6/14/2016
Crusaders Add Pair of Transfers to Program
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.
5/26/2016
Peters Withdraws From NBA Draft
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.
5/6/2016
Fernandez Named Horizon League Scholar-Athlete of the Season
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.
5/4/2016
Eight Crusaders Earn Winter Academic All-League Honors
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.
4/28/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
4/27/2016
Matt Lottich Announces Coaching Staff
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.
4/15/2016
Sorolla Inks NLI With Valpo Men’s Basketball
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.
4/7/2016
Valpo All-Access: Men's Basketball Head Coach Matt Lottich
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.
4/7/2016
Matt Lottich Hired as Valparaiso University Men's Basketball Head Coach
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.
4/7/2016
Valpo’s Peters Declares For NBA Draft
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.
4/6/2016
Valpo Men’s Basketball Coach Bryce Drew Accepts Position at Vanderbilt University
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.
4/5/2016
Fernandez Named National Defensive Player of the Year By College Insider; Leads Nation in Blocked Shots
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.
3/31/2016
Valpo Falls in NIT Title Game
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.
3/30/2016
Crusaders Look to Raise NIT Trophy Thursday Night
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.
3/30/2016
Pregame Event Set, Tickets Available For NIT Championship Game
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.
3/29/2016
Crusaders One Win Away From NIT Title After Defeating BYU
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.
3/29/2016
Peters Named AP Honorable Mention All-American
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.
3/28/2016
Crusaders Set to Face BYU at MSG
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.
3/25/2016
Peters, Drew Earn Repeat NABC District 12 Recognition
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.
3/24/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
3/23/2016
Tickets Available For Crusaders' Trip to MSG
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.
3/22/2016
Welcome to New York! Crusaders Take Down Saint Mary’s, Advance to NIT Semifinals
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.
3/21/2016
Valpo Set For Tuesday Night NIT Quarterfinal
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.
3/20/2016
Crusaders to Host Saint Mary’s In NIT Quarterfinal
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.
3/17/2016
Crusaders’ March to MSG Continues With NIT Win Over Florida State
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.
3/16/2016
Men's Basketball to Host Florida State Thursday Night
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.
3/15/2016
Crusaders Earn First NIT Win, Taking Down Texas Southern
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.
3/14/2016
Valpo Set to Welcome Texas Southern For NIT Opener
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.
3/13/2016
Crusaders Earn One Seed in NIT, To Host Texas Southern Tuesday
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.
3/8/2016
Peters Repeats on All-Tournament Team
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.
3/8/2016
Peters Earns USBWA All-District Honor
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.
3/7/2016
Crusaders Fall in Heartbreaker to Green Bay in HL Semifinal
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.
3/6/2016
Crusaders to Face Green Bay in HL Semifinal
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.
3/2/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
3/1/2016
Fernandez, Peters, Drew Earn Horizon League Postseason Accolades
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.
2/29/2016
More Honors Roll In For Valpo’s Alec Peters
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.
2/28/2016
Hammink’s Heroics Send Crusaders Home Happy
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.
2/27/2016
Valpo Men Close Out Regular Season Sunday Afternoon
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.
2/26/2016
Crusaders Emerge Victorious In Overtime Battle at Milwaukee
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.
2/25/2016
Men's Basketball Hits Road For Final Regular Season Weekend
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.
2/23/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
2/22/2016
Peters Receives National Player of the Week Accolade
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.
2/22/2016
Peters Earns Horizon League Player of the Week Honor
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.
2/21/2016
Crusaders Claim Outright Regular Season Crown Sunday
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.
2/20/2016
Crusader Men Host Detroit on Senior Day Sunday Afternoon
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.
2/19/2016
Crusaders Take Down Grizzlies in Friday Night Battle
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.
2/18/2016
Valpo Set For National TV Clash Versus Oakland
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.
2/16/2016
Crusaders Use Dominant Defense to Defeat CSU Tuesday
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.
2/15/2016
Crusaders Look For Bounce-Back Performance Tuesday
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.
2/13/2016
Crusaders Suffer Rare Home Defeat, Fall to Wright State
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.
2/12/2016
Valpo Men Host Wright State on Hall of Fame Night
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.
2/11/2016
Crusaders Continue Roll With Home Win Over NKU
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.
2/11/2016
Peters Repeats as Academic All-District Selection
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.
2/10/2016
Valpo Returns to the ARC to Host Northern Kentucky
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.
2/6/2016
Fernandez Sets New Valpo Blocks Record In Saturday Win
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.
2/4/2016
Crusader Men In Search of Win #20
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.
1/30/2016
Quick Start Propels Valpo to Win Saturday Night
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.
1/29/2016
Valpo Men Host YSU on Space Jam Night
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.
1/28/2016
Crusaders Ride Familiar Formula to Win Over Cleveland State
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.
1/27/2016
Crusaders Return to the ARC, Host Cleveland State
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.
1/24/2016
Crusader Men Wrap Up Another Dominating Road Win
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.
1/23/2016
Valpo Looking to Rebound Sunday at NKU
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.
1/22/2016
Crusaders Drop First Horizon League Contest
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.
1/21/2016
Men's Basketball Heads Back on Road to Wright State
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.
1/20/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
1/18/2016
Valpo Earns Sixth Straight Double-Figure Victory in League Play
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.
1/18/2016
Fernandez Claims League Player of the Week Accolade
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.
1/17/2016
Crusader Men Face Quick Turnaround at Youngstown State
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.
1/16/2016
Crusaders Continue Run, Take Down Green Bay
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.
1/15/2016
Valpo Men Look to Stay Hot Saturday Versus Green Bay
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.
1/14/2016
Crusaders Stifle Panthers to Earn Record-Setting Win
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.
1/13/2016
Crusader Men Return Home, Host Milwaukee
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.
1/11/2016
Player of the Week Accolades Roll In For Peters
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.
1/10/2016
Career Day From Peters Leads Crusaders to Win at Detroit
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.
1/9/2016
Men's Basketball Looks For Weekend Road Sweep Sunday
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.
1/8/2016
Crusaders Make Statement With Friday Road Win at Oakland
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.
1/7/2016
Adekoya Chosen to Attend NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum
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.
1/6/2016
Valpo Heads to Oakland For Nationally-Televised Showdown
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.
1/2/2016
Crusaders Match Home Win Streak Record With Victory Over Flames
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.
12/31/2015
Valpo Men Kick Off League Play Saturday Against 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.
12/28/2015
Crusaders’ Comeback Falls Just Short at Belmont
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.
12/27/2015
Crusaders Conclude Series With Belmont Monday
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.
12/19/2015
Drew Family Earns 1,000th Collegiate Victory as Crusaders Down Missouri State
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.
12/18/2015
Crusaders Return Home, Host Missouri State
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.
12/15/2015
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
12/11/2015
Peters Ties Program Record; Crusaders Take Down Cougars
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.
12/10/2015
Valpo to Face Chicago State Friday Night
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.
12/9/2015
Crusaders Claim Road Win at Indiana State
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.
12/9/2015
Horizon League “Motor City Madness” Tickets On Sale Thursday, December 10
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.
12/8/2015
Men's Basketball Heads Back on Road To Indiana State
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.
12/3/2015
Crusaders Emerge Victorious in Battle Versus Belmont
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.
12/2/2015
Peters, Donchetz Nominated for Allstate Good Works Teams
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.
12/2/2015
Crusaders Welcome Belmont to the ARC Thursday
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.
11/28/2015
Crusader Men Drop Road Decision at Ball State
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.
11/27/2015
Valpo Heads to Ball State Saturday
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.
11/25/2015
Crusaders Take Down Oregon State Tuesday
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.
11/23/2015
Crusaders Continue Road Trip at Oregon State Tuesday Evening
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.
11/22/2015
Men’s Basketball Succumbs to Oregon Sunday Night
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.
11/21/2015
Valpo Looks to Continue Hot Start at #25 Oregon Sunday
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.
11/19/2015
Crusaders First in Nation to 5-0 With Win Over Trinity Christian
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.
11/18/2015
Crusaders Handle IU Kokomo Wednesday Night
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.
11/18/2015
Micah Bradford Inks NLI With Crusader Men’s Basketball
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.
11/17/2015
Crusaders Earn Tip-Off Marathon Victory At Rhode Island
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.
11/16/2015
Valpo Travels for Tip-Off Marathon Showdown With 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.
11/15/2015
Early Run Buoys Crusaders to Big Win Over Iona
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.
11/15/2015
Iona Postgame Press Conference
Head coach Bryce Drew is joined by Tevonn Walker, Shane Hammink and E. Victor Nickerson for the postgame press conference.
11/14/2015
Valpo Faces Quick Turnaround Hosting Iona
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.
11/13/2015
Crusaders Take Down Mastodons In Season Opener
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.
11/12/2015
Men's Basketball Set For Start of Regular Season
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.
11/10/2015
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
11/9/2015
Crusaders Announce Addition of Luke Simons as Director of Operations
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.
11/3/2015
Peters’ Big Night Leads to Exhibition Win for Valpo
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.
11/3/2015
Men's Basketball 2015-2016 Season Game Day Parking
As we approach basketball season here at Valparaiso University, there will be several parking lots available for men's basketball game days this season.
11/2/2015
Valpo Men Ready to Hit the Court For 2015-16 Season
The way last season ended, a heartbreaking loss to Maryland in the NCAA Tournament which went down to the last second, left a sour taste in the mouths of the players on the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. The players were chomping at the bit to get right back on the court, and had their appetite whetted with a summer foreign tour to Canada. But tomorrow, the Crusaders finally get to unleash that aggression as the 2015-16 season opens with an exhibition game against Indianapolis.
10/14/2015
Crusaders Picked to Win Horizon League; Four Named Preseason All-League
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has been tabbed overwhelming favorites to repeat as Horizon League champions, as the league unveiled its preseason poll at Media Day Wednesday afternoon in Chicago. In addition, a league-high four Crusaders earned Preseason All-League accolades – Alec Peters was named a First Team selection, while Vashil Fernandez, Tevonn Walker and Darien Walker all were Second Team choices.
10/13/2015
Peters Named to Karl Malone Award Watch List
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior 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 Tuesday. In its second year, the award recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.
10/7/2015
Trio of Crusader Games to Be Broadcast on ASN
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team will have three Horizon League games in the upcoming season broadcast nationally on American Sports Network, as the league announced its package with ASN on Wednesday. The games will be available locally on CSN Chicago, and join the previously announced group of six ESPN broadcasts.
10/1/2015
Men’s Basketball Promotional Schedule, Ticket Packs Announced
The raising of the Horizon League Championship and NCAA Tournament banners from last season, a number of giveaways, a Space Jam-themed night and a season-long celebration of 100 years of intercollegiate athletics at Valparaiso University highlight the Crusaders’ men’s basketball promotional schedule for the 2015-16 campaign. In addition, the ticket office will be offering a three-game pack and a five-game pack for sale, beginning on October 14.
9/23/2015
Crusaders Announce 2015-16 Schedule
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will raise its championship banners from the 2014-15 campaign as it opens the 2015-16 schedule – a slate which features 11 games against postseason teams from a season ago – on Friday night, Nov. 13 at the ARC.
9/3/2015
Men’s Basketball Horizon League Slate Announced
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program’s road to defending the Horizon League title begins at the ARC on Saturday, January 2 and features at least five ESPN broadcasts, as well as a game at Quicken Loans Arena - the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
8/24/2015
Valpo Basketball Preview: Canada Wrap-Up
Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew joins us for a special edition of the Valpo Basketball Preview, looking back on the team's recent trip to Canada.
8/20/2015
Valpo Basketball Season Tickets Now On Sale
Coming off of a record-setting 28-win season last year and the program’s second trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last three seasons, Valparaiso men’s basketball season tickets are on sale now for the 2015-16 campaign.
8/18/2015
Crusaders To Play at Rhode Island as Part of ESPN Tip Off Marathon
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team will play at Rhode Island on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. CT, live on ESPN2 as part of ESPN’s College Hoops Tip Off Marathon, as ESPN announced the lineup for its annual event on Tuesday.
8/14/2015
Crusaders Take Down Ottawa To Close Out Foreign Tour
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team made sure it would leave Canada on a winning note Friday evening, dominating host University of Ottawa inside the 3-point line to overcome 14 made 3-pointers by the Gee-Gees in an 84-76 win at Montpetit Hall.
8/13/2015
Crusaders Fall at Carleton Thursday Night
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team fell victim to a hot-shooting Carleton team early on Thursday evening in the Crusaders’ first of two games in Ottawa, as the Ravens led nearly start-to-finish in downing Valpo, 77-59. The loss, Valpo’s first in four games in Canada, came against the five-time defending CIS national champions.
8/11/2015
Crusaders Take Down McGill, Improve to 3-0
Facing a team in McGill University which ranked second in Canada last season in scoring defense, the Valparaiso men’s basketball team was hardly fazed, leading nearly start to finish in an 80-60 victory over the Redmen Tuesday night in Montreal. With the win, the Crusaders improve to 3-0 with two games remaining in their Canada trip.
8/9/2015
Crusaders Win Pair of Games on First Day of Action From Canada
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team ended Sunday with a pair of victories in Montreal to open play on its Canada trip, rallying for a 67-66 win over the Montreal All-Stars at Vanier College in the early afternoon before pulling away for an 85-60 win over Brookwood Elite at College Jean-de-Brebeuf in the evening.
8/8/2015
Valpo Men's Basketball - Canada Trip
Want to follow along as the Valparaiso men's basketball program travels to Canada over the next week? Simply visit ValpoAthletics.com/Canada for a blog, updated at least once daily with recaps of the day's activities and video interviews with the Crusaders. Last updated: Sunday night, Aug. 9
7/30/2015
Vashil Fernandez Granted Fourth Season of Athletic Eligibility, Will Return to Valpo
Valparaiso University announced Thursday afternoon that the NCAA has granted men’s basketball center Vashil Fernandez a fourth season of athletic eligibility. Fernandez, the reigning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, will return to Valpo for his final season as a Crusader in 2015-16.
7/16/2015
O Canada! Crusaders to Embark on Foreign Tour in August
The Valparaiso men’s basketball team will head north for a preseason foreign tour next month, traveling to Montreal and Ottawa in the second week of August to play five games. The preseason trip, along with the allotted practice leading up to the trip, allows the Crusaders to get a jump start on preparations for the 2015-16 season.
7/9/2015
Broekhoff to Suit Up for Nuggets NBA Summer League Team
Former Valparaiso men’s basketball standout Ryan Broekhoff will suit up for the Denver Nuggets in the Las Vegas segment of the NBA Summer League over the next two weeks, beginning Friday night. Broekhoff is getting his shot with the Nuggets after an All-Star campaign in Turkey this past season with Besiktas.
