2022-2023 campaign with a challenging nonconference road tilt at Toledo. This will start a stretch of seven nonconference dates to begin the season prior to the early start of league play on Dec. 1 at Belmont.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took the court in a game situation for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, tuning up for the regular season with an 83-79 victory over Cedarville in exhibition action. Senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) turned in a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Beacons.
With the regular season fast approaching, fans will have an opportunity to catch their first glimpse of the 2022-2023 Valparaiso University men’s basketball program on Saturday afternoon.
Two Valparaiso University men’s basketball standouts were recognized on Wednesday as the Missouri Valley Conference released its annual preseason honors. Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was named to the Preseason All-MVC First Team, while Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) garnered Preseason All-MVC Third Team recognition.
With the basketball season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that season tickets for both men’s and women’s hoops are on sale now.
The Missouri Valley Conference continued its weeklong reveal of the 2022-2023 men’s basketball television schedule on Thursday by announcing plans to continue the MVC TV Network package, which features regionally-televised games on NBC Sports Chicago and Bally Sports Midwest.
The Missouri Valley Conference continued to announce its 2022-2023 television plans on Wednesday by revealing games that will air on the CBS family of networks. Valpo will open the continuous portion of conference play with a national television date as the Thursday, Dec. 29 game at Drake will air on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced updates to the team’s nonconference schedule, including opponents for the multi-team event, the Savannah Invitational Hostilo Community Classic in Savannah, Ga.
The Missouri Valley Conference began the announcement of its 2022-2023 basketball television plans on Tuesday by revealing the slate of games that will air on the ESPN family of networks. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will open conference play on national television with an ESPNU appearance on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Belmont at 7 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team won’t have to wait long to officially welcome two of the Missouri Valley Conference’s newest members.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was tabbed a Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selection by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook this week, one of only five players to receive this honor.
Valparaiso University has recently announced its 2022 alumni award recipients, a list that features several members of the Valpo Athletics family.
Tevonn Walker is back.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the program’s nonconference schedule for the 2022-23 season, a slate that features five home games and three road dates plus a home exhibition and a multi-team event.
Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]) recently joined the long list of former Valparaiso University men’s basketball players who have gone on to play professionally following their careers with the Brown & Gold.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Ibra Bayu (Flevoland, The Netherlands / Perkiomen), who joins the 2022-23 roster as a true freshman.
As Jason Karys ‘17, M.S. ‘19 looked around the hotel bar and restaurant area on Saturday night in Omaha, he took a moment to soak up the satisfaction of achieving the primary goal of the Cru, a team comprised of mostly Valpo alumni that competed in the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event known as The Basketball Tournament (TBT).
Five members of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program were recognized for their academic success on Tuesday as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its annual honors court.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball product Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) has been named to the Summer League roster for the Houston Rockets of the NBA.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced plans for a Special Needs Camp, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on ESPN networks – today revealed that The Cru, the Valparaiso alumni team, has been admitted into TBT’s 64-team field. The Cru, a first-year TBT franchise, will be competing in the Omaha Regional at D.J. Sokol Arena from July 16-20.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Vijay Blackmon as the strength & conditioning coach for the men’s basketball program.
What Valparaiso University can offer both academically and athletically led 6-foot-10 forward Jerome Palm (Almere, Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) to the Valpo men’s basketball program.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Matt Lottich have announced the addition of 6-foot-7 guard Quinton Green (Columbus, Ohio / Homeschool [Cedarville]), who will join the program as a graduate transfer from NCAA Division-II Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.
The newest member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing at the Division-I level.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced dates for its 2022 summer camps.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its hopes of repeating its 2020 run from the opening round to the championship game at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament dashed on Friday as the seventh-seeded Beacons fell to second-seeded Missouri State 67-58. Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) turned in his top scoring output against a league foe this season while battling through a back injury for the second straight night. Valpo was playing the second game of a back-to-back, while Missouri State was competing in its first game of the tournament.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play for a spot in the semifinal round of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Friday night at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The last time Valpo entered Arch Madness as the No. 7 seed and had an opportunity to play the No. 2 seed in the quarterfinal round, the team knocked off Loyola in 2020. This time, it’s an opportunity to avenge a pair of regular-season defeats in a rematch of last year’s MVC quarterfinals as Valpo faces off with Missouri State. This will mark the third straight season and the fourth time in five years that these two teams have clashed in the MVC Tournament.
The story of Valparaiso University men’s basketball walk-on Preston Ruedinger’s (Oshkosh, Wis. / Lourdes Academy) compelling freshman season had its most commendable chapter yet on the conference’s biggest stage.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team closed out Missouri Valley Conference awards week with two additional honors on Thursday as a pair of academic and athletic standouts received recognition for their prowess in the classroom and in competition.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) received recognition for his success coming off the bench and his improvement from last season as the Missouri Valley Conference released its latest batch of awards on Wednesday.
A trio of Valparaiso University men’s basketball players were recognized on Tuesday morning as the Missouri Valley Conference office announced the league’s postseason all-conference teams.
College basketball’s signature month has arrived. March begins with the season’s most important game to date as the seventh-seeded Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up Arch Madness, the annual State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in St. Louis, on Thursday night against 10th-seeded Evansville. The winner of Thursday’s opening-round game will advance to Friday’s 6 p.m. MVC quarterfinal contest against second-seeded Missouri State. The last time Valpo entered Arch Madness as the No. 7 seed and played Evansville in the opening round, it became the first team in the tournament’s 30-year history to play on Thursday and advance to Sunday’s title game in 2020.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 79-55 setback to host Bradley on Saturday night at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Valpo had three players finish in double figures, led by Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]) and Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) with 16 points apiece. Valpo shot a much-improved 51.6 percent in the second half, but a tough offensive opening half against a stout Bradley defense that leads the league in field-goal percentage defense dictated the game’s outcome. Valpo closed the regular-season with a busy stretch as this marked the team’s fifth game in 11 days.
The 2021-2022 regular season will come to an end on Saturday night for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. The Beacons visit Bradley to round out the regular year in a final tune-up prior to Arch Madness, the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, which begins on Thursday, March 3. Regardless of Saturday’s results, Valpo is guaranteed to occupy the seven seed in St. Louis and face off with 10th-seeded Evansville in the opening round on Thursday, March 3 at 8:30 p.m.
Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]) joined elite company on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the home portion of the schedule on Wednesday night as Drake comes to town for the penultimate game of the regular season. It’s Senior Night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Valpo will celebrate Trevor Anderson, Kevion Taylor and Eron Gordon as well as senior managers, cheerleaders and dance team members before taking on the Bulldogs in an effort to extend its winning streak to three.
All is well that ends well for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. Visiting Evansville scored the first 16 points of the second half, but the host Beacons showed the resiliency required to withstand the shaky stretch, flipping a double-figure deficit into a 74-69 victory on Monday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The two teams faced off for the second time in three days after beginning the season series in Evansville on Saturday afternoon. The start to the second half wasn’t the only adversity that Valpo had to overcome, as the Beacons played without two starters due to injuries.
The venue shifts to the Athletics-Recreation Center as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues a home-and-home with Evansville on Monday night, a Presidents’ Day clash that is a makeup game originally scheduled for early February. This marks the third different date that this game was on the docket as it was first slated for Feb. 1, then moved to Feb. 2 due to COVID-19 makeup games around the conference, then was postponed again due to a snowstorm. This represents the middle game of a stretch of three games in five days for the Beacons. Furthermore, Valpo is closing the regular season with five games in 11 days.
Boring was a positive quality for the closing minutes of Saturday’s game at the Ford Center in Evansville.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a busy stretch of three games in five days on Saturday afternoon in Evansville. This starts a home-and-home President’s Day Weekend series between the Beacons and Purple Aces, as the two teams will meet again on Monday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center in a rescheduled contest that was originally postponed due to a snowstorm. This also continues a stretch of five games over the final 11 days of the regular season for the Beacons. After a season sweep of Indiana State, Valpo will hope to remain unbeaten against instate foes this year on Saturday in southern Indiana.
The margin between the joy of victory and the agony of defeat was razor thin yet again on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
Head men's basketball coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss last week's games, what it's been like to play so many close contests, the return of Thomas Kithier and preview Wednesday vs. Loyola.
After playing back-to-back road games for just the second time this season and first time in the calendar year 2022, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be back in the confines of its home arena on Wednesday night as first-place Loyola comes to town for the final regular season Missouri Valley Conference matchup between the two nearby foes. Wednesday will be the Lakeshore PAWS Benefit Game as all fans who donate to Lakeshore PAWS – a nonprofit animal rescue organization in Northwest Indiana – will receive a free Valpo dog bandana. In addition, Wednesday’s game will feature a Valpo “scrunchies” giveaway for students. As a reminder, masks are required for all spectators, event staff and media members for all home Valpo athletic events.
A 16-point first half from Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team stay close through 20 minutes, but behind an efficient 22-point effort from Isiaih Mosley and five 3s apiece from Ja’Monta Black and Jaylen Minnett, host Missouri State pulled away from an 84-66 victory on Saturday at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced plans for a Lakeshore PAWS Benefit Game on Wednesday, Feb. 16 as the Valpo men’s basketball team hosts Loyola at 7 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
After returning from Normal, Ill. late on Wednesday night, a busy week of travel continues as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team makes its way to Springfield, Mo. to clash with Missouri State on Saturday afternoon in a regionally-televised game on the MVC TV Network (including NBC Sports Chicago). The Beacons will attempt to garner a split in the season series with the Bears as each game is crucial in the standings with six regular-season contests remaining. This marks one of only two instances all season where Valpo plays consecutive true road games (at Drake, at Western Michigan).
With the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team facing Illinois State on Wednesday night at Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill., they might as well have bypassed the first 40 minutes and just put five minutes on the clock.
After winning three of its last five games, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to make it consecutive triumphs on Wednesday as the Beacons make their way to Normal, Ill. to face off with Illinois State for a 7 p.m. tipoff inside Redbird Arena. Valpo will look to continue its run of success in matchups with the Redbirds.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled through adversity on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Despite playing without two starters due to injuries and having to go beyond regulation for the fourth time in league play, the Beacons outlasted visiting Indiana State 79-72 in a double-overtime heart pounder. Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) delivered his best collegiate performance, outdoing previous career highs in both points and rebounds to help his team secure a season sweep of the Sycamores.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced a special family ticket and concession pack that is available for Saturday’s men’s basketball game vs. Indiana State, which will tip off at 6 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
After Wednesday’s scheduled game vs. Evansville was postponed until later in the season due to an inclement weather forecast and a severe winter storm, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue the second half of the Missouri Valley Conference slate on Saturday as Indiana State comes to town for an instate showdown. The Beacons will look to secure a season sweep in the series with the Sycamores. Saturday's game is presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced that Wednesday’s scheduled game between the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team and Evansville at the Athletics-Recreation Center has been postponed due to impending inclement weather.
Three Valparaiso University men’s basketball players scored in doubles figures and Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was a rebound shy of a double-double, but host Southern Illinois picked up a 77-55 victory on Sunday evening at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill. The Salukis were led by a 22-point, seven-assist effort from Lance Jones.
After winning two of its last three games, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make its way to Carbondale to face off with Southern Illinois on Sunday late afternoon for a 4 p.m. tip time. The two teams will close out the season series as this marks the second time this year Valpo has faced an opponent for the second time. Note that this game was pushed back a day from the original schedule in order to accommodate a makeup game between SIU and Loyola.
Junior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) turned in a strong performance, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 71-56 to Bradley on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons and Braves played even in the second half, but Valpo was unable to bite into a 15-point halftime hole. The hosts were without starting center Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]), who was sidelined by a back injury, while starting guard Trevor Anderson (Stevens Point, Wis. / SPASH [Wisconsin]) was limited to 14 minutes before leaving with a back injury of his own.
After a 2-0 week that featured a pair of thrilling victories decided by a total of five points, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to stretch its winning streak to three on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Bradley will be in town for the latest installment of tightly-matched series that has featured four season splits in Valpo’s first four seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference.
This week may not have been for the faint of heart, but it sure was for those who enjoy Valparaiso University men’s basketball victories.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to continue the momentum from Tuesday’s home victory as the squad hits the road for an instate showdown with Indiana State on Saturday afternoon. The Beacons have battled through a challenging start to conference play where five of their first seven league games came against teams projected to finish in the top four in the MVC standings. Now, the team hopes to build upon an overtime victory over a sound UNI team during a weekend trip to Terre Haute.
When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team stepped off an emotional rollercoaster of a game on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, stress had given way to satisfaction.
Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They look back at the games against Loyola and Missouri State, preview Wednesday's matchup with UNI and discuss the play of freshmen point guards Preston Ruedinger and Darius DeAveiro.
As a sports-obsessed child in Northwest Indiana, Jamie (Gutowski ’06, ’07 M.S.) Stangel turned on the radio and listened to Todd Ickow ’18H describe Valparaiso University men’s basketball games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its second consecutive home game on Wednesday night as UNI makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a midweek Missouri Valley Conference matchup. For the first time this season, Valpo will play its second meeting of the year against an MVC opponent after these two foes locked horns in Cedar Falls on Jan. 5. Masks are required for all spectators, event staff members and media members during all home Valpo athletic events until further notice.
Junior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) scored a team-high 14 points, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 74-57 setback to Missouri State on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Isiaih Mosley poured in 32 points to pace the visiting Bears.
A group of Valparaiso University alumni has come together with plans to represent their alma mater in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) 2022, an annual summer event that is televised by the ESPN family of networks.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home for a date with Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will mark the team’s second consecutive nationally-televised game as the matchup has been selected for ESPNU distribution. Valpo has faced a challenging schedule through its first five Missouri Valley Conference games, playing three of the five on the road with all three away tilts coming against teams projected to finish in the top three in the league’s preseason poll. The student section theme for Saturday is Country Night, and 1,000 foam cowboy hats will be given away. In addition, there will be a souvenir Valpo cup giveaway. Masks are required for all spectators, event staff members and media members at all home Valpo athletic events until further notice.
For a third consecutive season, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team had host Loyola on the ropes in a game at Gentile Arena, but once again one of the nation’s top mid-major programs escaped the Beacons, this time with an 81-74 double overtime victory. Valpo led by as many as 12 and nearly knocked off a Ramblers team that is receiving votes nationally in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls, but instead the hosts extended their longstanding home court winning streak to 30 on Chicago’s north side.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will compete in the first of consecutive nationally-televised contests this week on Tuesday night by making the short trip to Rogers Park to battle Loyola on CBS Sports Network. This marks Valpo’s third road game in the team’s first five Missouri Valley Conference dates with the three away tilts coming against the teams picked in the top three in the league’s preseason poll. Tuesday may be the toughest test yet as the Ramblers were just outside the Top 25 (28th AP, 29th USA Today Coaches’) in the Jan. 3 polls and may advance further when this week’s polls are released prior to Tuesday’s game. Please note that all spectators are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entering Gentile Arena.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled back from a 16-point deficit with 8:08 remaining to get to within two with 1:22 to go, but the Beacons could not get over the final hump in a 63-60 setback to visiting Southern Illinois on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) scored 13 second-half points including eight in the final four minutes, but Valpo went 0-for-5 from the field in the final 40 seconds, misfiring on a string of shots that would have tied the game or given the hosts the lead.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced a change to the start time and broadcast information for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 15 vs. Missouri State at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home on Saturday night to welcome a Southern Illinois squad that will swing into action for the first time since Dec. 28 after having its last two games postponed. The Beacons will attempt to sustain their recent home success as they’ve won three straight home contests and five of their last six. Please note that all spectators, media members and event staff personnel are required to wear a mask at all home Valpo athletic events until further notice.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 92-65 setback on Wednesday night at the McLeod Center in Cedar Fall, Iowa. Valpo was led by Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]) with 17 points on a night where the Panthers shot at a 59.7 percent clip behind a game-high 20 points from Noah Carter and 17 from Trae Berhow.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced a number of schedule changes, including date shifts for a pair of Valparaiso University men’s basketball contests.
Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They look back at Sunday's victory over Illinois State and preview Wednesday's game at UNI.
For the first time since Dec. 5, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for Wednesday’s game at UNI. The Beacons are coming off a five-game homestand that was scheduled to be a stretch of six straight at home before the nonconference finale vs. Prairie View A&M was canceled. Valpo is seeking its fourth consecutive victory on Wednesday evening.
Missouri Valley Conference play resumed in a manner that was only fitting in a league known for its down-to-the-wire contests on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
After 10 days without a game during the Christmas holiday and a cancellation on Dec. 28 vs. Prairie View A&M due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to action on Sunday by hosting Illinois State. This will mark the team’s first game of the calendar year and the resumption of Missouri Valley Conference play. Please note that masks are required at all home Valpo athletic events until further notice.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Tuesday’s scheduled game against Prairie View A&M has been canceled due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
After five days without a game during the Christmas holiday, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to action on Tuesday night by hosting Prairie View A&M in the nonconference finale. This will mark the team’s final game of the calendar year and the last chance to take the court in a nonconference setting before Missouri Valley Conference play resumes on Sunday, Jan. 2 vs. Illinois State. Please note that masks are required at all home Valpo athletic events until further notice.
A lights-out shooting performance and a dominant showing from start to finish helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team cruise to an 88-66 victory over William & Mary on Wednesday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons shot 57.6 percent to make the holiday festivities a little merrier during the department’s Christmas at the ARC event.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues a six-game homestand with its second game in three days on Wednesday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo will host William & Mary in the final pre-Christmas contest. As a special holiday gift to the community, Valpo Athletics will admit all fans ages 18 and under free of charge and all adults for the discounted price of $5. In addition, the Community Day game will feature photos with Santa, family holiday card photos and a t-shirt giveaway. Please be aware that masks will be required for all spectators at all home Valpo Athletic events until further notice.
Everything clicked over the final 12 minutes for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.
Due to the rising numbers of COVID cases in Indiana and in Porter County, as of December 16, Valpo Athletics requires masks for all spectators and event staff - regardless of vaccination status - at basketball games at the ARC until further notice.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to action after an eight-day hiatus for final exams for the first of two pre-Christmas matchups at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Monday. The Beacons will play two games in three days including Monday night’s showdown with Eastern Michigan. This marks the third game in a stretch of six consecutive home contests.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erased an 11-point deficit and held the lead as late as the final minute on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but visiting Charlotte came away with a 68-67 victory. The Beacons were led by 17 points from Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) and 16 from Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]), while Trevor Anderson (Stevens Point, Wis. / SPASH]) joined them in double figures with a dozen.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a six-game homestand on Saturday as Charlotte comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a noon tip time. The Beacons will look to capture their fifth win in the last six games and third consecutive victory. The theme for the game is Gold Out as students are encouraged to wear gold from head to toe. The first 1,000 fans will receive free a Valpo gold rush t-shirt. This will mark Valpo’s last game before an eight-day hiatus due to final exams.
Members of the Northwest Indiana community are invited to celebrate the holiday season at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec. 22 as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts William & Mary on Community Day.
Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]) can play basketball, that much was clear on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin the program’s longest homestand since 1994 on Tuesday night. An exciting stretch of basketball with numerous opportunities for fans to pack the ARC will begin against East-West University. After winning three of their last four games and four of six since the season debut of leading scorer Ben Krikke, Valpo will receive another boost on Tuesday as Kobe King will make his Beacon debut after sitting out the first nine games.
When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team begins the program’s longest homestand since 1994 on Tuesday, it will do so with positive momentum on its side after the Beacons closed a travel-heavy stretch with a solid 71-60 victory at Western Michigan on Sunday afternoon at University Arena in Kalamazoo. Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) racked up a game-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead the way in a game played in his home state.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its final road game of the calendar year on Sunday as the Beacons make their way to Kalamazoo for the resumption of nonconference action against Western Michigan. After the short trip back to Valpo following this showdown, the Beacons can unpack their suitcases as this will mark the final road game until Jan. 5. This represents the middle matchup of a busy stretch that features three games in six days.
Junior Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) reached the 20-point precipice for the third time in his five games this season, and the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made a late surge to trim an 11-point deficit to four in the final minute, but host Drake held on for a 73-66 victory in Thursday’s Missouri Valley Conference opener at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The road setback came to the conference’s preseason favorite and a team that improved to 28-2 over its last 30 home games with its Thursday triumph.
Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They look back at last week's Nassau Championship in The Bahamas and preview this week's Missouri Valley Conference opener at Drake.
Missouri Valley Conference play begins on Thursday night as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make its way to Des Moines, Iowa for a nationally-televised showdown with Drake on ESPNU. Valpo’s lone conference outing prior to Jan. 2 will pit the Beacons against a Bulldogs squad that earned an at-large NCAA Tournament bid last season and won a first-round game against Wichita State. Each Valley team will play one conference game this week as the opener was moved up from the first window after Christmas (Dec. 28-29) in an effort to create a nonconference scheduling opportunity.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put a final exclamation mark on a victorious Thanksgiving week on Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
After a successful stay in The Bahamas that saw the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team finish third in a competitive eight-team field at the Nassau Championship, the Beacons will return to the Athletics-Recreation Center to host Trinity Christian College on Saturday night. Valpo will seek its third win in four games in the final tune-up before next week’s Missouri Valley Conference opener.
Simply put, Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) stuffed the stat sheet on Wednesday night in Nassau, The Bahamas.
A career night from sophomore Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) and a gutsy team performance down the stretch made a 12-point second-half deficit no match for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Wednesday night in Nassau, The Bahamas.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led by as many as eight midway through the second half in Tuesday night’s Nassau Championship semifinal in Nassau, The Bahamas, but Coastal Carolina clawed back in front and handed the Beacons a narrow 64-61 setback in a back-and-forth thriller. Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) hit a game-tying 3-pointer in the final minute, but the Chanticleers responded with a 3 of their own that stood as the difference in the game.
Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) is back, and the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team is sure glad he is – that much was clear on Monday night in Nassau, The Bahamas.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will head to Nassau, The Bahamas to play two to three games as part of a seven-team event this week. The Beacons will battle Jacksonville State on Monday evening in their first game in the bracket. The field also features Toledo, Charlotte, Drexel, Tulane and Jacksonville State. Note that there was a late schedule change due to Abilene Christian announcing that its program will not be able to participate in the event.
The Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship has announced a change to the bracket as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will now start the multi-team event by facing off with Jacksonville State on Monday, Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored Stanford 37-35 in the second half, but couldn’t erase an early 12-1 deficit in a road matchup with a Pac-12 opponent as the Cardinal prevailed 74-60. Trevor Anderson (Stevens Point, Wis. / SPASH [Wisconsin]) turned in his first collegiate double-double, pulling down a career-high 10 rebounds to go along with a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Maximus Nelson (Appleton, Wis. / Appleton North) has signed his national letter of intent to continue his career at Valpo, beginning with the 2022-2023 academic and athletic year.
After a noteworthy opening week to his Valparaiso University men’s basketball career, Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) was recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week on Monday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored UIC 30-25 in the second half to force overtime, but the visiting Flames got the better of the extra session for a 74-70 win on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) provided the biggest bright spot, going off for a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting. The game featured 10 ties and nine lead changes.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will receive recognition for its community service efforts from the Valparaiso University Student Philanthropy Programs on Sunday.
For the second consecutive year, fans, alumni and supporters of the Valparaiso University men’s and women’s basketball programs will have the opportunity to interact with the team’s head coaches during virtual question-and-answer sessions.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out a four-game home stretch (two exhibitions, two regular-season contests) by hosting former league foe UIC on Saturday. This will mark the first time a Horizon League team has played a regular-season game at the Athletics-Recreation Center since Valpo departed the league to join the Missouri Valley Conference prior to the 2017-2018 season. Valpo last started a season with back-to-back home games in 2017-18 and last began with a pair of Division-I home contests in 2015-16. It will be Beach Day at the ARC with sunglasses being given away to early-arriving students.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took a 61-60 lead with 3:32 remaining in Tuesday’s season opener against defending Mid-American Conference regular-season champion Toledo, but the visiting Rockets jetted ahead with a game-closing 9-0 run to prevail 69-61 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) turned in 16 points in his Valpo debut to lead four Beacons in double figures.
The 2021-2022 Valparaiso University men’s basketball season tips off on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After a pair of exhibition games, the results start counting on Tuesday as Mid-American Conference foe Toledo pays the Beacons a visit for a compelling home opener. Five transfers and five freshmen have joined the fold to team up with a strong group of returning players and form a new-look Valpo group that will compete in its first regular-season contest on Tuesday. Free Valpo socks will be given away to students who attend the game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erased a 13-point second-half deficit to take the lead midway through the period, but visiting Flagler broke a 67-all tie on an old-fashioned 3-point play with 0.9 seconds remaining to earn a 70-67 victory in exhibition action on Thursday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
A late surge helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team cut a 20-point deficit to as few as six, but visiting Ashland closed out an 87-78 victory in the exhibition opener at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach, Fla.) exploded for 32 points on seven made 3s, while Thomas Kithier (Macomb, Mich. / Clarkston [Michigan State]) poured in a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting in his first game action in a Valpo uniform. The game marked the return of spectators to the ARC for the first time since the end of the 2019-2020 season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time since Feb. 25, 2020, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play a game at the Athletics-Recreation Center that is open to the public on Saturday night. A new team with a new nickname will provide a new energy in the ARC starting at this week’s Community Welcome Back Night, an exhibition game vs. Ashland that begins at 6 p.m.
With basketball season right around the corner, the Missouri Valley Conference released its preseason poll and preseason all-conference teams on Wednesday.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced plans for basketball ticket sales for the 2021-2022 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will make three appearances on the Missouri Valley Conference Television Network this season, the league office announced on Friday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has added another national television date as the Missouri Valley Conference revealed its CBS Sports Network slate on Thursday.
The new-look Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will receive immediate national television exposure when the Missouri Valley Conference slate gets underway on Thursday, Dec. 2.
The 2021–2022 Valparaiso University men’s basketball conference schedule was announced by the Missouri Valley Conference on Tuesday.
The latest addition to the Valparaiso University men’s basketball nonconference schedule is a special one for head coach Matt Lottich.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Matt Lottich announced the bulk of the team’s 2021-2022 nonconference schedule on Wednesday. The program revealed seven home nonconference games and two exhibitions at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will participate in the Nassau Championship, a Baha Mar Hoops event hosted in Nassau, The Bahamas beginning on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the promotion of Peter Funk to a full-time role as Funk will serve as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced the addition of Kobe King (La Crosse, Wis. / La Crosse Central [Wisconsin]), who has joined the program for the 2021-2022 season.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball forward Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) continued to earn honors for his stellar sophomore season on Thursday as he was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced the addition of Joe Hedstrom (Hopkins, Minn. / Hopkins), who joins the program as a transfer from the University of Wisconsin.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Thomas Kithier (Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston), a transfer from Michigan State University.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the additions of Trevor Anderson (Steven Point, Wis. / SPASH [Wisconsin]) and Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]), who will join the team as graduate transfers for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year. Both officially signed with the program on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled back to outscore Missouri State 42-35 after halftime, but a cold-shooting first half proved to be too much to overcome as the Bears prevailed 66-55 to advance to the semifinal round of the State Farm MVC Tournament in St. Louis. Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy] paced Valpo with 17 points and eight rebounds in the season finale.
The Missouri Valley Conference postseason accolades continued to roll in for Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) on Thursday.
A day after being tabbed to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Third Team, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) added another accolade as he was selected for the league’s Most-Improved Team on Wednesday.
Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly.
A pair of honorees represented the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference revealed its 2020-21 all-league teams. Sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) garnered all-MVC Third Team recognition, while Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) achieved a place on the All-Freshman Team.
For the first time since joining the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has earned a first-round bye in the State Farm MVC Tournament by virtue of a top-six finish in the regular-season standings. The program continued to elevate its Valley tournament seeding with each passing season, bypassing Thursday’s opening round and vaulting straight into a quarterfinal showdown against the third-seeded Bears of Missouri State. Valpo will look to replicate its Arch Madness success from a season ago, when head coach Matt Lottich’s team won three games in three days to become the first opening-round team in the 30-year history of the event to reach the title game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has never been so happy to see a date come off the schedule.
A lengthy first-half scoring drought was too much to overcome for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Friday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. An early scoring run propelled visiting Indiana State to a 58-43 victory despite the Brown & Gold outscoring the guests 27-20 after halftime. Saturday’s rematch will hold high significance in the conference standings as Valpo battles to secure a first-round bye in the upcoming State Farm MVC Tournament.
The Missouri Valley Conference will conduct its 31st St. Louis-based postseason men’s basketball tournament when the State Farm MVC Tournament takes the hardwood at Enterprise Center, on Thursday-Sunday, March 4-7, 2021. The State Farm MVC Tournament, also known uniquely as “Arch Madness” to Valley fans, will be played at Enterprise Center for the 27th time.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will welcome Indiana State to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Friday and Saturday for a pair of games to close out the 2020-21 regular season. All told, Valpo will have played its last 16 Missouri Valley Conference games in a 39-day span after six of the team’s first eight MVC games were postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. There’s a lot at stake entering the two games this weekend as Valpo plays for seeding with hopes of finishing in the top six and earning a first-round bye at next week’s State Farm MVC Tournament in St. Louis. In addition, Valpo will salute its senior class with a pregame recognition and postgame tribute video on Saturday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played its third consecutive game decided by three points or fewer on Monday as a late scoring surge fell short in a 67-64 defeat to host Southern Illinois at the Banterra Center in Carbondale. After a one-point Valpo win on Sunday, the Salukis (11-11, 5-11) tightened the race for first-round byes in the middle of the Missouri Valley Conference standings, setting up an intriguing final weekend of Valley action.
Southern Illinois scored seemingly at will early in the game, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team stepped up defensively when the stakes were the highest on Sunday night at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.
The first stretch of five consecutive conference road games in the program’s Division-I history concludes this weekend as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team makes its way to Carbondale, Ill. to take on Southern Illinois on Sunday and Monday. Valpo players and coaches have not had much free time on their calendars, as this wraps up a stretch of eight games in a 17-day period with the last five of those taking place away from the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued its trend of putting nationally-ranked opponents on notice on Wednesday night at Gentile Arena, coming within an eyelash of handing No. 22/23 Loyola its first home conference loss in exactly two years, but the host Ramblers escaped with a 54-52 victory. Valpo has played three games against nationally-ranked teams this season, earning one victory in addition to a pair of losses by three points or fewer.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue its grueling schedule on Wednesday night with a visit to Chicago’s North Side to take on Missouri Valley Conference leader Loyola in Rogers Park. After notching the fourth victory against a nationally-ranked opponent in program history on Feb. 7 vs. then No. 25 Drake, Valpo will look to continue that success against the 22nd-ranked Ramblers on Wednesday. Valpo is seeking its first ever true road win over a nationally-ranked opponent.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference that tickets are now available for the 2021 State Farm MVC Tournament, known as “Arch Madness,” which will take place March 4-7 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together one of its best performances of the season on Saturday, but that momentum did not carry over into Sunday’s series finale at UNI. The host Panthers bounced back to garner the split in the weekend set, topping the Brown & Gold 74-60 on Sunday. The Panthers (7-14, 5-10 MVC) shot at a 52.8 percent clip and boasted double-figure outputs from four of their five starters.
Depth was the name of the game for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday night at the University of Northern Iowa. Valpo received contributions from a variety of sources on its way to achieving a slice of program history with the team’s first-ever victory at UNI, a 70-57 triumph at the McLeod Center that snapped a 14-game skid in Cedar Falls.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a stretch of five consecutive road tilts this weekend by paying Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite UNI a visit on Saturday and Sunday in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Saturday will mark the fourth game of a busy stretch of eight games in 17 days as Valpo continues its NBA-style schedule necessitated by several COVID-related postponements early in the league slate. Both games against the Panthers this weekend will be televised in the Chicago market, Saturday on NBC Sports Chicago Plus and Sunday on NBC Sports Chicago.
Sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) scored a game-high 17 points including 16 before halftime, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 76-52 to visiting Bradley on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Braves (11-11, 5-8) earned a split in the season series after Valpo prevailed in double overtime in the first meeting between the two teams.
Valparaiso University will host a virtual panel featuring Valpo Basketball legends on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. Central Time in advance of that evening’s 5 p.m. game against Indiana State at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to build on its recent signature victory as Bradley makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 6 p.m. tip on Wednesday. The Brown & Gold will continue a busy stretch of basketball that leads all the way to the regular-season finish line by hosting the Braves for the second time this season. Both teams will be playing their third game in five days as they squeeze in a makeup of a contest originally slated for late December.
A banner weekend concluded with a pair of honors for Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) on Monday.
Head coach Matt Lottich sat down via zoom with Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute to discuss the play of freshmen Sheldon Edwards and Jacob Ognacevic, the upset over No. 25 Drake & how the team and staff are holding up during a busy stretch of games.
There wasn’t much drama in the closing minutes on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, and for all the right reasons for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with a nationally-ranked foe on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but No. 25 Drake eked out an 80-77 victory to remain one of three undefeated teams in the nation. Freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) poured in 20 points to match a career high and help the Brown & Gold give the Bulldogs (18-0, 9-0) a scare in their second-closest game of the season. Valpo put together one of its best assist-to-turnover ratios in recent memory in the defeat.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host a nationally-ranked opponent for the first time since an upset victory over Rhode Island in November 2016 as Missouri Valley Conference leading Drake makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a pair of games on Saturday and Sunday. The Bulldogs, one of three undefeated teams in the nation, moved into the Associated Press and Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll Top 25 this week.
A strong first half had the Valparaiso University men’s basketball teams in good shape on Monday, but host Evansville roared from behind and Valpo went cold offensively as the Purple Aces pulled out a 58-51 victory. Valpo shot a sizzling 54.2 percent before halftime but was held to just 37.5 percent after the break in a tale of two halves at the Ford Center in Evansville. Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) was Valpo’s top scorer with 14 points.
A three-game winning streak for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came to an end on Sunday afternoon at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind. Despite another strong showing from reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place), Valpo was on the wrong side of a 70-52 final in a game that saw host Evansville (7-8, 5-4) shoot above 60 percent.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to continue its winning ways as the program heads to Evansville to clash with the Purple Aces for a Sunday-Monday Missouri Valley Conference series. This will close out a stretch of six games in 13 days and continue a 34-day stretch that features 14 Valpo contests. The Brown & Gold won all three meetings with Evansville last season, but each of those victories were by three points or fewer.
On a night where a freshman played like a senior and January felt like March, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team engineered its latest come-from-behind victory, knocking off defending Missouri Valley Conference champion Bradley 91-85 in a wild, double-overtime rematch of last season’s league title game.
Valpo head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly sponsored by LBJI to discuss:
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week by the league office on Tuesday.
A game that was originally scheduled to kick off the Missouri Valley Conference slate on Dec. 28 will finally occur precisely a month later as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts Bradley on Thursday night in a rematch of last year’s MVC title game. Valpo is seeking its third straight victory as the two teams get together for the first of two midweek makeups as a result of the original series being postponed due to COVID-19. A victory on Thursday would allow Valpo to secure its first three game winning streak since its majestic run of three victories in three days last March in St. Louis to reach the MVC championship game.
A day after being held to a season-low four points while battling foul trouble, sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) joined elite company in program lore on Sunday, putting together a 25-point, 15-rebound game to lift the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a 70-66 victory over host Illinois State. Valpo fended off a Redbird rally after leading by as many as 16, securing a Missouri Valley Conference sweep this weekend at Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill.
All victories are sweet, but this one felt extra satisfying for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.
he Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to get back on track this weekend as Valpo makes its way to Illinois State for a back-to-back against the Redbirds. These games were initially scheduled to occur on Jan. 2-3 but were postponed and later rescheduled for this weekend. Valpo will look to snap a five-game skid and grab its first road victory of the season on Saturday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to Loyola 75-39 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo was plagued by cold shooting, hitting at a 30.6 percent clip from the field and 15 percent mark from 3-point range. Senior Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) led the way with 14 points, while sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) joined him in double figures with 12.
After having six of its first eight scheduled Missouri Valley Conference games postponed, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a busy stretch of Valley action on Wednesday night. The team is scheduled to play 14 games in a 33-day span starting with Wednesday’s home date with nearby foe Loyola. This is a rematch of last year’s MVC Tournament quarterfinal, when Valpo came from 18 down to upset the Ramblers 74-73 in overtime on a last-second layup by Eron Gordon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 77-58 setback to Big East Conference member DePaul in a nonconference clash on Saturday afternoon at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) scored a team-high 12 points in Valpo’s first game against the Blue Demons since 1980, an 11th-hour addition to the schedule after both schools had conference games postponed this week.
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced makeup dates for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s series at Southern Illinois, which was originally slated for this coming weekend before being postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results within Southern Illinois’ Tier 1 personnel.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has made the latest adjustment during a season that requires flexibility from all involved. After the team’s scheduled Missouri Valley Conference weekend series at Southern Illinois was postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results within Southern Illinois’ Tier 1 personnel, the Valpo staff added a nonconference matchup with Big East foe DePaul at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. This marks the first meeting between the two geographically nearby schools since the 1979-1980 season. The game will be televised nationally on FS1.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of a nonconference game on Saturday, Jan. 16 at DePaul. The game will be televised nationally on FS1 from Wintrust Arena in Chicago with the tip slated for 3 p.m. CT.
Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint.
The Missouri Valley Conference has postponed the Valparaiso-Southern Illinois men's basketball series (Jan. 16-17) at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill., due to positive COVID-19 test results among Southern Illinois’ Tier I personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff. Additionally, the UNI-Drake single-game matchup scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21, at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has also been postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results among Drake's Tier I personnel.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team dropped the second game of a back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference weekend series on Sunday afternoon, falling 78-68 to visiting Missouri State at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo held Isiaih Mosley to three points on just 1-of-5 shooting in the opening half, but the conference’s leading scorer went off for 26 points on 10-of-11 from the field after halftime to lift the Bears (8-1, 5-1) to their eighth win in nine games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program returned to the court after a 20-day hiatus from game action with an 81-68 setback to Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Bears (7-1, 4-1 MVC) avenged Valpo’s victory from last season’s MVC semifinal matchup despite 21 points apiece from Valpo sophomores Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton). Krikke used 17 first-half points on his way to his new career high.
The Missouri Valley Conference announced a number of men’s and women’s basketball makeup dates and schedule changes on Thursday, including four makeup games for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the court on Saturday after 20 consecutive days without a game since the team’s most recent action on Dec. 19 at Toledo. A pause in team activities due to positive COVID-19 test results within the program led to the cancellation of the scheduled nonconference finale against Mount St. Joseph on Dec. 21 plus the postponement of the team’s first two scheduled MVC series, which were slated to be vs. Bradley (Dec. 28-29) and at Illinois State (Jan. 2-3). Valpo will jump back into action against a Top-100 team in the NET rankings as Missouri State checks in at No. 81.
The Missouri Valley Conference has postponed the Illinois State-Valparaiso men’s basketball series (Jan. 2-3) due to positive COVID-19 test results among Valpo’s team personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff. The conference will announce make-up dates for the games at a later date.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a pause in all team activities due to positive COVID-19 test results among the team’s personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the cancellation of Monday’s game vs. Mount St. Joseph due to COVID-19 protocols. The game will not be made up.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the nonconference portion of the season on Monday night as Mount St. Joseph makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the final game before the Christmas holiday. The game was a late add to the schedule, replacing the scheduled home opener against Trinity International that was canceled in November.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomores Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) and Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) both put together strong showings, but it was not enough to lift the squad past host Toledo on Saturday afternoon at Savage Arena. A top-100 team in the Ken Pom ratings, the Rockets recorded a 71-57 triumph behind an 18-point effort by leading scorer Marreon Jackson.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will seek its first road triumph of the season on Saturday afternoon as the squad takes the court at Savage Arena to battle host Toledo. The matchup is a return trip of a home-and-home that saw Valpo mount a 14-point comeback to win 79-77 on a last-second shot in the 2019-20 season opener.
Senior Nick Robinson (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s] put together the highest scoring output of his Valparaiso University men’s basketball career, pouring in a team-high 21 points to lift his squad to an 89-71 victory over Purdue Northwest on Thursday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo pulled away late to move to 3-0 at home on the young season.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was recognized for his success in the classroom as part of this week’s State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, which was announced on Wednesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to stay unblemished at home on Thursday night as Purdue Northwest makes the short trip from Hammond for a Northwest Indiana clash. Valpo was originally scheduled to take on Eastern Michigan on Wednesday evening, but that game was postponed until the 2021-22 season, and this contest against the Pride was added.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced two additions to the nonconference schedule.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played well in the second half, but a 14-point halftime deficit proved to be too much to overcome as host Central Michigan held on for an 84-79 win on Saturday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) had his best game of the season and one of his most productive days in a Valpo uniform, posting 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting to go along with five rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a schedule change for Wednesday, Dec. 16. The scheduled home game against Eastern Michigan has been postponed and rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak to three on Saturday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The team will clash with Central Michigan for a 3:30 p.m. CT tip, a return trip of a home-and-home after the two squads matched up at the Athletics-Recreation Center a year ago.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference, has announced television plans for the 2020-2021 conference basketball season.
A 20-point, eight-rebound performance by freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) paved the way for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to notch an 80-58 home victory over SIUE on Wednesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo held the Cougars to 11.8 percent from beyond the 3-point arc en route to the victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to make it back-to-back wins on Wednesday evening as SIUE makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo has won four straight home games dating back to last season, all by double figures. In addition, the Brown & Gold will look to top the Cougars for a fourth consecutive season.
Freshmen Jacob Ognacevic (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) and Connor Barrett (Chicago, Ill. / Loyola Academy) finished as the top two scorers and combined for 37 points in their first collegiate home game on Sunday afternoon. The duo helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team down Judson 85-45 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Fellow rookie Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) also reached double figures on a day where the freshman class carried the bulk of the scoring load as the Brown & Gold entered the win column for the first time this season.
At long last, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Sunday afternoon as Judson University comes to town for a 1 p.m. tipoff. Valpo will compete in its home venue for the first time since winning the final three home games of the 2019-20 campaign in convincing fashion over Southern Illinois (55-38), Bradley (90-78) and Missouri State (89-74). Valpo’s first home game since Feb. 25 will not be open to the public as the University has announced that no outside spectators will be permitted at December home games due to current COVID-19 data. This game counts as an exhibition for Judson but a regular-season game for Valpo.
Breakout performances by senior Nick Robinson (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s]) and freshman Jacob Ognacevic (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team give host Purdue all it could handle on Friday night at Mackey Arena, but the Boilermakers made enough plays late to rally from an 11-point halftime deficit to prevail 68-61. Valpo’s best performance of the season to date saw Matt Lottich’s team lead Matt Painter’s squad as late as the game’s final eight minutes.
The Missouri Valley Conference released its updated men’s and women’s basketball conference schedules on Friday, slates which feature games on back-to-back dates against the same opponent at the same site each weekend.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will conclude a season-opening stretch of three straight road games on Friday night in West Lafayette. Valpo will be on the national television airwaves against a Power 5 opponent for the second straight Friday, this time battling Big Ten foe Purdue on Big Ten Network in the team’s first trip to Mackey Arena since 2017-18.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 66-50 setback on Tuesday at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago as host UIC secured its first 3-0 start since 2001 by limiting the Brown & Gold to 37.7 percent shooting and 1-of-14 from beyond the arc. Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) led the way with 12 points, while follow sophomore Ben Krikke posted 11 on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the court on Tuesday night at UIC for the second of three straight road games to open the season. This matchup pits a pair of teams that reached the championship game of their respective conference tournaments and came within one win of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. This marks Valpo’s first game against a member of the Horizon League since departing the conference to join the Missouri Valley Conference prior to the 2017-18 season.
The talented frontcourt tandem of Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) was on full display in the season opener on Friday night, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came up shy in a 77-71 setback against Southeastern Conference opponent Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Valpo led by five with under six minutes remaining, but an 11-0 run by the host Commodores proved pivotal in a game of bursts.
It’s a sentence many have waited patiently yet anxiously to read: The Valparaiso University men’s basketball season is scheduled to begin this week. After the 2019-2020 campaign came to a memorable yet abrupt ending, the program shifted its focus to months of preparation for the start of a new season, which finally comes on Friday night in Nashville. The new year brings with it new opportunities, starting with a long-awaited matchup against SEC foe Vanderbilt.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Sunday’s scheduled game against Trinity International has been canceled. The Trojans have delayed their season until late December.
Valparaiso University Athletics has announced the department’s broadcast plans for the 2020-2021 men’s and women’s basketball seasons.
When Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Zion Morgan learned the news about his torn ACL prior to the 2017-18 season at Wabash Valley College, his first reaction was one of disbelief.
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that men’s and women’s basketball home games at the Athletics-Recreation Center during the months of November and December will not be open to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During its meeting this morning, the MVC Presidents Council reaffirmed its priorities for decision-making regarding COVID-19 matters, which include: health and safety, ethical responsibility in decision-making, student-athlete experience, quality of competition and opportunities for national competitiveness.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Matt Lottich have announced the program’s 2020-2021 nonconference schedule. The slate tips off on Friday, Nov. 27 with a trip to Vanderbilt.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Keyondre Young (Del City, Okla. / Del City), who has signed his National Letter of Intent for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year.
From the moment he first stepped onto the Athletics-Recreation Center floor as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, Daniel Sackey’s vocal leadership skills were clear to teammates, coaches and fans alike.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a trio of incoming freshmen for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year.
The Valparaiso University and Purdue University men’s basketball programs have announced that the two teams plan to meet in a nonconference matchup on Dec. 4 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish during the 2020-2021 season, Nick Robinson’s (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s]) two-word response was simple, yet effective.
To put it simply, basketball is a way of life for Valparaiso University men’s basketball redshirt senior Eron Gordon.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has been named to the 2020-2021 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Second Team, as announced by the league office on Thursday.
The statistical leaps may have come as a surprise to some, but in reality, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Mileek McMillan’s place on the Missouri Valley Conference Most-Improved Team following his junior season in 2019-2020 just followed a trend that has been unmistakable from the early stages of his basketball career.
Family influence played a role in men’s basketball freshman walk-on Tyler Fricke’s decision to attend Valparaiso University.
Since the last time Steven Helm III was a member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, a lot has changed.
Many college basketball players picked up a basketball as soon as they were old enough to walk, but Valparaiso University sophomore Emil Freese-Vilien appeared in his first game at the Division-I level less than five years after competing in the sport for the first time.
In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, former Valparaiso University student-athletes working in the medical field across the country have gone beyond the expected in their efforts to combat the virus and treat patients in need of their care.
Junior Brock Pappas (Valparaiso, Ind. / Washington Township) remembers attending Valparaiso University men’s basketball games as a child and looking up to the players. Now, he’s one of them.
Geographically speaking, Sigurd Lorange is no closer to home than he was when he first stepped foot on the Valparaiso University campus a year ago.
The Valparaiso University men’s and women’s basketball teams released their 2020-2021 conference schedules in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference on Tuesday.
The motivation doesn’t come in the form of a scholarship or significant playing time for Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Luke Morrill (Lombard, Ill. / Montini Catholic).
With a year of college experience under his belt, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has a simple piece of advice for the program’s new crop of rookies.
For followers of competitive athletics, ice hockey is the sport most closely associated with Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. However, it’s not the only sport played in the city currently hosting the National Hockey League postseason bubble.
The road to get there was different from that of his teammates, but the destination was the same for Valparaiso University men’s basketball redshirt sophomore Goodnews Kpegeol (St. Paul, Minn. / North St. Paul [Southwest Mississippi CC / Kansas State]).
Simply put, the game of basketball is fun for Valparaiso University freshman Sheldon Edwards (Port Saint Lucie, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]).
Jacob Ognacevic’s (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) high school basketball statistics speak for themselves, but the praise from Sheboygan Lutheran High School coach Nick Verhagen speaks even louder about the Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman.
Valparaiso University freshman Connor Barrett (Chicago, Ill. / Loyola Academy) was glued to his device for nearly every Valpo men’s basketball game in 2019-2020, but the chance to see his future team compete in the Missouri Valley Conference title game on March 8 took his excitement to a whole new level.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program was represented as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its 2019-2020 Honors Court on Wednesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Tyler Fricke (Arlington Heights, Ill. / Buffalo Grove) as a walk-on for the 2020-2021 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program officially welcomed its newest member on Wednesday as Goodnews Kpegeol (St. Paul, Minn. / North [Southwest Mississippi CC / Kansas State]) has signed his national letter of intent to join head coach Matt Lottich’s team.
The campus, community, conference and nation witnessed the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team accomplish something special in March, but those within the program knew they had something special long before the team arrived in St. Louis for the annual Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
The Valpo Athletics family is saddened by the loss of Bob Metcalf ’50, who was inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 after his career as a men’s basketball standout from 1946-1950.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Just two years removed from finishing in last place and being knocked out in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament as a first-year Valley member, head coach Matt Lottich’s team did more than hold its own, ascending into a tie for sixth in the league standings before finishing as the conference tournament runner-up. Valpo became the first team in the history of Arch Madness to reach the title game after playing in the opening round.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) added another honor to his long list of accolades from the 2019-2020 season on Monday as he was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District First Team for District 16.
After making an unprecedented run to the Missouri Valley Conference title game by becoming the lowest seed to reach the final game in the 30-year history of Arch Madness, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell a victory shy of reaching the NCAA Tournament with an 80-66 loss to Bradley on Sunday afternoon at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, a game that was played in front of a coast-to-coast national television audience on CBS.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play for the Missouri Valley Conference title and the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament that goes along with it on Sunday afternoon at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Seventh-seeded Valpo’s unlikely run to the championship game has featured victories over Evansville, Loyola and Missouri State. Now, one win separates the program from its 15th NCAA Tournament appearance. In order to punch a ticket to the Big Dance, Valpo will have to knock off defending Arch Madness champion Bradley on Sunday afternoon.
Valparaiso University star sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) once again put on his Super Man cape during Saturday night’s Missouri Valley Conference semifinal at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
After upsetting second-seeded Loyola on Friday night at Arch Madness, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play for a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference title game on Saturday evening at the Enterprise Center. Valpo will look to become the first team since the conference went to the current 10-team format in 1997 to play in the opening round of the tournament and reach the title game. Valpo and Missouri State tied for sixth in the regular-season standings with the Bears taking the No. 6 seed at Arch Madness by virtue of the NET tiebreaker.
Check back for details on Valpo's 74-73 overtime upset of Loyola on Saturday at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has secured a Missouri Valley Conference victory for the second straight season, advancing to the quarterfinal round thanks to Thursday’s escape of Evansville. Valpo will match up with Loyola in an Arch Madness quarterfinal for the second consecutive season. The Ramblers took both of this year’s regular season matchups between the two nearby foes, winning the two games by a combined five points.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program’s bright future was on full display on the Missouri Valley Conference’s biggest stage as the team’s top two scorers were freshmen in Thursday’s Arch Madness opening-round game at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team added to its haul of Missouri Valley Conference accolades on Thursday as senior John Kiser (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville) was recognized for his excellence both on the court and in the classroom as part of the MVC Scholar-Athlete Second Team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued to haul in Missouri Valley Conference honors on Wednesday morning as the league announced its 2020 All-Bench and Most-Improved teams.
A pair of Valparaiso University men’s basketball underclassmen were recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its all-conference teams on Tuesday.
After finishing tied for sixth in the regular-season standings and posting its first Missouri Valley Conference record of .500 or better since joining the league, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open Arch Madness by battling Evansville on Thursday night in St. Louis. Valpo was edged by Missouri State for the final first-round bye by virtue of the NET tiebreaker. Head coach Matt Lottich’s young team (nine of 14 players made their Valpo debuts this season) played its best basketball of the season down the stretch, winning four of five before dropping the regular-season finale at Indiana State with leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty sidelined by an illness.
Coach Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey on Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly.
For the first time this season, Valparaiso University freshman Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has garnered a Missouri Valley Conference weekly honor as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Week on Sunday evening.
The Missouri Valley Conference officially revealed the bracket for this week’s 2020 men’s basketball tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis early Sunday morning.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 71-58 in a tough road challenge against an Indiana State team that had dropped just one home game all season on Saturday afternoon at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute. Playing without leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty for the second straight game, Valpo received double-figure efforts from Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea), Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) and Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind. / Marquette Catholic [Providence]).
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the 2019-20 regular season on Saturday afternoon with a meaningful game at Indiana State. A win in the season finale would allow Valpo to clinch a first-round bye in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and earn a berth in Friday’s Arch Madness quarterfinals in St. Louis. A victory would be the team’s fifth in six games and allow the Brown & Gold to finish with a winning record in conference play for the first time since joining The Valley.
The past, present and future of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program all came together in a dominant 89-74 win over Missouri State on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
It’s Senior Night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Ryan Fazekas and John Kiser will be recognized prior to the game before taking the court for the final home contest of their collegiate careers. The game holds plenty of meaning, as Valpo can secure a first-round bye in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament by winning each of its final two regular season dates. It’s another even matchup on paper as Valpo and Missouri State – two squads that hold .500 MVC records – will square off on Tuesday night.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erasing a double-figure deficit has become old news, but the fashion in which the Brown & Gold came from behind to beat Bradley made for yet another memorable night at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday.
Another pivotal game in the Missouri Valley Conference standings is on tap for Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. It’s Hall of Fame Night, the penultimate home game of the season and the final weekend home contest of the year. The 2020 Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be honored at halftime. It’s also a crucial game in the Missouri Valley Conference standings as Valpo continues to battle for a first-round bye at Arch Madness.
This Valparaiso University men’s basketball game was similar to the last one in every way but the ending.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the stakes of each game are high for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. It’s an all-out battle to avoid Thursday at Arch Madness, with four teams owning a 7-7 record and tied for fifth in the league standings. The top six teams will automatically advance to Friday at the MVC Tournament, while the bottom four will play on the tournament’s first day. Valpo has regular season meetings remaining with all three of the other teams involved in the fifth-place tie, starting on Wednesday night at Drake.
After playing the role of hero in the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s improbable, come-from-behind victory at Illinois State on Saturday night, Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on Monday.
When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team entered the locker room trailing Illinois State by 17 points on Saturday night in Normal, Ill., head coach Matt Lottich’s message was concise yet clear – ‘just fight.’
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first of back-to-back away games on Saturday night at Illinois State. This snaps a streak of four straight games without a hotel stay. Valpo will look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since a three-game winning streak over SIUE, North Dakota and Grand Canyon from Nov. 12-22. A victory on Saturday would allow Valpo to match its Missouri Valley Conference win total from last season with four games to spare.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together the program’s best defensive outing in 36 years on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, rolling to a 55-38 victory that snapped visiting Southern Illinois’ seven-game winning streak. On a night where Valpo limited the Salukis to just 23.6 percent shooting, Ben Krikke threatened a double-double with a team-high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds. The 38 points marked the fewest allowed by a Valpo against a Division-I opponent since 1984.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out a home-heavy stretch by welcoming the surprise team of the year in the Missouri Valley Conference to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday night. A Southern Illinois squad that was picked to finish last in the preseason poll but is instead competing for the league title under first-year head coach Bryan Mullins will be in town for Wednesday’s contest. This will mark Valpo’s third home fixture in a four-game span and fourth straight game without a hotel stay.
This week's edition of Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly w/ head coach Matt Lottich features the following topics:
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came from 14 points down with 7:54 remaining to create an opportunity to tie or take the lead on the game’s final possession, but host Loyola escaped with a 70-68 victory on Sunday afternoon at Gentile Arena in Chicago. Four Valpo starters scored 13 points or more in Valpo’s tightest matchup with the Ramblers since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make the short trip over the state line to visit the north side of Chicago on Sunday afternoon. The journey to Rogers Park will feature the latest installment in a longtime series with Loyola, a Sunday matinee that will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Both teams are looking to rebound from losses on Wednesday night.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held first-place UNI to its lowest point total in Missouri Valley Conference play this season, but the hosts couldn’t produce enough offense to knock off the Panthers on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. UNI, a team receiving votes nationally in the USA Today and AP polls, picked up its 20th win of the season thanks to a 63-51 triumph, sending Valpo to just its second home loss of the year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will round out a set of consecutive home games for the first time all season on Wednesday as the team seeks its first set of back-to-back victories in conference play. Valpo will welcome the conference’s top team in UNI for Part 2 of the battle between the league’s top two scorers – Valpo’s Javon Freeman-Liberty and UNI’s A.J. Green.
The contributions came from a variety of sources for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday night in an 80-70 win over Illinois State at the Athletics-Recreation Center. On a night where seven players finished with seven points or more and four players had five rebounds or more, it was Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) who shined the brightest. He scored 17 points, his highest total against a Division-I opponent, to lead the way for the Brown & Gold.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a home-heavy stretch on Saturday night as Illinois State comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will mark the first meeting of the year between the two teams as Illinois State enters the weekend as the final Missouri Valley Conference squad that Valpo has not yet played. This will start a stretch where Valpo plays three of four at home for the first time all season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made a late run to pull within two points with 3:44 to play on Wednesday night at Bradley, but the Braves finished strong to hold on for an 80-69 win at Carver Arena. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) and Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind. / Marquette Catholic [Providence]) both returned to form, with Freeman-Liberty scoring a game-high 21 points while the now-healthy Fazekas drained four 3s.
Head coach Matt Lottich joins Brandon Vickrey to talk about the latest in Valpo basketball on this edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.
On a night where Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) played perhaps his best game in a college uniform, it seemed only fitting that the Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior would make the biggest play of the day.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will attempt to secure a season sweep over Evansville on Sunday afternoon in a regionally-televised contest at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Evansville is the first opponent Valpo will play for a second time this season after the two teams matched up at the Ford Center on Jan. 4. This is the second of back-to-back televised games for Valpo, as this one will air on the MVC TV Network, which includes NBC Sports Chicago as well as FOX Sports Midwest.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outdid Missouri State after halftime, but a large deficit by the game’s midway mark was too much to overcome on Thursday night at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. Valpo trailed by as many as 21, but cut the deficit all the way down to seven by the time the clock hit all zeros with the hosts prevailing 67-60.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will have four consecutive days without a game for the final time this season leading into Thursday’s matchup with Missouri State. Valpo will head to Springfield, Mo. to battle the Bears in the program’s first nationally-televised game of the 2019-20 campaign. The contest will be carried on CBS Sports Network, the first of back-to-back TV dates for the Brown & Gold.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 9 at Loyola has been selected for distribution on ESPNU. The nationally-televised game will tip off at 3 p.m. from Gentile Arena in Chicago after being chosen by ESPN as a wildcard selection.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fought through bumps and bruises on Saturday night to fend off the visiting Indiana State Sycamores 86-77 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Javon Freeman-Liberty poured in 25 points to lead five Valpo players in double figures, as a true team effort helped the Brown & Gold withstand the loss of three key players due to injuries and two more starters spending a chunk of the first half sidelined. Valpo dipped back into its old bag of comeback tricks, erasing a double-figure deficit en route to the victory.
It’s a Saturday night of Missouri Valley Conference hoops at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Indiana State makes its way to Porter County to create the latest installment of a deep history between the two instate foes. Valpo avenged a pair of regular season losses to eliminate head coach Greg Lansing’s team in the conference tournament a year ago in St. Louis, setting the stage for Saturday’s matchup that features two of the league’s top three scorers. In addition to the game, fans who come out will enjoy halftime entertainment courtesy of Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred an 88-78 setback to UNI on Wednesday night at the McLeod Center in a back-and-forth game where the guests led by as many as 11. The Panthers, a team receiving votes nationally in the AP and USA Today Coaches polls, clawed back with a large run late in the first half and early in the second half en route to improving to 10-0 at home this season. A battle between the league’s top two scorers lived up to the hype, as Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) poured in 28 points and UNI’s A.J. Green finished with 29.
A challenging test awaits the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, which will look for its second straight victory on Wednesday night at UNI. The Panthers are the highest regarded team in the conference by a variety of metrics and own an unblemished 9-0 record at home. After already eliminating one lengthy skid this season by winning at Evansville for the first time since 1969, Valpo will look to snap a 13-game skid at UNI and earn its first ever win when visiting Cedar Falls. UNI is receiving votes nationally in the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
Coach Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for another edition of Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly to recap Saturday's win at Drake and preview another tough test at UNI.
An unconventional but successful version of the home-run ball, a go-ahead 3-pointer by senior John Kiser and a clutch effort at the free-throw line were the key ingredients that helped create a 66-61 victory for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team over defending Missouri Valley Conference regular-season champion Drake on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
Valparaiso University sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named to the 2019-20 Lou Henson Award midseason watch list, which was announced on Thursday.
After completing a stretch of five out of six on the road, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a Saturday afternoon affair with Drake. This will mark just the second home game played by Valpo since Dec. 8 and the first chance for students to catch the team after returning from the holiday break.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 63-50 setback on Tuesday night at Southern Illinois, splitting a two-game Missouri Valley Conference road trip. Southern Illinois freshman star Marcus Domask scored 21 points on 8-of-8 shooting in the first half alone, spurring the hosts to victory at the Banterra Center in Carbondale. Valpo’s top performance came courtesy of senior John Kiser (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville), who equaled career bests in points and rebounds with nine of each. Another Valpo highlight was a dunk by sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) that would later appear on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.
Carbondale is the next stop on the current road swing for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team as the squad faces off with Southern Illinois on Tuesday night. Valpo will attempt to win in Carbondale for the second straight year after sweeping the season series from the Salukis a year ago. This will mark the final game of a stretch where Valpo has played five out of six on the road with only one home game over a month’s time.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team accomplished a feat that the program hadn’t reached in the lifetime of any current player or coach on Saturday night at the Ford Center – winning a road game against the Evansville Purple Aces.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first time in Missouri Valley Conference play for a two-stop trip starting on Saturday night in Evansville. This will mark the team’s fourth road trip of five days or longer this season as Valpo will head on to Southern Illinois following Saturday’s tilt.
Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) sure didn’t look like a freshman in Monday’s Missouri Valley Conference opener at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but the rookie’s senior-like performance came in a losing effort as visiting Loyola nipped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team 66-63 in front of a large audience of 4,364. A conference slate that figures to be filled with close games started in tight fashion as Valpo incurred its fourth loss by six points or fewer.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin this year’s Missouri Valley Conference schedule the same way last year’s ended – against the Loyola Ramblers. Valpo will welcome its nearby foes to the Athletics-Recreation Center in hopes of avenging last year’s conference tournament defeat. This will mark Valpo’s first home game since Dec. 8 following an eight-day, three-game road swing to North Carolina and Arkansas. After finishing the nonconference slate with a winning record for the 10th straight season, Valpo will open the league slate at home for the second straight year.
Facing an uphill battle with a shorthanded roster in a raucous road environment, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team gave fans numerous reasons for optimism heading into the Missouri Valley Conference slate during Saturday’s nonconference finale.
The third and final stop of an eight-day, three-city road trip will occur on Saturday evening in North Little Rock, Ark. as Valpo battles the Arkansas Razorbacks in a neutral-site contest to close out the nonconference slate. This will mark Valpo’s final game before breaking for the Christmas holiday and will be the final tune-up prior to the Missouri Valley Conference season, which begins on Monday, Dec. 30 vs. Loyola.
A career night from Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) and a monstrous second half from Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) highlighted a complete team effort that saw the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team pull away late to down High Point 87-72 at the Millis Center in High Point, N.C. on Wednesday. The contributions came from up and down the roster as Valpo outscored the Panthers 48-30 after halftime.
It’s Stop 2 on an eight-day, three-city road trip for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. This time, Valpo has revenge on its minds as the North Carolina swing continues with a stop at High Point for the team’s second game in a three-day span. The Panthers came into the Athletics-Recreation Center and knocked off the hosts a year ago, but this season presents the Brown & Gold with the opportunity to return the favor to Tubby Smith’s squad.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team attempted to claw its way out of an early 10-point hole on Monday evening in Charlotte, N.C., but the host 49ers prevailed 67-57 at Halton Arena. Freshman Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) boasted his fourth straight double-figure output, while sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) finished as the team’s leading scorer for the eighth time in the last nine games.
After a week of focusing on final exams, it’s back to the hardwood for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Monday evening in Charlotte. This will mark the first of three games on an eight-day road trip that leads into a holiday hiatus. By virtue of its most recent victory, Valpo owns a winning record through 10 games for the 10th consecutive season, sustaining the program’s tradition of strong starts.
The play of Javon Freeman-Liberty, Eron Gordon's contributions & the stellar defensive effort against the top scoring team in the nation are among the topics on Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly w/ Coach Lottich.
The past met the present in all the right ways on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will recognize the man who laid the foundation for the program’s tradition of excellence prior to Sunday’s game against Central Michigan at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The day is dedicated to celebrating legendary head coach Homer Drew’s recent enshrinement into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. A banner to commemorate the high honor will be unveiled and raised during a pregame ceremony that will begin shortly after 12:35 p.m. When the game gets going, Valpo will face off with another quality Mid-American Conference foe as Central Michigan makes its way to Northwest Indiana.
The Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced details for Sunday’s celebration of legendary Valpo basketball coach Homer Drew’s recent enshrinement into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
After facing a 10-point halftime deficit and trailing by as many as 12, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made its patented second-half comeback to take a late six-point lead on host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday night at the EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. But the effort fell short this time as the Eagles prevailed 85-79 despite a 28-point, five-steal performance by sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young).
For the second time in a three-week span, Valparaiso University sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) has garnered the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week award.
Following a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday and a few days of practice, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road again on Monday in advance of Tuesday’s date with Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. After finishing the month of November with a winning record for the 10th consecutive season, Valpo will face the Eagles for the first time since 2010 to tip off the December slate.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball players had their mental focus put to the test on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, taking the court after a late-night return that capped a full Tuesday of travel back from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Head coach Matt Lottich’s team passed that test with flying colors, dispatching visiting Trinity Christian College 98-71 with five players finishing in double figures and the team handing out 29 assists.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its fourth and final game of the Paradise Jam multi-team event on Wednesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After playing the first three games of the MTE in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Valpo returns to the contiguous United States for a non-bracketed Paradise Jam game against Trinity Christian, the final contest before a few days off for Thanksgiving. This game counts as an exhibition for Trinity Christian but a regular season game for Valpo.
After pacing his team through three games at the Paradise Jam this week, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named to the Paradise Jam All-Tournament team following Monday’s championship game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from 12 points down to force overtime in Monday’s Paradise Jam third-place game in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, but Cincinnati outscored Valpo 11-7 in the extra session to escape with an 81-77 victory. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) poured in a career-high 32 points to lead all scorers.
The early deficit was simply too large to overcome for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Sunday evening in a Paradise Jam semifinal matchup with Nevada, as the Wolf Pack advanced to the event’s championship with an 84-59 victory. Sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) continued his season-long tear, pouring in 21 points to pace the team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued to find ways to win on Friday afternoon in the opening game of the Paradise Jam at the Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, beating a quality Grand Canyon team 78-74 in an entertaining affair. Four starters finished in double figures to help Valpo hold the last lead in a game that featured 18 lead changes. Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea) entered the game with a season free-throw percentage of just 53.8, but he calmly swished in four free throws down the stretch that allowed the Brown & Gold to clinch the team’s fourth win in five games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will spend a week in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of the Paradise Jam multi-team event. Valpo will look to build on its 3-1 start to the season with three games against quality competition this week in St. Thomas. Valpo will face off with Grand Canyon in an opening-round matchup that is slated to tip at noon Central Time on Friday.
Valpo men's basketball coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey to talk about the team's 3-1 start to the season, the play of Mileek McMillan and Ben Krikke in Sunday's win over North Dakota and the team's upcoming trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
After guiding the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a pair of victories over the past week, sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on Monday.
Four players finished in double figures as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued its strong start to the season by besting North Dakota 74-60 on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Junior Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) and freshman Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) both had career performances, while sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) finished one rebound away from his second straight double-double.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced the addition of three incoming student-athletes for the 2020-21 academic and athletic year.
The Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced plans to hold a celebration of legendary head coach Homer Drew’s induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame during the men’s basketball game against Central Michigan on Sunday, Dec. 8.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will attempt to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season and improve to 2-0 at home on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. North Dakota will provide the opposition for the lone home date sandwiched between a five-day journey to the St. Louis area and a week-long stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The comeback kids were at it again on Tuesday night at the Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Ill.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play the second game of a five-day road trip on Tuesday night in Edwardsville, Ill. as SIU Edwardsville provides the opposition. Valpo will look to continue its encouraging start to the season by trying for its second win in three games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faced a 14-point deficit in the first half on Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis before battling to within two with 5:19 to play in the game. However, the defending Atlantic 10 champion Billikens finished strong, topping the Brown & Gold 81-70 by scoring 11 of the game’s final 13 points. Sophomore Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea) turned in a career-high 22 points, 15 of which came before halftime.
The first road trip of the 2019-20 season will take the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team back to the same city where the 2018-19 campaign came to an end. The route will be a familiar one, but the destination slightly different as Valpo will visit the home of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and conference office headquarters, but this time for a nonleague date with Atlantic 10 opponent Saint Louis on Saturday evening.
From an early deficit to large runs to late drama, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball season opener seemingly had it all.
Valpo men's basketball coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey to talk about the freshman class, the growth of Javon Freeman-Liberty and the challenging opening week that features Toledo and Saint Louis.
The long wait is over as the 2019-2020 season commences for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Although the return of basketball games that count may seem like a long time coming for Valpo fans, the Nov. 5 tipoff marks the earliest season opener in the history of the program, which dates all the way back to 1917. Last year’s Nov. 6 lid-lifter marked the program’s earliest start date prior to this season.
Fans received their first look at the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. They went home pleased with what they saw after Valpo showcased speed and athleticism on the way to an 85-65 triumph over Cedarville in exhibition play. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) boasted 21 points to lead all scorers.
Two returning standouts on the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received preseason recognition on Thursday as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its preseason teams and poll in advance of the 2019-2020 campaign.
If a member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team needs a reminder of what the program is all about in 2019-2020, he doesn’t have to look far.
Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced plans to hold an event for the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the Hammond Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and the City of Hammond.
With practices underway and the start of the season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced start times and broadcast plans for the 2019-2020 season.
Valparaiso University Director of Sports Medicine Nate Twedt has announced two additions to his staff as Ken DeAngelis and Stephen Jones have been hired as Assistant Athletic Trainers.
Valpo men’s and women’s basketball finalized their respective schedules for the upcoming 2019-20 season as the Missouri Valley Conference office released the conference slate on Tuesday.
The 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball nonconference schedule has arrived as head coach Matt Lottich has released a slate that will pit his team against at least five teams that qualified for the postseason last year.
A trio of familiar faces have accepted elevated responsibility on the Valparaiso University men’s basketball staff as head coach Matt Lottich has announced a series of promotions, headlined by Matt Bowen moving into an assistant coaching role.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2019-2020 academic year.
From a late 14-0 run to an overtime buzzer-beater, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team found a variety of ways to win this week in Canada.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced plans for a special needs camp, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
The calendar may say August, but the madness of March came early on Tuesday night in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
A double-digit deficit with less than five minutes remaining disappeared in the blink of an eye after a late surge by the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Sunday afternoon.
With the team's trip to Canada just a week away, Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins Brandon Vickrey for a summer edition of Valpo Basketbal Weekly.
When the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes the court in a game situation for the first time, it will do so north of the border.
Game matchups and start times for the 2019 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam were released Monday, May 13, 2019. The men’s Paradise Jam, which will be held Nov. 22-25 at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, opens up with Valpo Men’s Basketball taking on Grand Canyon at noon CT on Friday, Nov. 22. All games at the 2019 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam will stream online at FloHoops.com.
Registration is open now for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s three basketball camps this summer.
The Valpo men’s basketball program has added another piece to the puzzle for the 2019-20 season, as head coach Matt Lottich announced that Zion Morgan, a 6-5 guard from Chicago, signed with the team and will join the program with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will welcome a freshman class with an international flavor to campus next fall, as head coach Matt Lottich announced Wednesday that four incoming freshman have signed National Letters of Intent to join Valpo Basketball. Illinois swingman Donovan Clay is joined by Emil Freese-Vilien, a center from Denmark; Ben Krikke, a forward from Canada; and Sigurd Lorange, a guard from Norway.
Basketball team members took some time on Wednesday to participate in the Thank-a-Thon, thanking donors who have contributed financially to the University as part of the sixth annual Valpo Day of Giving.
Former Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Homer Drew is among three coaches and six players who have been selected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2019. The honorees will officially be enshrined on Nov. 24 in Kansas City at the 2019 National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration presented by Nike.
The 2018-19 season came to a conclusion Friday afternoon for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, as ninth-seeded Valpo fell to top-seeded Loyola, 67-54, in quarterfinal action at Arch Madness in St. Louis.
Coming off of its first win at Arch Madness with a 77-55 victory over Indiana State Thursday night, ninth-seeded Valpo faces a quick turnaround to take on top-seeded Loyola in Friday’s first quarterfinal at noon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team earned its first win in program history at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, turning a nine-point deficit with six minutes to play in the first half into a seven-point halftime lead en route to a 77-55 victory over Indiana State Thursday night in St. Louis. With the win, ninth-seeded Valpo advances to face top-seeded Loyola on Friday at noon.
Valparaiso University junior center Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Second Team, as announced by the conference office Thursday morning, for his work on the court and in the classroom.
Valparaiso University junior center Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) was named to the Missouri Valley Conference’s Most-Improved Team, as voted on by the conference’s beat reporters and announced today by the MVC office.
Valparaiso University freshman guard Javon Freeman (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) earned a pair of accolades on Tuesday, earning spots on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams as the MVC unveiled its postseason All-Conference teams. Freeman is the first MVC freshman to earn a spot on both squads since Jake Odum in 2011.
Check in with Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich and the voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, in the final edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly before the MVC Tournament.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens Arch Madness Thursday evening as the tournament’s ninth seed, taking on eighth-seeded Indiana State in a first-round matchup. Valpo will have to win four games in four days to claim the tournament title.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held a nine-point lead with seven minutes remaining in its regular season finale at the ARC Saturday afternoon against Evansville, but the Purple Aces rallied as Valpo fell by a 65-63 final. Valpo will take on Indiana State at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening to kick off Arch Madness in St. Louis.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team finishs out the regular season Saturday afternoon at the ARC as it hosts Evansville. Deion Lavender, as Valpo’s lone player in his final year of eligibility, will be honored prior to the game and address the fans following the game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team suffered through its worst offensive performance of the season Wednesday night at Bradley, falling to the Braves, 67-42. With the loss, Valpo is locked into the 8/9 game on Thursday night at Arch Madness against Indiana State.
The penultimate regular season contest for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team is on the docket for Wednesday evening, as Valpo heads to Peoria, Ill. to face Bradley. A win would give Valpo a season sweep of the Braves.
With just two regular season games remaining, Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with Todd Ickow for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erased most of a second-half double-digit deficit, but could never reclaim the lead, as UNI eventually pulled away for a 64-53 victory over Valpo Saturday evening in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The battle for positioning in the conference standings continues on Saturday night for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, as it heads to Cedar Falls, Iowa to take on UNI. A win over the Panthers on Saturday evening would move Valpo into a tie for fourth place and give it a season sweep of UNI, a potential key tiebreaker coming down the home stretch of regular season play.
It was only fitting Wednesday night at the ARC that senior Deion Lavender (Alton, Ill./Marquette Catholic [UAB/Southern Illinois) would intercept Southern Illinois’ last-gasp pass to secure Valpo’s win, as the former Saluki made big shots down the stretch to help complement a strong team defensive effort in Valpo’s 55-52 victory over SIU.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC Wednesday night for its next-to-last home game of the season, hosting Southern Illinois in a key Missouri Valley Conference matchup.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with Todd Ickow for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.
Trailing by 14 points with two minutes to play Saturday at Drake, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together a furious push to try to erase the deficit, but while it cut the lead to four points twice in the final minute, Valpo was unable to complete the comeback, falling to the Bulldogs, 84-79.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces three road tests in its next four games, starting on Saturday afternoon as Valpo heads to Des Moines to take on one of the MVC’s hottest teams in Drake. Valpo is in search of its fourth road win in conference play.
Career nights from junior Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) and senior Deion Lavender (Alton, Ill./Marquette Catholic [UAB/Southern Illinois]) were not enough Wednesday evening for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to come out victorious, as Valpo dropped its second overtime home game of MVC play to Indiana State, 87-82.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team begins the stretch run of the regular season on Wednesday night at the ARC as it hosts Indiana State in a key MVC matchup. At the two-thirds mark of the conference season, Valpo is enveloped in the middle of an extremely tight race in the standings. Free replica jerseys will be given away to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.
Check out this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, as Todd Ickow sits down with head coach Matt Lottich to chat about the last two games and look ahead to this week's pair of games.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Javon Freeman (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week after a pair of strong performances last week, as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held a nine-point lead over MVC leader Loyola at the ARC Sunday afternoon with just over seven minutes remaining, but the Ramblers scored the next 13 points to take the lead for good as Valpo eventually fell by a 56-51 final in front of a capacity crowd.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team welcomes a national TV audience inside the ARC on Sunday afternoon as it hosts Loyola in a key Missouri Valley Conference matchup. Valpo faces the conference-leading Ramblers after taking down then-conference co-leader Illinois State back on Tuesday. The first 1,000 fans through the doors on Sunday will receive free Valpo Basketball t-shirts.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team raced out to a quick 17-2 lead at Illinois State Tuesday night and held the Redbirds at bay when they made big runs in both halves, eventually leaving Normal, Ill. with a 69-53 victory to snap a four-game losing streak. Freshman Javon Freeman (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) scored a career-best 27 points to lead the way in the winning effort.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to snap a four-game losing streak on Tuesday evening as it concludes a brief two-game road trip at Illinois State. Valpo would earn a season sweep of the Redbirds with a victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was unable to turn a halftime lead into a road victory Saturday afternoon at Evansville, as the Purple Aces outscored Valpo by 14 in the second half as Valpo lost by a 64-53 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens the second half of Missouri Valley Conference play Saturday afternoon with the first of back-to-back road games, making the trip downstate to face the Purple Aces of Evansville. Valpo finds itself smack dab in the middle of the tightly packed MVC standings at the halfway point of the conference schedule.
A back-and-forth battle between Valpo and Missouri State before an intrepid crowd at the ARC Tuesday night needed five extra minutes to determine the outcome, but in the end, the Bears’ Keandre Cook hit a pair of free throws with 2.3 seconds to play in overtime as a shorthanded Valpo squad fell by a 55-54 final.
Check out this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, as head coach Matt Lottich sits down with Todd Ickow to talk about last weekend, the injuries the squad is dealing with and how they can overcome them heading into Tuesday night's game against Missouri State.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team closes out a brief two-game homestand Tuesday night at the ARC, hitting the halfway point of Missouri Valley Conference play as it welcomes Missouri State to town. Free 'Gold Rush' t-shirts will be distributed to the first 500 fans through the doors.
Playing most of the game without its top three scorers, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled gamely against Drake at the ARC Saturday night and was within four with 3:44 to play before running out of gas down the stretch, as the Bulldogs left Valpo 70-59 victors.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC Saturday night for the first of back-to-back home games, as Valpo hosts Drake at 7 p.m. Valpo enters Saturday night tied atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings, while Drake sits one game back of the Brown and Gold. Saturday is Hall of Fame Night as well, as the 22nd class of inductees into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame will be recognized at halftime.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team dropped its second MVC game of the season on Wednesday evening in Terre Haute, Ind., as host Indiana State shot better than 50% from the floor in sending Valpo to a 70-53 defeat.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces its first test against an in-state foe in MVC play this season when it heads to Terre Haute for a Wednesday night matchup against Indiana State. At the one-third point of the MVC slate, Valpo finds itself in a first-place tie with Loyola.
The Missouri Valley Conference office announced today that the Valparaiso University men’s basketball game at the ARC against reigning MVC champion and Final Four participant Loyola on February 10 has been selected for broadcast on ESPNU. The game will tip off at 3 p.m.
Coming off of a bounce-back win over UNI on Saturday, Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins Todd Ickow for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team represented the Hoosier State well on Saturday as part of Basketball Day Indiana, leading start to finish in a 75-66 victory over UNI at the ARC. Junior Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) led the way with one of the top efforts of his career, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from its first loss of the conference season on Saturday afternoon when it hosts UNI at the ARC as part of Basketball Day Indiana. Valpo enters the game tied for first place in the MVC standings, while UNI is one of three teams one game back of the first-place tie. The first 500 fans through the doors will receive a replica Valpo Victory Bell.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team dropped its first Missouri Valley Conference game of the year on Tuesday evening, falling at defending conference champion Loyola by a 71-54 final. Despite the loss, which snapped a five-game winning streak, Valpo remains in a tie for first place in the MVC standings.
Heading into Tuesday night's key MVC matchup at Loyola, check out this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, as head coach Matt Lottich sits down with Todd Ickow.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues Missouri Valley Conference play on Tuesday night with a matchup of the top two teams in the MVC standings, as Valpo travels to Loyola looking to extend its winning streak to six consecutive games. A victory would give Valpo a two-game lead in the conference standings.
It was only fitting that graduate transfer Deion Lavender (Alton, Ill./Providence Catholic [UAB/Southern Illinois]), returning to the home arena from his freshman year, was the one to cap off the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s win at Southern Illinois on Saturday, as Lavender converted on a layup with 13 seconds remaining to secure Valpo’s 65-61 win over the Salukis. With the win, Valpo improves to 4-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play, remaining alone atop the league standings heading into a Tuesday night game at Loyola.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team puts its unbeaten mark in Missouri Valley Conference play on the line Saturday as it heads to Southern Illinois for a regionally televised matchup. Saturday’s game pits a pair of balanced offenses against each other, as both teams feature five players scoring in double figures.
Freshman Javon Freeman (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) scored a game-high 17 points and the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team moved into sole possession of first place in the Missouri Valley Conference, leading nearly start to finish Tuesday night in a 61-50 win over Bradley at the ARC.
Head coach Matt Lottich sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly after jumping out to a 2-0 start in conference play last week.
Valparaiso University junior forward Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind./Marquette Catholic [Providence]) repeated as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week as he led Valpo in a pair of wins to open conference play last week.
Coming off a dominant win in its MVC road opener, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to make it a 3-0 start to Missouri Valley Conference play on Tuesday night as Valpo hosts Bradley at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored Missouri State 30-8 over the final nine minutes of the first half, taking a tie game and turning it into a 22-point halftime lead en route to an 82-66 victory on the road Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. With the win, Valpo has now won three straight games and improves to 2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Coming off of a thrilling buzzer-beating win over Illinois State in its MVC opener, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hits the road for the first time in Valley play on Saturday afternoon as it takes on Missouri State in Springfield at 1 p.m.
Gritty is continuing to battle down 10 points with less than two minutes to play. Gritty is three offensive rebounds in the final 80 seconds, leading to a pair of second-chance baskets. Gritty is drawing a pair of offensive fouls in the backcourt in the final 40 seconds. And gritty is keeping your head up after missing a potential game-tying free throw, knowing you could have another chance to decide the game. That was the situation junior Markus Golder (Portland, Ore./Clackamas [North Idaho]) faced with 2.9 seconds to play with Valpo trailing by one. After Illinois State missed the front end of its one-and-one, Golder grabbed the rebound, took three dribbles and unleashed a running right-handed effort from 50 feet that banked in with the clock at triple zero, setting off a raucous celebration in the ARC as Valpo celebrated a 58-56 victory over the Redbirds in both teams’ MVC opener.
Valparaiso University redshirt junior Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind./Marquette Catholic [Providence]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week for the week ending Jan. 1.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team kicks off the 2019 calendar year and opens up Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday evening, as Valpo welcomes Illinois State to the ARC for the conference opener.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returned to competition with its final non-conference game of the regular season Saturday afternoon, defeating Purdue Northwest 97-61 at the ARC behind a balanced offensive effort which saw five players score in double figures.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team comes off a 10-day layoff from competition with its final tuneup before the start of conference play on Saturday afternoon, as Valpo welcomes Purdue Northwest to the ARC for a matinee showdown.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell against SEC opponent Texas A&M Wednesday evening in College Station, Texas by a 71-49 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces a quick turnaround in its final road non-conference test, flying south to take on Texas A&M Wednesday night.
Spans of just under four minutes on either side of halftime proved to be the difference Monday evening as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team dropped a 77-61 decision to in-state rival Ball State at the ARC.
After a week off from competition during the final exam period, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to action at the ARC on Monday evening as Valpo welcomes in-state rival Ball State. Valpo has won the last five matchups on its home court against the Cardinals.
Check out the latest edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, as Todd Ickow and head coach Matt Lottich look back at a busy stretch of games over the last few weeks and look ahead to Monday's home matchup at the ARC against Ball State and the half-price ticket special for the game with the Cardinals.
Fans can enjoy one of Indiana’s great in-state rivalries for as little as $5 a ticket, as the Valparaiso University athletics department is offering half-price tickets when the men’s basketball team hosts Ball State next Monday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team connected on 15 3-pointers Saturday evening, perhaps none bigger than a triple from junior Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind./Marquette Catholic [Providence]) which broke a tie with three minutes to play and gave Valpo the lead for good as it defeated George Washington in Washington, D.C. by an 82-79 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to get back on the winning track Saturday afternoon as it travels to Washington, D.C. to face off against George Washington. It is the first time Valpo and GW have matched up since the 2016 NIT championship game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from a late seven-point deficit to tie Tuesday’s game with High Point at the ARC on a 3-pointer by Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind./Marquette Catholic [Providence]) with 19 seconds to play, but the Panthers’ Brandonn Kamga banked in an off-balance jumper with 0.8 seconds remaining to give High Point the 55-53 win.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for its third consecutive win as it returns to the court on Tuesday evening, hosting High Point at the ARC. The Panthers are led by former national champion head coach Tubby Smith.
Five players scored in double figures and the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led nearly start to finish in an 82-73 victory over UC Riverside at the ARC Sunday afternoon.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home for two games in three days, starting with a Sunday afternoon matinee against UC Riverside. Starting with the game against the Highlanders, five of Valpo’s next seven games will be at the ARC.
Trailing by 11 late in the first half at UNLV, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team ended the opening period on an 11-4 run and then started the second half on a 15-2 run to take control, eventually going on to a 72-64 victory over the Runnin’ Rebels Wednesday evening as part of the Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge series.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team represents the Missouri Valley Conference in the MWC/MVC Challenge series Wednesday evening, continuing its road trip with a visit to UNLV. Wednesday’s game concludes a stretch of five out of six games away from home for Valpo, which returns home for three of its next four.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from an early nine-point deficit to take the lead in the first half, and then went shot for shot with West Virginia through the first 10 minutes of the second half, but the Mountaineers pulled away in the last 10 minutes as Valpo fell by an 88-76 final in Morgantown, W.V. Senior Deion Lavender (Alton, Ill./Marquette Catholic [UAB/Southern Illinois]) handed out 10 assists without committing a turnover, while junior Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) finished with a team-high 20 points and five blocked shots.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues its challenging slate of non-conference games away from home on Saturday afternoon, as Valpo faces off against West Virginia in a non-bracketed game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. Valpo is in the midst of a stretch of five out of six games away from home.
Heading into a holiday known for extra helpings of food, fans at the ARC got an extra helping of basketball Wednesday evening, as Valparaiso and SIUE went into overtime before Valpo out-scored the Cougars 7-2 in the extra period to earn a 75-70 victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home briefly for a Thanksgiving appetizer, as Valpo hosts SIUE on Wednesday evening at 7pm.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with ACC foe Wake Forest in the fifth place game at the Myrtle Beach Invitational in Conway, S.C. on Sunday morning, but the Demon Deacons took the lead for good with 15 minutes to play as Valpo fell by a 69-63 final score in its tournament finale. Junior Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) set a new career high by scoring 23 points.
A trio of double-figure scoring efforts from newcomers led the way for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Friday from the Myrtle Beach Invitational in Conway, S.C., as Valpo never trailed in a 64-53 victory over Monmouth.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled through foul trouble Thursday afternoon in its opener at the Myrtle Beach Invitational in Conway, S.C., closing to within three points with 13 minutes to play, but could not get over the hump in the second half as it fell to Western Kentucky, 83-71. With the loss, Valpo will play Monmouth at 5:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
Head coach Matt Lottich sat down with Todd Ickow for Valpo Basketball Weekly, looking at the early performances from a couple of Valpo's freshmen and looking ahead to a tough task this weekend in Myrtle Beach.
After going nine days since its regular season opener, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play three games in four days as it looks to continue its recent run of success in MTEs at the Myrtle Beach Invitational. The tournament begins against WKU on Thursday, with a Friday matchup against either West Virginia or Monmouth. Cal State Fullerton, Saint Joseph’s, UCF and Wake Forest are potentially waiting for the Sunday tournament finale.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be one of eight programs competing in the 2019 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, as announced Thursday by tournament directors.
It was a total team effort Tuesday evening at the ARC as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team won its seventh consecutive season opener, defeating Concordia University Chicago by a 121-65 final. Valpo was led by 22 points from freshman Javon Freeman (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young), the highest output by a Valpo freshman making his debut in two decades.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team tips off the 2018-19 season on Tuesday evening with the earliest season opener in program history, kicking off the year against Concordia University Chicago at the ARC.
A last-second 3-point effort would not fall for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team in its lone exhibition game prior to the start of the 2018-19 season on Thursday night, as Valpo dropped a 60-57 decision to UIndy.
The Valparaiso University men's basketball team will kick off the 2018-19 season on Thursday evening as it welcomes Indianapolis to the ARC for an exhibition game.
The Missouri Valley Conference released its winter programming schedule for The Valley on ESPN – the league’s co-branded digital network – on Tuesday morning, including 48 Valparaiso University men’s and women’s basketball regular season broadcasts which will be available either on ESPN3 or ESPN+ - the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International Group and ESPN.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has been picked to finish in seventh place during the 2018-19 season, as the MVC released its preseason poll on Thursday morning.
With the 2018-19 season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University men's and women's basketball teams hosted their annual Season Ticket Holder Open Practice on Friday evening at the ARC.
The Valpo men's basketball program currently has a BSN Sports flash store for Nike gear open through October 22.
Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr., along with the Valparaiso University Athletics Department, is pleased to announce an open Valpo Men’s and Women’s Basketball practice to be held on Saturday, October 20 at the venerable Hammond Civic Center.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play three times as part of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 22-game men’s basketball telecast package on FOX Sports Midwest and NBC Sports Chicago in 2018-19, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today.
The Missouri Valley Conference schedule for the 2018-2019 Valparaiso University men’s basketball season was unveiled on Tuesday, highlighted by a visit from 2018 Final Four participant Loyola to the ARC on Sunday, Feb. 10.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program welcomes back a familiar face to the bench this season, as head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Matt Bowen has returned to Valpo as special assistant to the head coach/director of basketball operations.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team unveiled its non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2018-19 season on Wednesday, highlighted by at least three games against top-40 RPI teams from a year ago.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program continues to produce professional basketball players and another Crusader alum has joined the professional ranks, as graduated senior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) signed today with Hamburg Towers of the ProA in Germany – the nation’s second-tier league.
Another member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will gain international experience representing his native country, as junior Markus Golder (Portland, Ore./Clackamas [North Idaho]) will suit up for the USA Team at the inaugural FISU America Games in São Paulo, Brazil later this month.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Deion Lavender has enrolled at Valpo and joined the program as a graduate transfer with immediate eligibility for the 2018-19 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team learned today it will open the inaugural Myrtle Beach Invitational against Western Kentucky at 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, Nov. 15, live on ESPNU.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Todd Townsend and Rob Holloway have joined the Crusader program as assistant coaches for the 2018-19 season as Valpo embarks on its second season as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Another Chicago native will take the floor for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, as head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Nick Robinson has signed an agreement to join the Crusaders. Robinson, a transfer from Saint Joseph’s with two seasons of eligibility remaining, will sit out the 2018-19 campaign due to transfer regulations and will be eligible for the Crusaders starting with the 2019-20 season.
Another former Valparaiso University basketball player will look to make his mark in the NBA this season, as 2013 Crusader alum Ryan Broekhoff agreed to a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday evening.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program continues to produce professional basketball players, year after year, and another Crusader alum has joined the professional ranks, as graduated senior Max Joseph (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) signed recently with Nässjö Basket of the Basketligan in Sweden – the nation’s top professional league.
Registration is open now for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s three basketball camps this summer.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Another in-state product will join the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, as Indianapolis native Eron Gordon announced Friday evening that he will transfer to Valpo from Seton Hall for his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility. Gordon will sit out the 2018-19 campaign due to transfer regulations and will be eligible for the Crusaders starting with the 2019-20 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will travel for the first time as part of the Mountain West-MVC Challenge during the 2018-19 season, as the Crusaders will make the trek to Las Vegas to take on UNLV on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Daniel Sackey has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusaders as a freshman for the 2018-19 season.
The Valparaiso University men's basketball team will be one of eight teams competing Nov. 15-18 in the inaugural Myrtle Beach Invitational at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.
Valparaiso University senior guard Tevonn Walker has been selected to play in the inaugural Dos Equis 3X3U National Championship, starting on Friday.
Making its first appearance at Arch Madness, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled back from a 14-point second-half deficit to make it a one-possession game with less than two minutes to play, but could not get over the hump, as the Crusaders fell in the first-round State Farm MVC Tournament matchup to Missouri State by an 83-79 final.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore John Kiser (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) was honored today as an Honorable Mention Scholar-Athlete by the Missouri Valley Conference office for his work both on the court and in the classroom this season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens its inaugural visit to Arch Madness on Thursday night, as the tenth-seeded Crusaders begin action at the State Farm MVC Tournament against seventh-seeded Missouri State at 8:30 p.m. Valpo will have to win four games in four days to claim the tournament title.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Markus Golder (Portland, Ore./Clackamas [North Idaho]) has been named to the Missouri Valley Conference’s All-Bench Team, as selected by the conference’s beat reporters.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Bakari Evelyn (Detroit, Mich./Hillcrest Academy/Southfield Christian [Nebraska]) was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team and senior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) earned a spot on the MVC All-Defensive Team as the conference office announced its postseason All-Conference Teams on Tuesday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will kick off the 2018 State Farm MVC Tournament against Missouri State on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., as the conference office unveiled the official seeds and the tournament bracket on Sunday morning.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for Arch Madness next week riding high, as the Crusaders closed out the regular season on Saturday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa with a 69-64 victory over Drake. Sophomore Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) led the way for the Crusaders with a career-best 22 points.
Looking to enter its first appearance at Arch Madness on a high note, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team closes out the regular season Saturday afternoon with a trip to take on Drake.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was unable to get over the hump on Tuesday night at the ARC on Senior Night against UNI, as the Crusaders never led as they fell to the Panthers, 68-63.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hits the floor at the ARC for the final time in the regular season on Tuesday evening as the Crusaders host UNI on Senior Night, live on CBS Sports Network. The program’s seniors will be honored prior to the game and will address the fans following the game.
The movement late in the second half of Saturday night’s game at the ARC was all on the Crusaders’ side of the scoreboard, as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went on a 21-0 run late to take the lead and eventually pull away for a 77-64 win in Missouri Valley Conference play over Bradley. Sophomore Markus Golder (Portland, Ore./Clackamas [North Idaho]) led the way with 16 points, all of which came in the second half.
Two home games are left for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team in the 2017-18 season, starting with a Saturday night matchup with Bradley. The Crusaders have won back-to-back MVC games on their home court, and are looking to avenge a road loss for the third consecutive home game.
The highly respected head coach at Valparaiso University for 22 years, Homer Drew is the recipient of the 2018 Hillyard NABC Golden Anniversary Award for long and outstanding service to men’s college basketball.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with a Loyola squad which entered the game atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings on Wednesday evening in Chicago, but the Crusaders were unable to get over the hump in the late stages of the game, eventually falling to the Ramblers by an 80-71 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for back-to-back victories on Wednesday evening, as the Crusaders make the short trip to the North Side of Chicago to face Loyola. The Ramblers enter Wednesday’s contest having won 10 of their last 11 games.
A 16-2 run late in the second half broke open a tight game as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team claimed a nationally-televised win at the ARC on Sunday afternoon over Illinois State, 74-58. Sophomore Bakari Evelyn (Detroit, Mich./Hillcrest Academy/Southfield Christian [Nebraska]) led all players with 22 points, the second-best effort of his career.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team kicks off the home stretch of Missouri Valley Conference play on Sunday afternoon as it welcomes Illinois State to the ARC for a nationally-televised matchup. Valpo will play three of its next four games at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came up just short of earning its first Missouri Valley Conference road victory Wednesday night at Evansville, eventually dropping a 63-59 decision to the Purple Aces.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces another hostile road environment on Wednesday night, as the Crusaders play at in-state foe Evansville. Valpo is looking to snap a 20-game losing streak at Evansville which dates back to 1969.
In a back-and-forth battle Saturday night at Southern Illinois, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led by three points with 2:21 to play, but the Salukis scored the game’s final nine points as the Crusaders fell by a 65-59 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens the month of February on the road Saturday evening looking for back-to-back victories, as the Crusaders head out to play Southern Illinois. The game marks the Crusaders’ first trip to Carbondale in nearly four decades.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took control of a tight game late on Wednesday evening at the ARC with a critical 12-2 run over a four-minute stretch and held off Indiana State down the stretch to earn a 69-63 victory in Missouri Valley Conference action.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC Wednesday night as the back half of the MVC slate continues with a matchup against Indiana State. The Crusaders are looking to reassert their dominance at home after dropping each of their last two home games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team struggled with its shooting through Saturday night’s Missouri Valley Conference at Illinois State, falling to the Redbirds by a 76-65 final. For the second time in three games, sophomore Derrik Smits (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) set a new career best, finishing Saturday’s game with 17 points.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team kicks off the second half of its initial foray into Missouri Valley Conference basketball on Saturday night, as the Crusaders head to Normal, Ill. to take on Illinois State in a nationally-televised matchup.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team connected on 11 3-pointers Wednesday night at the ARC as the Crusaders welcomed Evansville in Missouri Valley Conference play, but it wouldn’t prove to be enough, as the Purple Aces came away with a 75-65 victory over the Crusaders.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team renews a rivalry with an in-state foe on Wednesday evening at the ARC, as the Crusaders welcome Evansville to town for the first time as MVC opponents.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from a double-digit deficit late in the first half to take the lead early in the second half Sunday afternoon at the ARC against Loyola, but the Ramblers responded with a 16-1 run to take control as the Crusaders fell by a 70-54 final in Missouri Valley Conference action.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC for the first of back-to-back home games, looking to get back on the winning track Sunday afternoon in a nationally-televised matchup with Loyola. The Crusaders and Ramblers are meeting for the first time in Missouri Valley Conference action.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled with preseason Missouri Valley Conference favorite Missouri State Wednesday night in Springfield, Mo. and led by five points at halftime, but preseason Player of the Year Alize Johnson scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half as the Crusaders fell to the Bears by a 64-57 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team makes the longest trek in Missouri Valley Conference play, heading to Springfield, Mo. to face Missouri State on Wednesday evening. The Crusaders are searching for their first road win in Valley action and will look to do so on Wednesday in a building where they’ve won twice in the last five years in non-conference play.
Trailing by as many as 23 points in the second half and by 19 points with less than four minutes remaining at UNI, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team unleashed a furious rally, cutting the lead to single digits in just over a minute and getting as close as five points late. But the Crusaders couldn’t complete the comeback, falling by an 81-76 final in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday night.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes to the road for a nationally-televised matchup at UNI Saturday evening. Coming off back-to-back Valley wins at home, the Crusaders are looking to even their record in conference play against a Panther squad in search of its first MVC victory of the season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team posted season highs for made 3-pointers and assists in another strong offensive performance on Wednesday night at the ARC, taking down first-place Drake by a 77-60 final for its second straight victory.
Coming off of its first win in Missouri Valley Conference play, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team welcomes Drake to the ARC on Wednesday evening. The Bulldogs have been the surprise squad early in Valley play, as after being picked to finish last in the preseason poll, Drake currently sits alone atop the conference at 4-0.
A 23-2 run to end the first half proved to be the decisive blow as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team placed five players in double figures in an 83-72 victory Saturday afternoon at the ARC over Southern Illinois. The win was the first victory for the Crusader men’s basketball program within Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Valparaiso Unviersity men’s basketball team returns home for back-to-back games at the friendly confines of the ARC over the next week, starting with a Saturday afternoon matinee against Southern Illinois. The Crusaders and Salukis will be meeting for the first time in 37 seasons as Valpo looks for its first MVC win.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host another nationally-televised game within Missouri Valley Conference play on Sunday, Jan. 21, as the Crusaders’ home game at the ARC against Loyola has been selected for broadcast on ESPNU.
For the second time in as many Missouri Valley Conference road games, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erased a double-figure first-half deficit prior to halftime, but Bradley would claim the lead for good early in the second half as the Crusaders fell Wednesday night in Peoria, Ill. by an 80-71 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to start the 2018 calendar year on the right foot Wednesday evening as the Crusaders continue Missouri Valley Conference play at Bradley. Wednesday marks Valpo’s seventh road game in its last eight contests.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made its home debut in MVC play on Sunday afternoon at the ARC, but preseason favorite Missouri State spoiled the Crusaders’ home opener as the Bears sent Valpo to a 67-50 defeat.
For the first time in over a month, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes the floor on its home court, as the Crusaders host Missouri State Sunday afternoon in its final game of the 2017 calendar year. Valpo puts its 13-game home winning streak on the line against the preseason conference favorite.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team roared back from a double-digit first-half deficit Thursday night in its first Missouri Valley Conference game at Indiana State to take a halftime lead, and then tied the game again after falling behind by nine in the second half, but were unable to regain the lead as the Sycamores went on to defeat the Crusaders, 73-64.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to action and kicks off a new era on Thursday evening, as the Crusaders compete in their first-ever Missouri Valley Conference game. Indiana State plays the foil Thursday night in Terre Haute, as Valpo faces off against one of the most common opponents in program history and concludes a stretch of six straight true road games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team struggled shooting the ball Wednesday evening at UC Riverside, falling behind early and never recovering in a 73-60 loss to close out the non-conference slate.
The Valparaiso University basketball team looks to close out the non-conference slate on a winning note on Wednesday night, as the Crusaders continue their two-game California swing with a matchup against UC Riverside. A win would give Valpo three wins in six true road games in the non-conference schedule.
A strong all-around team effort was the recipe for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to get back to its winning ways on Monday evening, as the Crusaders led nearly the entire way in a 76-68 victory at Santa Clara.
The Valparaiso University basketball team makes a two-game swing through the state of California to close out non-conference action, starting Monday evening with a matchup against Santa Clara. Valpo needs wins in both games on the trip to conclude non-conference play with at least 10 wins for the fifth time in the last six years.
Northwestern hit its first six 3-pointers on Thursday evening at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team found itself in an early hole en route to a 84-50 defeat.
A second shot within a week’s span at a Big Ten opponent awaits the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Thursday evening, as the Crusaders make the short trip to Allstate Arena to face Northwestern for the first time in 38 years.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team overcame an 11-point second-half deficit and led in the closing seconds Saturday afternoon in Muncie, Ind., but Ball State’s Tayler Persons connected on a deep 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds to play and the Crusaders’ last effort was off the mark as they fell to the Cardinals by a 71-70 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season as the Crusaders take the court Saturday afternoon in Muncie against Ball State. The game is the second of six straight true road contests for Valpo.
A 21-4 run by #21/21 Purdue to close the first half proved to be too much for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to overcome at Mackey Arena on Thursday evening, as the Crusaders lost for the first time this season, falling to the Boilermakers, 80-50.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team puts its perfect record on the line Thursday evening as the Crusaders face their toughest test to date this season, traveling down to West Lafayette to take on a nationally-ranked Purdue squad. Valpo is looking to extend its undefeated start to the season, which already ranks third-best in program history.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team became just the second team in the nation to start this season 8-0, marking the third-best start to a season in program history, as the Crusaders took down Utah State at the ARC Tuesday evening, 72-65. The victory opened the Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge with a win for The Valley in the Crusaders’ first appearance in the challenge series.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes aim at its eighth straight victory to open the season on Tuesday evening as the Crusaders host Utah State at the ARC. The matchup with the Aggies is part of the Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge series - Valpo takes part for the first time this year after joining the MVC this past summer.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team improved to 7-0 on Saturday night in closing out a perfect four-game stretch through the Savannah Invitational, as led by a career-best effort from redshirt sophomore Bakari Evelyn (Detroit, Mich./Hillcrest [Ariz.] Academy/Southfield Christian [Nebraska]), the Crusaders defeated UNCW 79-70. Valpo shared the tournament title with Loyola, while Evelyn was named co-Tournament MVP.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got a big lift off the bench Friday night from freshman Marten Linssen (Dusseldorf, Germany/Schloss-Gymnasium Benrath) and, leading by just one with the clock inside of 30 seconds, got a huge 3-pointer from redshirt junior Joe Burton (Porter, Texas/Atascocita [Oklahoma State]) as the Crusaders went on to a 77-67 victory over Kent State at the Savannah Invitational in Savannah, Ga.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for its best start in 50 years this weekend as it completes the Savannah Invitational with a pair of games in Savannah, Ga. The Crusaders will face Kent State on Friday night before taking on UNCW to conclude the invitational on Saturday.
The depth of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was on display again on Tuesday evening at the ARC, as the Crusaders paired two starters with three players off the bench during a big second-half run, pulling away from Samford for an 88-67 victory as part of the Savannah Invitational.
With four big wins in as many games to open the season, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to improve to 5-0 on Tuesday night as the Crusaders host Samford at the ARC. The game is the second of four Valpo will play as part of the Savannah Invitational, as the team will fly down to Savannah, Ga. on Wednesday for the final two games of the event.
The run came later than it did in any of the first three games of the year for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, but it was an emphatic spurt, as the Crusaders outscored Southeastern Louisiana 41-12 over the game’s final 13 minutes to pull away for an 83-50 victory over the Lions Sunday afternoon at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens up play as part of the Savannah Invitational on Sunday afternoon at the ARC as the Crusaders welcome Southeastern Louisiana to town. Sunday’s game is the first of two home games for Valpo as part of the event, which concludes in Savannah, Ga. on Thanksgiving weekend.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was playing on the road for the first time in the regular season Wednesday night, but other than the venue, the game played out quite similar to the Crusaders’ first two outings of the season, as Valpo used a big first-half run to take control in a 94-69 victory at SIUE.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first time in the regular season on Wednesday evening as the Crusaders play at SIU Edwardsville. The game against the Cougars is the Crusaders’ lone true road game until Dec. 7. Check out head coach Matt Lottich's thoughts on the first two regular season games and his thoughts about the upcoming contests on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team improved to 2-0 on the year as the Crusaders cruised to an 83-46 victory over Trinity Christian at the ARC on Monday night. With his first basket of the day, senior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for his career.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for its second straight win to start the season on Monday evening as the Crusaders host Trinity Christian at the ARC. The men’s basketball program asks its fans to help Shed Light on Foster Care on Monday night, as any fan who brings a night light or a stuffed animal to donate to foster care children will receive free admission. Senior Tevonn Walker enters the game just one point away from reaching the 1,000-point milestone for his career.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held North Park scoreless for over 10 minutes to start off the season opener Friday evening at the ARC en route to an 88-46 victory over the Vikings. The win extended the Crusaders’ winning streak in home openers to 13 consecutive years.
Play-by-play broadcaster Todd Ickow sits down with head coach Matt Lottich to look back at the exhibition games and preview Friday's season opener against North Park.
The lid lifts on the 2017-18 season for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Friday evening at the ARC, as the Crusaders welcome North Park to town. It will be a new journey for the Crusaders this year, as they commence their first season as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Friday will be Military Night, with free admittance to attendees with a military ID, pre-game recognition and a special game ball presentation.
Valparaiso University men's basketball coach Matt Lottich announced Wednesday that Javon Freeman-Liberty - one of the top prospects in the Class of 2018 in the state of Illinois - has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader men’s basketball program as a freshman for the 2018-19 season.
The mantra “Forever Champions” rings especially true for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program. The Crusaders have maintained a standard of success matched by few mid-major programs, racking up league championships and postseason appearances year after year.
After winning its first exhibition game of the 2017-18 season with an impressive offensive output, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team turned around with a stellar defensive effort Saturday afternoon at Chicago State, limiting the Cougars to 15 second-half points as the Crusaders pulled away for a 77-42 victory. A special hurricane relief exhibition, the game raised more than $1,000 for the Lutheran World Relief organization.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put on a show for the home fans at the ARC on Thursday evening in its lone home exhibition game, showcasing an up-tempo, attacking mentality in running away with a 117-69 victory over Robert Morris (Ill.), which entered the game ranked 12th in the NAIA Division II preseason poll.
With men’s and women’s basketball season quickly approaching, Valpo Athletics announced today the department’s broadcast plans for the 2017-18 season.
A number of mini-packs are on sale now for Valpo Men’s Basketball this coming season, giving fans the chance to purchase packages ranging from four to six games.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will join the multitude of Division I men’s basketball programs nationwide helping to raise funds and awareness for victims of recent national disasters, as the Crusaders travel to Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 4 for a 3 p.m. exhibition game at Chicago State.
Valparaiso University senior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) has been selected as a preseason Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, while the Crusader men’s basketball team has been picked to finish in sixth place during the 2017-18 season as the MVC released its preseason poll on Tuesday.
With the 2017-18 season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University men's and women's basketball teams hosted their annual Season Ticket Holder Open Practice on Friday evening at the ARC.
The Missouri Valley Conference will clear a 22-game men’s basketball television package on FOX Sports Midwest and NBC Sports Chicago (formerly known as Comcast SportsNet Chicago) in 2017-18, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today. The package includes at least three appearances by the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.
For the third consecutive year, CBS Sports Network will televise a package of Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball games, including Valparaiso University’s home game at the ARC against UNI on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and the State Farm MVC Tournament semifinals. CBS Sports will continue to televise the title game of Arch Madness for a 13th consecutive year on March 4.
Two regular season Missouri Valley Conference games on ESPN2 highlight the ESPN broadcast schedule for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team in the 2017-18 season, as announced today by the conference office. The remainder of the Crusaders’ broadcast schedule for the 2017-18 season will be finalized in the coming days, as the conference announces its CBS Sports Network and FOX Sports/MVC TV selections.
Coming off of a seventh consecutive postseason appearance and entering its first season as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, Valparaiso University men’s basketball season tickets are now on sale for the 2017-18 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program rounded out its schedule for the upcoming 2017-18 season on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference office released this season’s conference schedule.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program announced its non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2017-18 season on Tuesday afternoon, a 13-game slate which features six contests against programs which advanced to the postseason last year.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program continues to send players into the professional ranks, with Jubril Adekoya (Tinley Park ,Ill./Andrew) becoming the latest Crusader alum to ink a pro contract. Adekoya signed over the weekend with CB Peñas Huesca of LEB Oro – the second division of Spanish professional basketball.
Continuing the #ValpoInTheValley series, which will take a look at each of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 17 sports, is men’s basketball. Learn about the landscape of The Valley in men’s basketball, how Valpo has fared against opponents from The Valley in the past, and hear from head coach Matt Lottich as he talks about what the program is looking forward to entering its first season of MVC competition and who will lead the way in 2017-18 for his team.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Emanuel Dildy has joined the Crusader coaching staff as an assistant coach. A Chicago native, Dildy brings power conference and Missouri Valley Conference coaching experience to the Valpo bench as the Crusaders prepare for their inaugural season of MVC play.
Another product of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program entered the ranks of professional basketball players on Friday, as it was announced that Shane Hammink had signed a professional contract with Bilbao Basket of Liga ACB in Spain – the top professional basketball division of the Spanish basketball league system. Hammink becomes the 47th former Crusader in the last 24 years to go on to play professionally.
Valparaiso University forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft Thursday evening by the Phoenix Suns with the 54th overall pick.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will have the opportunity to participate in a conference challenge series for the first time during the 2017-18 season, as the Crusaders will host Utah State on Tuesday, Nov. 28 as part of the Challenge Series between the Missouri Valley Conference and the Mountain West Conference.
Valparaiso University president Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., announced today that the University has accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1, 2017. The Crusaders will begin competing for MVC championships in the 2017–2018 academic year.
Continuing a long-standing partnership, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will send associate head coach Luke Gore and current Crusaders Micah Bradford and Derrik Smits on an Athletes in Action tour to the Czech Republic and Poland – a trip which begins May 23. Gore will serve as head coach for the 10-player team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that the Crusaders are adding to their tradition of welcoming international players to the program, as Marten Linssen, a 6’8” forward from Dusseldorf, Germany, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2017-18 season.
Registration is open now for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s three basketball camps this summer. Two camps will run concurrently June 19-22, with a third camp being hosted at the ARC July 24-28. The camps are open to youths from ages 5-14.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program continues to welcome local talent into the fold, as head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Ryan Fazekas, a native of Chesterton and 2015 graduate of Marquette Catholic H.S., has signed to join the Crusaders as a transfer from Providence. Fazekas will have to sit out next season and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining starting with the 2018-19 campaign.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Markus Golder, a 6’6” swingman out of North Idaho College, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader men’s basketball program for the 2017-18 season. Golder will be a sophomore for the Crusaders next season and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press on Tuesday, his second straight season earning the accolade from the AP. Peters also appeared as one of the others receiving votes on the NCAA’s consensus All-America selections.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) reached a pinnacle on Friday that only one other Crusader in the last 50 years has achieved, as Peters was named a Third Team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) – one of just 15 players in the nation to be honored on the NABC’s three All-America teams.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) picked up a pair of honors on Wednesday to add to his extensive list of awards from his final season, as he was named an NABC First Team All-District 12 honoree and also selected as the Horizon League’s Male Scholar-Athlete of the Winter Season.
A shorthanded Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its season come to an end Tuesday night in the first round of the 2017 NIT, as the seventh-seeded Crusaders fell at second-seeded Illinois, 82-57. The loss ends Valpo’s year with a 24-9 record, tying for the fifth-most wins in a single season in program history.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Tonight's game has been moved to ESPN and will now tip off at 6 p.m.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make its second consecutive appearance in the National Invitation Tournament and its seventh straight postseason appearance beginning Tuesday night, as the seventh-seeded Crusaders make the trip to Champaign, Ill. to face second-seeded Illinois. Valpo is looking to make a run in the NIT in back-to-back years following an appearance in the tournament’s championship game at Madison Square Garden in 2016.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team learned Sunday evening that it had received an at-large berth in the 2017 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and will open tournament play as a seventh seed versus second-seeded Illinois Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m. in Champaign, live on ESPN2. Valpo is appearing in the NIT for a second straight season, following the Crusaders’ run to the NIT championship game at Madison Square Garden last year.
For the second consecutive season, Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named one of ten All-District V honorees by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).
A cold-shooting night doomed the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team in quarterfinal action at the Horizon League Championship Saturday evening in Detroit, Mich., as the Crusaders’ last-second 3-point attempt was off the mark and they fell victim to an upset-minded Milwaukee squad, 43-41.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens up Motor City Madness in Detroit Saturday evening in the tournament’s second quarterfinal, as the second-seeded Crusaders will face tenth-seeded Milwaukee. Valpo will need to win three games in a four-day span to earn its third Horizon League tournament title.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was honored for his work both in the classroom and on the court on Thursday, as he was recognized as a First Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Peters is one of only five players in the nation to earn the honor, and the first men’s basketball player in program history to be named a First Team Academic All-American. In addition, Peters also earned a spot on the Horizon League Academic All-League squad on Thursday.
The Valparaiso University men's basketball program confirmed today that 2017 Horizon League Player of the Year Alec Peters will be out for the remainder of the season due to injury. Peters shares his thoughts in the statement.
On this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview, head coach Matt Lottich and Todd Ickow discuss the final weekend of the regular season, newly-minted conference awards for Alec Peters, Shane Hammink and Tevonn Walker, and preview the Crusaders' upcoming trip to the Horizon League tournament.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) brought home the top award as the Horizon League announced its postseason honors on Wednesday, as Peters was named the league’s Player of the Year in voting by the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media members. Senior Shane Hammink (Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands/Oakley College [LSU]) was named to the All-League Second Team, while junior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) earned a spot on the league’s All-Defensive Team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came up just shy of claiming an outright Horizon League regular season title in the finale on Sunday, dropping a tight 82-78 decision at Northern Kentucky. The Crusaders finished the regular season tied atop the Horizon League standings with Oakland and will be the second seed for the upcoming Horizon League Championship at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, opening tournament play Saturday night at 7 p.m. CT versus either Detroit Mercy or Milwaukee.
Having already secured at least a share of the Horizon League regular season title, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team can clinch the outright title and the top seed at Motor City Madness as it takes on Northern Kentucky Sunday afternoon. The Crusaders would become the first team in league history with five outright titles in a six-year span with a win.
Trailing by 10 early in the second half and playing without its top player, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team refused to throw in the towel Friday night at Wright State as the Crusaders battled back to take the lead for good with eight minutes to play and pulled away late for an 84-74 victory. The win over the Raiders secured at least a share of the Horizon League regular season title for Valpo and gives the team the opportunity to claim the outright title on Sunday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team begins its final road trip of the regular season on Friday evening as they travel to the state of Ohio to take on Wright State. The Crusaders can secure at least a share of the Horizon League regular season championship with a win Friday night. Check out this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview for a look back at the last three games and a look ahead to the challenging weekend ahead.
The Horizon League and Olympia Entertainment announced Thursday that Rick Mahorn is the final panelist for the Champions Brunch at Joe Louis Arena on March 7. The NBA champion and former Detroit Pistons forward rounds out a group that includes three-time WNBA champion Cheryl Ford and Green Bay Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie as panelists and ESPN women’s college basketball analyst Kelley Deyo as moderator.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came out on the right side of a hard-fought battle at the ARC Tuesday evening, earning a 67-61 victory over Milwaukee on Senior Night. The Crusaders’ five seniors were honored prior to the game and addressed the fans following the victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hits the floor at the ARC for the final time in the regular season on Tuesday evening as the Crusaders host Milwaukee on Senior Night. The program’s seniors will be honored prior to the game and will address the fans following the game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got back to basics Sunday afternoon at Detroit Mercy, taking advantage of a size advantage across the board to pound the Titans inside en route to an 83-63 victory. Valpo returns home on Tuesday evening to honor its five seniors as it hosts Milwaukee on Senior Night at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to get back on the winning track Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders conclude the Michigan road swing at Detroit Mercy. Valpo has not lost back-to-back games in the last three years.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erased a seven-point halftime deficit within the first two minutes of the second half Friday night in Rochester, Mich., but Oakland responded with a 19-4 run over the next four minutes as the Crusaders fell by a final score of 82-71.
A national television audience awaits the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Friday evening, as the Crusaders start out the Horizon League’s Michigan road swing with a game at Oakland on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. CT. The game, which is the first of five in 10 days to close the regular season, matches up the top two teams in the league standings and provides Valpo a chance with a win to move three games ahead of second place with just four games remaining.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, as they look back at last week's pair of home victories and look ahead to a big road trip to Michigan this weekend.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team never trailed Saturday night in earning its 10th win in the last 11 games, fighting off a game Youngstown State squad in the second half to earn an 82-72 victory at the ARC. The Crusaders maintained their two-game lead in the Horizon League standings with the victory.
Saturday night basketball at the ARC is on tap for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team this weekend, as the Crusaders host Youngstown State in their penultimate home game of the 2016-17 season on Hall of Fame Night. Three inductees form the Hall of Fame Class of 2017, including former Crusader men's basketball standout Lubos Barton.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team picked up its 20th win of the season in dominating fashion on Thursday evening at the ARC, never trailing and leading by 20 at the half in an eventual 78-57 victory over Cleveland State.
For the third straight season, Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been honored for his work both on the hardwood and in the classroom, as he earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District V First Team. With the Academic All-District honor, Peters is now eligible for Academic All-American selection.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes aim at win number 20 as it returns home to the ARC Thursday evening to host Cleveland State. The Crusaders are looking to bounce back after having an eight-game winning streak snapped last time out. Head coach Matt Lottich joins Todd Ickow on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview to look back at last week's results and look ahead to this weekend.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its eight-game winning streak come to a halt Saturday afternoon in Green Bay, Wis., as the Phoenix of Green Bay dealt the Crusaders an 86-69 defeat. With the loss, Valpo’s lead over Green Bay atop the Horizon League standings was cut to one-half game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to complete a sweep of the Wisconsin road swing Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders take on second-place Green Bay. A win on Saturday would not only give Valpo 20 wins on the season, but would also push the Crusaders to a three-game lead in the league standings and mark the program’s longest winning streak in 15 seasons.
Fans of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team could be forgiven Thursday night for feeling like watching the Crusaders is like living through the movie Groundhog Day, as Valpo handled Milwaukee by leading start to finish in a 71-53 victory in Milwaukee. The win was the Crusaders’ eighth straight – the program’s longest winning streak in nearly a decade – and also was Valpo’s fifth consecutive road victory, as well as the team’s sixth straight win at Milwaukee.
Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named as one of the 10 finalists on the watch list for the 2017 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes aim at its longest winning streak in nearly a decade on Thursday evening, as the Crusaders hit the road to face Milwaukee. After playing the last four and six of the last eight at home, Valpo will play on the road for six of its final nine regular season games. Head coach Matt Lottich joins Todd Ickow to look ahead on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team found itself in its toughest battle in the last three weeks on Sunday afternoon at the ARC against Northern Kentucky, but came up big when it counted, surrendering just three points to the Norse over the final four and a half minutes in a 65-58 victory. With the win, the Crusaders hit the halfway mark of Horizon League play at 8-1 in league action and with a two-game lead in the league standings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team closes out its four-game homestand on Sunday afternoon at the ARC, as the Crusaders hit the halfway mark of Horizon League play when they welcome Northern Kentucky for a 1:30 p.m. tip. Valpo is in search of its seventh straight victory, while Alec Peters enters the contest just five free throws away from breaking the program’s all-time record.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team maintained its spot atop the Horizon League standings Friday evening at the ARC, taking a double-figure lead over Wright State just over six minutes into the game and then holding off a late run by the Raiders to earn a 70-55 victory – the team’s sixth straight win.
Back in its familiar spot atop the Horizon League standings, the Valparaiso University basketball team looks to secure its hold on first place as the league slate approaches the halfway mark. The Crusaders host Wright State Friday evening on Military Night at the ARC, with a special national anthem performance by Jim Cornelison and pregame ceremony honoring Alec Peters becoming the program’s career scoring and rebounding leader. The Valpo coaching staff will also be wearing sneakers with their suits as part of Suits and Sneakers Week in support of Coaches vs. Cancer. Check out head coach Matt Lottich's thoughts on last Sunday's win and on the upcoming games on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview, featuring the debut of a brand-new set.
Two program career records, a new career high and two fantastic performances in a pair of big Crusader victories all add up to the fourth Horizon League Men’s Basketball Player of the Week honor this season for Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington).
Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) became the Crusaders’ career scoring leader with a basket 4:31 into Sunday afternoon’s game at the ARC against UIC, surpassing Bryce Drew’s record, and went on to finish with 30 points and 10 rebounds as Valpo rolled the Flames by a 96-65 final.
Coming off of its biggest victory of the season, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes aim at its longest winning streak of the year as it hosts UIC in a Sunday afternoon matinee at the ARC. Alec Peters enters the game just seven points shy of breaking Bryce Drew’s Valpo career scoring record.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview. Lottich and Ickow look back at the Crusaders' three victories in a five-day span and look ahead to this Sunday's showdown at the ARC with UIC.
An impressive all-around performance by the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received an exclamation point with 4:45 to play, as senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) corralled his career-best 16th rebound of the game to break Valpo’s career rebounding record as the Crusaders closed out an 80-56 victory over the Phoenix at the ARC Monday evening.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team welcomes the lone unbeaten team remaining in Horizon League play to the ARC on Monday evening, as the Crusaders look to exact a measure of revenge against a Green Bay team which eliminated them from last season’s Horizon League Championship. Alec Peters enters Monday's game just 26 points and 15 rebounds shy of Valpo's all-time career records in the respective categories.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team locked down defensively on either side of halftime at Cleveland State Saturday afternoon as it overcame a double-figure deficit, and the Crusaders held off the Vikings down the stretch to earn a 78-67 victory for their third consecutive win. Senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) led the way with 30 points – his ninth career effort of at least 30 points.
In the midst of a stretch of three games in five days, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to finish off a sweep of its weekend road trip at Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon. Valpo has won nine of its last 11 meetings with the Vikings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got a lift from some unexpected sources Thursday night, as a lineup that had not played together all season long scored seven straight points to end the first half - keying a 14-0 run spanning halftime as the Crusaders went on to win at Youngstown State, 78-62. With his first basket of the game, senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) assumed sole possession of the top spot on Valpo’s career field goals made chart.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has earned a spot among the Midseason Top 25 candidates for the 2017 John R. Wooden Award, presented to the nation’s most outstanding basketball player.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes its first overnight road trip in over a month this weekend, as the Crusaders make the Horizon League swing through northeast Ohio. The trip starts off with a matchup at Youngstown State Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m. CT. Head coach Matt Lottich sits down with Todd Ickow to look ahead to this weekend in this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got back on the winning track Sunday afternoon at the ARC, putting together one of its best offensive performances of the year in an 81-74 victory over Detroit Mercy. Senior Shane Hammink matched his career high with 23 points. Junior Tevonn Walker and senior Alec Peters both posted double-doubles, while Peters also matched Bryce Drew’s Valpo record for career field goals made with his final basket of the game.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces a quick turnaround as it attempts to split this weekend’s pair of home Horizon League games, matching up with Detroit Mercy Sunday afternoon at noon. The game will be televised live nationally on the American Sports Network, including in the Chicagoland area on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
A poor shooting night hampered the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s effort Friday night at the ARC in Horizon League play against Oakland, as the Crusaders fell to the Golden Grizzlies by a 78-66 final.
It’s a meeting between the top two teams in the Horizon League preseason poll Friday night at the ARC, as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts Oakland for an 8 p.m. tip. The live ESPN2 broadcast is the second of three consecutive nationally-televised games for the Crusaders.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, to discuss last week's Horizon League-opening win at UIC and look ahead to a pair of home games this weekend at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team closed out the 2016 calendar year on a high note in opening Horizon League play with a road win Friday afternoon, taking down UIC in front of a national TV audience by a 70-59 final. The Crusaders were led by the efforts of junior Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College), who tallied 17 of his season-best 23 points in the second half.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens Horizon League play in front of a national television audience Friday afternoon as the Crusaders make the short jaunt to Chicago to face off with UIC on ESPNU. Valpo has won the last 15 meetings in the series with the Flames.
Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) needed just 33 seconds to reach the 2,000 point milestone for his career on Wednesday night at the ARC, scoring the game’s first basket, and the Crusaders never trailed in an 80-61 victory over Chicago State. With the win, Valpo closes out non-league play with a 10-3 record.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes aim at its 10th victory of the season as it closes out non-league play Wednesday evening at the ARC against Chicago State. Alec Peters enters the matchup just one point shy of reaching the 2,000 point milestone for his career.
All tickets for the 2017 Little Caesars Horizon League Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship at Joe Louis Arena will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can purchase tickets at MotorCityMadness.HorizonLeague.com/tickets, the Joe Louis Arena Box Office, or the Joe Louis Arena Ticket Sales and Service Office at 313-471-7575.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team suffered its first non-league home defeat in over two years Thursday night at the ARC, as the Crusaders fell to visiting Santa Clara in double overtime, 87-80.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, to look back at last week's win over Indiana State and look ahead to Thursday's matchup with Santa Clara.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to head into the Christmas holiday on a winning note Thursday night as the Crusaders host Santa Clara at the ARC. The matchup will feature two of the nation’s top-four active leading scorers in Alec Peters and the Broncos’ Jared Brownridge.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named the Horizon League Player of the Week for the third time in the last four weeks after his strong effort in the Crusaders’ big win Saturday over Indiana State.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rode the hot hand of senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) in the first half Saturday night at the ARC versus Indiana State, and then ran away from the Sycamores with a 20-0 run to start the second half en route to an 89-71 victory.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC on Saturday evening to begin its final stretch of non-league contests. The Crusaders will kick off the three-game homestand against in-state foe Indiana State as they look to remain unbeaten on their home court this season.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview. They look back on last week's road trip to Kentucky and Missouri State, and take a look ahead to the first of three straight games at the ARC - Saturday night versus Indiana State.
In a tie game with the clock ticking down in Springfield, Mo. Saturday night, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) came up with the big play, drawing a foul on a 3-point attempt with 5.6 seconds remaining and knocking down all three free throws for the final margin in the Crusaders’ 84-81 victory over Missouri State.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to bounce back with a win in its final non-league road game of the season on Saturday evening, as the Crusaders play at Missouri State Saturday evening. Valpo has not dropped back-to-back games since the start of the 2014-15 season.
An early scoreless drought which lasted nearly eight minutes was too much for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to overcome Wednesday night in Lexington, Ky., as the Crusaders fell to #6/7 Kentucky by an 87-63 final.
Fresh off of its first victory over a nationally-ranked opponent in over 18 years, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces another stern test Wednesday evening, as the Crusaders make the trip to Lexington, Ky. for the first time to face #6/7 Kentucky. The matchup is Valpo’s third with a top-25 team in the season’s first nine games.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview. The pair look back on last Tuesday's home win over Rhode Island and look forward to the challenge of traveling to play Kentucky this week.
For a second straight week, Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has earned weekly honors from the Horizon League office, as he was named the league’s co-Player of the Week following his performance in the Crusaders’ win last week over #21/25 Rhode Island.
In the midst of many victories at the ARC over the last 28 years, one thing has eluded the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team since beating Notre Dame in December of 1988: a home victory over a nationally-ranked opponent. But that changed Tuesday night at the ARC, as the Crusaders – behind 27 points and a game-sealing blocked shot by senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) – took down #21/25 Rhode Island in front of a raucous home crowd by a 65-62 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team welcomes its first nationally-ranked opponent to the ARC in nearly six years on Tuesday evening, as #21/25 Rhode Island comes to town to take on the Crusaders. The first 1,000 fans in attendance on Tuesday will receive free t-shirts. Head coach Matt Lottich sat down with Todd Ickow on this week's episode of Valpo Basketball Preview - looking back at a successful recent run of games and looking ahead to the challenge the team will face Tuesday night.
Valparaiso University senior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named the Horizon League Men’s Basketball Player of the Week after averaging a double-double in three Crusader victories last week and earning MVP honors at the Men Who Speak Up Main Event.
Thievery was the order of the day for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Sunday, as the Crusaders approached a program record by tallying 17 steals in a 79-73 victory over Ball State at the ARC. Senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) led four Crusader players in double figures with a game-high 23 points.
Fresh off of a championship win in Las Vegas, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC for a Sunday afternoon matinee against Ball State - the first of two home games in a three-day span for Valpo. The Crusaders are looking to avenge their loss last season at the hands of the Cardinals.
In a city known for hosting top-of-the-line title fights, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team and BYU teamed up to deliver a 12-round thriller of their own Wednesday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and in the end, it was the Crusaders who landed the final blow to win the Heavyweight Division of the Men Who Speak Up Main Event in front of a national television audience by a final of 92-89.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to bring home the championship belt of the Heavyweight Bracket at the Men Who Speak Up Main Event on Wednesday night at 11 p.m. CT, as the Crusaders face off with a familiar opponent in BYU live on ESPN2. Valpo downed the Cougars in a thriller in the semifinals of last season’s NIT.
A 3-point play by senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) with 56 seconds to play capped a 24-point night and proved to be the effective dagger Monday night as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took down SEC foe Alabama, 68-60, in the semifinals of the Men Who Speak Up Main Event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With the win, the Crusaders advance to the championship game of the Heavyweight division, where they will face BYU live on ESPN2 Wednesday night at 11 p.m. CT.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes part in the Men Who Speak Up Main Event in Las Vegas this week as part of the field’s Heavyweight bracket. The Crusaders will take on SEC foe Alabama Monday night before facing either BYU or Saint Louis on Wednesday.
Shooting woes continued to plague the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team Thursday night in Eugene, Ore., and this time it resulted in the Crusaders’ first loss of the season, as Valpo fell by a 76-54 final at #4/4 Oregon. Late in the game, senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) moved into a tie for second place in program history on the career scoring chart with 1,785 career points.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to take on a top-five Oregon squad Thursday night in Eugene. The matchup with the Ducks starts a stretch where the Crusaders will play five of their next seven games away from home. Thursday night's game can be seen live on the Pac-12 Network.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received its second National Letter of Intent in the early signing period on Tuesday, as Mileek McMillan, a 6’8” senior from Merrillville H.S., signed with the Crusaders. McMillan will join the Valpo program as a freshman in the 2017-18 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, behind career-high scoring performances from senior Shane Hammink (Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands/Oakley College [LSU]) and junior Max Joseph (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College), improved to 3-0 just four days into the 2016-17 season with a 78-58 victory over Coppin State at the ARC Monday night.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to make it three wins in four nights to open the 2016-17 campaign Monday night at the ARC, as the Crusaders welcome Coppin State to Valpo. With a win Monday evening, Valpo would be the first team in the nation to reach three victories.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made it two victories in as many nights to start off the 2016-17 season at the ARC Saturday evening, rallying from a double-digit first-half deficit to put away a feisty Trinity Christian squad, 89-75.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opened the 2016-17 season in victorious fashion Friday night at the ARC, taking down former conference rival Southern Utah by a 79-65 final. The Crusaders’ win was their 12th consecutive in home openers, 11 of which have come by double figures.
The lid lifts on the 2016-17 regular season for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team with a busy slate this weekend. The season opens Friday evening against Southern Utah before the Crusaders take on Trinity Christian just 24 hours later. Prior to Friday’s game, the program will be unveiling banners commemorating the 2015-16 Horizon League regular season title and the appearance in the 2016 NIT championship game.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that the program has received a signed National Letter of Intent from Parker Hazen, a 6’7” forward from Columbia City H.S. Hazen, who is ranked seventh in his class in the state of Indiana by ESPN, will join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2017-18 season.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this season's first edition of Valpo Basketball Preview. The duo discussed Valpo's exhibition victory over Hillsdale and what fans can expect from a number of the team's new players before looking ahead to the start of the regular season this weekend.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team kicked off the 2016-17 season at the ARC Saturday evening with its lone exhibition game of the year, defeating Hillsdale by a 78-63 final as senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
“A new era.” It’s a phrase which gets thrown around a lot in the world of athletics. But for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, a new era truly begins this season, as first-year head coach Matt Lottich prepares to lead the Crusaders into the 2016-17 campaign – a season which begins Saturday night with an exhibition game at the ARC versus Hillsdale at 7:30 p.m.
With the 2016-17 season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University men's and women's basketball teams hosted their annual Season Ticket Holder Open Practice on Friday evening at the ARC.
Fans wishing to catch the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team at Rupp Arena as the Crusaders take on Kentucky on Wednesday, Dec. 7 can purchase tickets now through the Valpo Ticket Office. A limited number of tickets are available in Section 240 and are priced at $42 apiece. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the ticket office in the ARC from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or calling the ticket office at 1-877-MY-VU-TIX.
For the second consecutive season, Valparaiso University senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named to the 20-player preseason watch list for the Karl Malone Award, as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday. In its third year, the award recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.
The Miami Heat announced on Monday that they have signed former Valparaiso University standout center Vashil Fernandez. Fernandez becomes the first Crusader to ink an NBA contract since Ron Howard, and is looking to become the first former Valpo player to appear in a regular season NBA game since Bryce Drew.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has been chosen to win the Horizon League this year in preseason polling of the league’s coaches, SIDs and selected media members, while senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named the league’s Preseason Player of the Year. In addition, senior Shane Hammink (Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands/Oakley College [LSU]) joined Peters as a preseason All-League selection, earning a spot on the preseason Second Team.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will have nine of its 18 Horizon League games broadcast by the league’s television partners this year, as announced by the league office over the last two days. Seven of the Crusaders’ league games will be on the ESPN family of networks, highlighted by a pair of appearances on ESPN2, while a pair of games will be broadcast on the American Sports Network.
Coming off a program-record 30-win season, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team announced today its schedule for the upcoming 2016-17 season, featuring a total of 18 home games at the Athletics-Recreation Center and road games at national powers Kentucky and Oregon.
Coming off of a record-setting 30-win season last year and a run to the championship game of the NIT, Valparaiso University men’s basketball season tickets are now on sale for the 2016-17 season.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Joe Burton has joined the Crusader program, transferring in from Oklahoma State. Burton, a 6’6”, 210 lb. swingman, must sit out this season and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play in the “MGM Grand Main Event” in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena during the upcoming season, facing off against the University of Alabama on Nov. 21 before taking on either Brigham Young University or Saint Louis University on Nov. 23. A hotel room block is available now through the Valparaiso University Alumni Association at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, with tickets available at a later date through the Valparaiso University Ticket Office.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was represented by a pair of players on the 2015-16 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court, as both Jubril Adekoya (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) and Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) were honored for their work in the classroom.
Valparaiso University rising senior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) is among an elite group of collegiate players participating in this week’s prestigious Nike Basketball Academy, being held in Los Angeles July 25-27.
Former Valparaiso University men’s basketball standout Ryan Broekhoff has been named to the 12-man Australian basketball team for the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Broekhoff, who has been a mainstay on the Boomers squad over the last few years, will represent his native country in the Olympics for the first time.
The Horizon League Executive Council has approved a revised bracket for the 2017 Little Caesars Horizon League Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships. In the new format, the women’s basketball championship will run concurrently with the men’s as “Motor City Madness” runs March 3-7, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that the Crusaders have added a pair of transfers to their roster, as Detroit native Bakari Evelyn and Atlantic City native John Middleton join the Crusaders from Nebraska and Utah State, respectively. Both guards will have to sit out the 2016-17 campaign and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining starting with the 2017-18 season.
Valparaiso University forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) announced today that he submitted the paperwork prior to Wednesday night’s deadline to withdraw from the 2016 NBA Draft, choosing to use his fourth season of collegiate eligibility rather than remain in the draft as an early entrant.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Vashil Fernandez (Kingston, Jamaica/Princeton Day [Md.] Academy) has been named the Horizon League’s Male Scholar-Athlete of the winter Season for his performance both on the court and in the classroom.
Eight Valparaiso University student-athletes earned spots on the Horizon League Winter Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office today. The men’s track and field team had three honorees from the indoor campaign, while men’s basketball and men’s swimming had two student-athletes recognized and women’s track and field had one honoree.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this edition of Valpo Basketball Preview as they look back over a whirlwind last month of happenings within the Crusader program.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today his coaching staff for the 2016-17 season – his first at the helm of the Crusaders. Luke Gore remains on the staff as an assistant coach and will be joined by incoming assistant coaches David Ragland and Jackie Manuel, while Chad Warner will join the staff as the director of basketball operations.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Jaume Sorolla has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader basketball program as a freshman for the 2016-17 season.
Fresh off his introductory press conference where he was named the 22nd men's basketball head coach in Valparaiso University history, Matt Lottich joins Valpo All-Access for his first sit-down interview.
Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., and Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Matt Lottich has been hired as the 22nd head coach in the history of the Valpo men’s basketball program. Lottich, who has been a member of the Crusader coaching staff for the last three years, is just the program’s fifth head coach in the last 36 years.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) announced Thursday that he will declare for the 2016 NBA Draft. Peters will not hire an agent at this time, allowing him to withdraw from the draft process at any point prior to the May 25 NCAA deadline and return to school for his fourth season of collegiate eligibility.
The long history of the men’s basketball program at Valparaiso University will begin a new chapter in 2016–2017, as head coach Bryce Drew ’98 departs to become the head coach at Vanderbilt University.
Valparaiso University senior center Vashil Fernandez (Kingston, Jamaica/Princeton Day [Md.] Academy) earned national plaudits today, as he was named the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com. In addition, with the release of the NCAA’s final national statistical rankings on Tuesday following Monday’s national title game, Fernandez officially concluded the 2015-16 season as the nation’s leading shot blocker.
The Valparaiso University men's basketball team came up one step short of its first postseason championship in program history Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, as the Crusaders were unable to make a run at George Washington in the second half and fell by a 76-60 final in the NIT championship game. The loss ends Valpo's season with a 30-7 record, as the Crusaders set a new program record for victories in a historic 2015-16 campaign.
A season which started way back in August with a foreign tour to Canada comes down to the final 40 minutes Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team is just one win away from capturing the NIT championship. All that stands between the Crusaders and the trophy? A George Washington team which Valpo will be facing for the first time in program history. The game will tip at 6 p.m. CT, live on ESPN.
The Valparaiso University Alumni Association will be holding a pre-game event prior to Thursday night's NIT championship game in New York City at Stout NYC (133 W 33rd St.). In addition, tickets in Valpo sections are available now online and via the Madison Square Garden box office.
A 16-point second-half lead became a deficit late in the second half, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team never panicked, regrouping in a battle down the stretch with BYU Tuesday night in Madison Square Garden and getting the game’s biggest shot courtesy of sophomore David Skara (Zadar, Croatia/Ekonomska Skola Zadar) – a 3-pointer with 17.7 seconds to play that gave the Crusaders the lead for good in a 72-70 victory in the semifinals of the NIT. With the win, Valpo advances to face George Washington in the NIT championship game Thursday night at 6 p.m. CT.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press on Tuesday. Peters is just the fifth Crusader in the last 48 years to earn All-American accolades.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team finds itself one win away from the NIT title game as the Crusaders take to the court at Madison Square Garden Tuesday evening in the semifinals against BYU. One win shy of 30 victories on the season, Valpo is looking to advance to the NIT championship game for the first time in program history.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Bryce Drew has been named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) 2016 Division I District 12 Coach of the Year in a vote of his peers, as announced by the NABC on Friday. It marks the second consecutive year Drew has been named NABC District Coach of the Year. In addition, junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was named a First Team All-District 12 honoree for the second straight season – Valpo’s seventh All-District honoree in the last five years.
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew joins the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this edition of Valpo Basketball Preview to talk about the Crusaders' run in the NIT so far, the tremendous support over the last few games at the ARC and to look ahead to Valpo's trip to Madison Square Garden for the team's semifinal matchup against BYU on Tuesday.
Tickets are available now for the Crusaders’ NIT semifinal game at Madison Square Garden against BYU, set for a 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT tip. The Valparaiso University Alumni Association will also be offering a fan bus from Valparaiso and a pregame event in New York City.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team punched its ticket to Madison Square Garden and the semifinals of the postseason NIT on Tuesday evening in front of a record-setting sellout crowd at the ARC, locking down defensively in the second half and limiting Saint Mary’s to just 13 second-half points in a 60-44 victory over the Gaels in quarterfinal play.
One win away from a trip to Madison Square Garden, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts Saint Mary’s Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the ARC in the first of four quarterfinals in the 2016 NIT. With a victory, the Crusaders would set program records for most overall victories and most home wins in a single season, as well as win three postseason games for the first time in program history.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host Saint Mary’s in the quarterfinals of the 2016 NIT on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. CT at the ARC. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with Mike Couzens and Dan Dakich on the call. Tickets are going fast, but are still available by visiting the Valpo ticket office, calling 1-877-MY-VU-TIX or visiting ValpoAthletics.com/tickets.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2016 postseason NIT on Thursday evening, as the Crusaders took down ACC foe Florida State in front of a packed house at the ARC by an 81-69 final. With the win, the top-seeded Crusaders will host a quarterfinal game at the ARC on Tuesday night, March 22, at a time to be determined, with a trip to Madison Square Garden on the line.
Fresh off its first win in the NIT in program history, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday evening at the ARC as the top-seeded Crusaders host fourth-seeded Florida State at 6 p.m. The game can be seen live on ESPNews.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team earned its first postseason win since 2008 and the program’s first victory ever in the Postseason NIT on Tuesday evening, leading start to finish at the ARC in an 84-73 victory over Texas Southern. With the win, the Crusaders advance to host Florida State on Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the ARC. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. online, via phone at 1-877-MY-VU-TIX and at the Valpo box office, while tickets for Crusader season ticket holders will be held until 5 p.m.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team earned a berth into the postseason for the sixth straight year and will appear in the Postseason NIT for the third time in program history, as the Crusaders received a one seed and will host eighth-seeded Texas Southern in first-round action Tuesday evening at the ARC at 8:15 p.m.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came up short of the ultimate goal on Sunday, as the Crusaders were not selected as an at-large entrant into the 2016 NCAA Tournament. But as one of the committee’s ‘First Four Out’ of the NCAA Tournament, the Crusaders automatically earned a one-seed into the 2016 Postseason NIT. Valpo will host eighth-seeded Texas Southern in first-round action at the ARC on Tuesday evening, Mar. 15, at 8:15 p.m. CT on ESPN3. Tickets are available online now, while the Valpo ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) earned a spot on the Horizon League All-Tournament Team for a second straight season following his strong performance in the Crusaders’ semifinal game against Green Bay.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) was named Tuesday as one of ten All-District V honorees by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), one of just 91 All-District honorees nationwide.
It seemed like destiny would again be on the side of Valparaiso Monday evening in its Horizon League Men’s Basketball Championship semifinal game versus Green Bay in Detroit, Mich., as Jubril Adekoya (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) hit Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) with a 80-foot baseball pass for a game-tying layup with 0.5 seconds to play in regulation. But the Phoenix would prevail in overtime, out-scoring Valpo 20-13 in the extra session as the Crusaders fell 99-92. The loss puts the Crusaders at 26-6 overall, waiting for Sunday’s NCAA Tournament selection show.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team heads into the 2016 Horizon League Championship as the top seed for the fourth time in the last five years, and will face fourth-seeded Green Bay in semifinal action Monday evening on ESPNU at 6 p.m. CT. The Crusaders are looking for their third tournament championship in the last four years.
Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew sits down with Todd Ickow this week to look back at last weekend's pair of thrilling victories, talk about the postseason league awards announced earlier this week and look ahead to the upcoming Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship.
It was like déjà vu for a trio of members of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program on Tuesday as the Horizon League announced its postseason awards. Senior center Vashil Fernandez repeated as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and on the All-Defensive Team, while junior forward Alec Peters earned a spot on the All-League First Team for a second straight year. Meanwhile, head coach Bryce Drew was tabbed the league’s Coach of the Year – the third time Drew has earned the honor in his five seasons.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) raked in a number of awards Monday thanks to his stellar play in the final weekend of regular season action, as he was named co-Horizon League Player of the Week by the league office, league Player of the Week by College Sports Madness and American Sports Network National Player of the Week.
A drama-filled weekend reached its crescendo at 3:52 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis., as junior Shane Hammink rose up and delivered a dagger of a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 2.2 seconds to play as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team ended the regular season with a 70-68 win over Green Bay. With the win, the Crusaders close the regular season at 26-5 overall and 16-2 in Horizon League play – the first team to win the league regular season title by three or more games since the 2009-10 Butler squad.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for its fifth straight victory as the regular season comes to a close Sunday afternoon at Green Bay. The Crusaders are looking to become the first team to claim the Horizon League regular season title by three or more games since the 2009-10 Butler squad.
In a game which seemingly had more twists and turns than a five-act Broadway play, it was the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team which made the biggest play of the game, as senior Keith Carter (Maywood, Ill./Proviso East [Saint Louis]) stepped into a cold-blooded 3-pointer with 37 seconds to play in overtime, giving the Crusaders the lead for good in an eventual 80-76 victory over Milwaukee Friday evening in front of a national television audience.
Having already clinched the 2016 Horizon League regular season title, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to close out the slate on a high note this weekend in Wisconsin, starting with a Friday night game at Milwaukee. The Crusaders and Panthers will play live on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. - Valpo’s third game on ESPN2 of the season.
Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew sits down with Todd Ickow on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview to look back at last week's victories, talk about the recent play of Alec Peters and Keith Carter, and look ahead to this weekend's final two regular season contests.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) picked up a prestigious honor late Monday afternoon, as he was awarded men’s college basketball National Player of the Week honors by CBSSports.com following his trio of stellar performances. Peters becomes the first Crusader in program history to earn the weekly award from CBS Sports.
For the second time this season, Valparaiso University junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named the Horizon League Player of the Week, following a week in which he posted a trio of double-doubles as the Crusaders won the league regular season title. Peters was also selected by College Sports Madness as the Horizon League Player of the Week as well.
Four years to the day after clinching its first Horizon League regular season title, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made it four regular season championships in five seasons at the ARC Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders led start to finish in a 90-74 victory over Detroit on Senior Day.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes to the court at the ARC for the final time in the 2015-16 regular season on Sunday afternoon, as the Crusaders host Detroit in matinee action on Senior Day. Valpo would secure the outright Horizon League regular season crown with a win over the Titans. Prior to the game, Crusader seniors Keith Carter, Vashil Fernandez, E. Victor Nickerson and Darien Walker will be honored.
In another classic matchup in the series, it was the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team which held off Oakland runs throughout Friday night’s matchup at the ARC, as the Crusaders led nearly start to finish and staved off one final rally from the Golden Grizzlies at the end to earn an 86-84 victory. With the win, Valpo secured at least a share of the Horizon League regular season championship – its fourth such title in the last five seasons.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the ARC for a battle between the top two teams in the Horizon League standings, as the Crusaders host Oakland in front of a national television audience on Friday night. A win on Friday would secure the Crusaders at least a share of the league regular season title.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together yet another in a string of stellar defensive efforts this evening on Tuesday evening at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio as the Crusaders eased past Cleveland State, 66-43.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from just its second loss of the Horizon League slate on Tuesday evening as the Crusaders take on Cleveland State at Quicken Loans Arena. Valpo has not lost consecutive games in the last two seasons.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied back from a nine-point halftime deficit and led by six points with inside of two minutes to play, but Wright State scored the final eight points of the game – capped by a tip-in from Biggie Minnis with one second remaining – to defeat the Crusaders 61-59 on Saturday evening at the ARC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team enters Saturday night with a 2 1/2 game lead in the Horizon League standings and will take on one of the teams tied for second place, as the Crusaders play host to Wright State at the ARC. Valpo has won 25 straight home games, tied for the sixth-longest streak in the nation.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played rude hosts to Northern Kentucky Thursday night in the Norse’s first-ever visit to the ARC, running out to an 18-point halftime lead and cruising to a 64-52 victory.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) received repeat recognition Thursday for his work both on the hardwood and in the classroom, as he earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District V First Team for the second straight season. With the Academic All-District honor, Peters is now eligible for Academic All-American selection.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to the ARC in search of its fifth consecutive victory on Thursday evening as the Crusaders host league newcomer Northern Kentucky for the first time. Four of the Crusaders’ next five games will be at home as Valpo looks to maintain its spot atop the Horizon League standings. Thursday night will be Motor City Madness Night at the ARC, with a number of promotions themed around the upcoming Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship. Check out head coach Bryce Drew's thoughts on last Saturday's win and the coming week in this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Vashil Fernandez (Kingston, Jamaica/Princeton Day [Md.] Academy) set the Crusaders’ career blocked shots record Saturday afternoon as Valpo won its 20th game of the season with a 73-55 victory at UIC. With the win, the Crusaders maintain their spot atop the Horizon League standings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks for its 20th win of the 2015-16 campaign on Saturday afternoon, as the Crusaders make the short jaunt over the state line to Chicago to face off with UIC. The game can be seen live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago, and Vashil Fernandez enters the game just one block shy of matching Valpo's career record. Check out head coach Bryce Drew's thoughts on the game ahead on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued to take care of business at the ARC on Saturday evening, as the Crusaders scored the game’s first seven points and never looked back, downing Youngstown State 97-68 to remain atop the Horizon League with a 9-1 record in league action. The win was the Crusaders’ 24th straight at the ARC.
Among the winningest teams in the nation, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to add another victory to that side of the ledger on Saturday night as the Crusaders host Youngstown State. The game against the Penguins kicks off the second half of Horizon League action. Saturday evening will also be Space Jam Night at the ARC.
The recipe was the same as it’s been all season long for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team: defense and rebounding, joined Thursday night by a splash of outside shooting as the Crusaders took care of business at the ARC, defeating Cleveland State by a 77-52 final.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns home to take on Cleveland State Thursday evening, kicking off a stretch in which the Crusaders will play six of their next eight games at the ARC. Valpo enters this weekend on a 22-game homecourt winning streak, the eighth-longest such streak in the nation. Head coach Bryce Drew looks back at last weekend and looks ahead to this weekend's games with Todd Ickow in this week's Valpo Basketball Preview.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team bounced back from a loss last time out with a dominating performance on the defensive end, limiting Northern Kentucky to just 46 points in a 71-46 victory Sunday afternoon in Highland Heights, Ky.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from its first Horizon League loss of the season on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders make their first trip to league newcomer Northern Kentucky.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied to re-claim the lead with less than four minutes to play in a Horizon League battle with Wright State Friday night in Dayton, Ohio, but the Raiders scored the next eight points as the Crusaders eventually fell by a 73-62 final, suffering their first defeat within league play.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues its current three-game road swing with another matchup against a team near the top of the league standings, as the Crusaders head to Wright State for a Friday night showdown. Valpo enters the game on a six-game winning streak and is receiving numerous votes in both top-25 polls.
Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew joins Todd Ickow on this week's edition of Valpo Basketball preview, discussing the stellar recent play of Vashil Fernandez and Darien Walker and looking ahead to this week's road trip to Wright State and Northern Kentucky.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team used seven combined first-half 3-pointers from junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) and senior Darien Walker (Chicago, Ill./Simeon [John A. Logan/Arizona Western]) to jump out to a quick lead Monday in Youngstown, Ohio, and then used a tremendous advantage on the boards to control the rest of the game as the Crusaders defeated Youngstown State, 96-65.
For the second consecutive week, a Valparaiso University men’s basketball player has been named Horizon League Player of the Week, as this week, senior center Vashil Fernandez (Kingston, Jamaica/Princeton Day [Md.] Academy) claimed the award after leading the Crusaders to a pair of wins.
Sitting atop the Horizon League standings, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faces its third game in five days on Monday evening, as the Crusaders make the trek to Youngstown, Ohio to take on Youngstown State. Valpo enters Monday night’s game on a five-game winning streak, matching its longest streak of the season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued its roll through the opening portion of Horizon League play, as both junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) and senior Vashil Fernandez (Kingston, Jamaica/Princeton Day [Md.] Academy) posted double-doubles in an 85-70 victory over Green Bay in front of a near-capacity crowd at the ARC Saturday. The win marked the 500th by a member of the Drew family as head coach of the Crusaders.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to continue its recent run of success as the Crusaders look for their fifth consecutive Horizon League win Saturday night, hosting Green Bay. With a win, the Drew family will have combined for 500 victories at the helm of the Valpo men’s basketball program.
A new record for home winning streak at the ARC was established by the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Thursday night, as the Crusaders used their tried-and-true formula for winning games to defeat Milwaukee, 68-56, and win their 21st consecutive home game. The win also keeps Valpo alone atop the Horizon League standings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to maintain its hold on first place in the Horizon League standings Thursday night as the Crusaders welcome Milwaukee to the ARC at 7 p.m.. Receiving votes in both national top-25 polls, Valpo would establish a new program record for the longest home winning streak at the ARC with a win, as the Crusaders have currently won 20 straight home games. Check out head coach Bryce Drew's thoughts on the coming games in this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Preview.
A career performance on Sunday has led to recognition on multiple fronts for Alec Peters on Monday, as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior has been named the Horizon League co-Player of the Week by the league office, has been named both the Horizon League and High-Major Player of the Week by College Sports Madness and has been named the Lou Henson Award National Player of the Week by College Insider.
Valparaiso University junior forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) not only easily set a pair of new career highs, he also matched the program’s modern era single-game scoring record with 39 points in leading Valpo to a 92-74 victory at Detroit Sunday afternoon in Horizon League play. With the win, the Crusaders swept the road trip through Michigan and ended the weekend atop the Horizon League standings.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to make a clean sweep of the Michigan road swing in Horizon League play on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders take on Detroit at noon CT. The matchup between Valpo and the Titans pit two of the league’s three remaining unbeatens against each other. The game can be seen nationwide on the American Sports Network, including locally on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team showcased its defensive strength on Friday evening in front of a national television audience on ESPN2 and complemented it with a career-best performance offensively from sophomore Tevonn Walker (Montreal, Quebec/Vanier College) as the Crusaders rolled to an 84-67 victory over Oakland at the O’Rena in Horizon League play.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Jubril Adekoya (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) has been selected as one of two Horizon League student-athletes who will attend the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Phoenix, Ariz. from Apr. 7-10.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hits the road for the first time in Horizon League play as the Crusaders head to Oakland Friday evening for a nationally-televised showdown with the Golden Grizzlies on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. CT. Friday’s matchup pits the top two teams in the Horizon League preseason poll against each other. Head coach Bryce Drew looks back at Saturday's win and looks to the week ahead in this week's Valpo Basketball Preview with Todd Ickow.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team matched its program record for consecutive home wins at the ARC on Saturday afternoon with its 20th straight home victory as the Crusaders opened Horizon League play with a 75-47 win over UIC.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team opens both the 2016 calendar year and this season’s Horizon League slate on Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders welcome UIC to the ARC. Valpo is in search of its fourth Horizon League regular season title in the last five seasons, and can match a program record for consecutive home wins with a victory Saturday. The game will be broadcast live nationwide on the American Sports Network, including locally on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looked to complete a comeback late at a venue where very few visiting teams walk out with victories Monday night in Nashville, Tenn., but the Crusaders were unable to get a potential game-tying shot to drop late as Valpo fell 85-81 to Belmont.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to close the 2015 calendar year on a winning note Monday as the Crusaders travel to Nashville for their final non-league matchup of the season, taking on Belmont. The game marks the end of an in-season home-and-home series with the Bruins which saw Valpo claim a home game over Belmont in early December.
The 1,000th win in the combined coaching careers of the Drew family came with ease Saturday afternoon, and appropriately enough on Homer Drew Court at the ARC, as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team defeated Missouri State, 74-45, to improve to 10-2 on the season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to extend its winning streak to four straight games Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders host Missouri State at the ARC. With a win, the Drew family would reach 1,000 combined collegiate head coaching victories. World-famous national anthem singer Jim Cornelison will be singing The Star-Spangled Banner before the game, while the first 500 fans through the doors will receive free sunglasses and all kids in attendance will receive "Crusader in Training" t-shirts.
Valpo men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew sits down with Todd Ickow as they look back at last week's pair of road wins and look ahead to Saturday afternoon's contest against Missouri State.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) tied a program record for accuracy from behind the 3-point line, leading the Crusaders’ long-range barrage as they earned a road win at Chicago State Friday evening, 71-53.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to move to nine wins on the season as it plays at Chicago State Friday evening. With a victory, head coach Bryce Drew would move into second place by himself on the Crusaders’ career coaching victories chart, trailing only his father, Homer.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team locked down defensively in the first half and then got key baskets when needed in the second half, as the Crusaders went on the road and downed Indiana State Wednesday night in Terre Haute, 69-63.
All-session tickets for the 2016 Horizon League Men’s Basketball Championship at Joe Louis Arena will go on sale on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. CT. For the next six days, fans will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets in Valparaiso's fan blocks to take in all nine games of “Motor City Madness,” including the Championship Game, in which an automatic berth to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be on the line.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the road this week with a pair of games away from home, starting Wednesday evening at Indiana State. The former Indiana Collegiate Conference rivals have met just four times in the last 38 years.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came out on top in a hard-fought battle against fellow mid-major power Belmont Thursday evening at the ARC, 61-57.
Junior Alec Peters and sophomore Georgi Donchetz are among 257 nominees from Division I basketball teams for the 2016 Allstate WBCA and NABC Good Works Team. This prestigious award highlights student-athletes who have displayed a dedication to community service.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to get back on the winning track Thursday evening, as the Crusaders host Belmont at 7 p.m. at the ARC. Thursday’s matchup is the first matchup in a home-and-home series this season between Valpo and the Bruins, as the Crusaders will return the trip at the end of the month. The Valpo softball program will be collecting new and gently used stuffed animals at Thursday's game for their Reading Buddies program - anybody who brings a stuffed animal will receive a voucher for free popcorn at the concession stand.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, behind a combined 31 second-half points from junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) and senior E. Victor Nickerson (Atlanta, Ga./Norcross [Charlotte]), nearly erased the entirety of an 11-point second-half deficit at Ball State Saturday afternoon, but the Crusaders would come up one shot short, as a last-second 3-point attempt was off the mark to give the Cardinals a 69-66 win.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team looks to improve to 7-1 on the season as the Crusaders face their third consecutive road game on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT, playing at in-state foe Ball State. With a win, Valpo would start 7-1 through eight games for the second straight season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team earned yet another statement victory in its early-season schedule, capping a stretch of seven games over the season’s first 12 days by leading nearly start-to-finish in handling Oregon State on the road in Corvallis Tuesday night, 63-57. Head coach Bryce Drew earned his 100th career victory at the helm of the Crusader program with Tuesday’s win.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team concludes its two-game road swing through the Oregon contingent of the Pac-12 with a Tuesday evening matchup at Oregon State. The game, which concludes a stretch of seven games in 12 days to open the 2015-16 campaign for the Crusaders, can be seen live on the Pac-12 Networks.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led at halftime Sunday evening against #25/rv Oregon in Eugene, Ore. and still led with 10 minutes, but a six-minute scoring drought doomed the Crusaders as the Ducks pulled ahead by double figures and held off Valpo down the stretch, 73-67.
The first team to five wins in the nation, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team comes off of two day’s rest for the first time this year on Sunday evening, as the Crusaders take aim at their biggest win of the season when they meet up with #25/rv Oregon in Eugene, Ore. The game can be seen live on the Pac-12 Networks. Bryce Drew will be looking for his 100th win as Crusader head coach on Sunday as well.
Facing a gauntlet of games in quantity over the opening week unlike any team in the nation, and even unlike any NBA team in the same week’s time span, the Valparaiso men’s basketball team closed with an easy win over Trinity Christian at the ARC Thursday night, downing the Trolls by an 89-42 final.
With some regulars recovering from injuries and others being given the night off by Crusader head coach Bryce Drew, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team had a number of guys step up and fill roles Wednesday evening as the Crusaders defeated IU Kokomo at the ARC, 78-40.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program announced today that guard Micah Bradford, a senior at Bradley-Bourbonnais [Ill.] H.S., has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2016-17 season.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team claimed its third victory in an 86-hour span to open the 2015-16 campaign on Tuesday morning, as playing live on ESPN2 as part of the ESPN Tip-Off Marathon, the Crusaders led for the game’s final 15 minutes in a 58-55 win at Rhode Island.
Three games in a three-day span await the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team this week as the Crusaders’ busy early-season schedule continues. Valpo opens Tuesday morning as part of the ESPN Tip-Off Marathon at Rhode Island, tipping off at 9 a.m. CT live on ESPN2, before returning home to the ARC to face IU Kokomo and Trinity Christian on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Bryce Drew looks back at the Iona game and ahead at the Rhode Island contest in this week's Valpo Basketball Preview.
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made an early-season statement in a meeting between two of the nation’s top mid-major teams on Sunday, as the Crusaders started their showdown with Iona at the ARC on an 18-2 run and never looked back, eventually winning 83-58.
Head coach Bryce Drew is joined by Tevonn Walker, Shane Hammink and E. Victor Nickerson for the postgame press conference.
With one victory already under its belt, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continues a busy stretch of early-season games with a Sunday afternoon matinee against MAAC preseason favorite Iona.
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team raised its 2014-15 championship banners to the rafters prior to Friday night’s season opener, and then the 2015-16 squad started its quest to replicate and surpass the success of last year, taking down IPFW at the ARC by a 78-64 final.
A loaded Valparaiso men’s basketball squad opens the 2015-16 season on Friday night as it hosts IPFW at 7:30 p.m. Prior to the game, the Crusaders will unveil their 2014-15 Horizon League championship and NCAA Tournament banners and raise them to the rafters.
In this season's first edition of Valpo Basketball Preview, head coach Bryce Drew sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow. Drew looks ahead to this weekend's pair of home games against IPFW and Iona, while also taking some time to talk about the program's scheduling philosophy.
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Bryce Drew announced today that Luke Simons has joined the Crusader program as its director of basketball operations.
Behind 34 points from junior Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington), the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led start-to-finish in defeating Indianapolis – which is ranked #8 in the nation in Division II – by a 75-67 final in exhibition action Tuesday night at the ARC.