6/30/2017
Hammink Inks Professional Contract With Bilbao Basket
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.
6/22/2017
Alec Peters Selected In 2017 NBA Draft by Phoenix Suns
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.
6/7/2017
Valpo to Host Utah State in MVC-Mountain West Challenge
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.
5/25/2017
Valparaiso University to Join Missouri Valley 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.
5/18/2017
Gore, Bradford, Smits to Embark on Athletes in Action Tour
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.
5/8/2017
Valpo Men's Basketball Seeking Team Managers
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.
5/2/2017
Linssen Joins Valpo Basketball Family
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.
4/27/2017
Valpo Men’s Basketball To Host Three Summer Camps
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.
4/25/2017
Fazekas to Join Crusader Basketball Program
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.
4/13/2017
Golder Signs NLI To Join Valpo Men’s Basketball Program
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.
3/28/2017
Peters Named Honorable Mention All-American by Associated Press
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.
3/24/2017
Peters Named an NABC Third Team All-American
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.
3/22/2017
Peters Earns All-District Accolade; Named League Scholar-Athlete of Season
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.
3/14/2017
Valpo Falls to Illinois In NIT Opener
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.
3/14/2017
Crusaders Set For First Round of NIT
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.
3/12/2017
Valpo Earns NIT At-Large Berth, Opens at Illinois Tuesday Night
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.
3/7/2017
Peters Earns USBWA All-District Honor
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).
3/4/2017
Crusaders Fall to Panthers at Horizon League Championship
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.
3/3/2017
Crusaders Prepare For Tournament Quarterfinal
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.
3/2/2017
Peters Named First Team Academic All-American
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.
3/2/2017
Peters to Miss Remainder of the Season
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.
3/2/2017
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
3/1/2017
Peters Named Horizon League Player of the Year; Hammink, Walker Earn Postseason Accolades
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.
2/26/2017
Valpo Drops Shootout at NKU in Regular Season Finale
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.
2/25/2017
Regular Season Finale Awaits Crusaders Sunday
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.
2/24/2017
Crusaders Rise to the Occasion For Road Win at WSU; Clinch Share of League Title
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.
2/23/2017
Crusader Men Hit the Road For Final Regular Season Trip
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.
2/23/2017
NBA Champion Rick Mahorn Added as Final Panelist for Champions Brunch
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.
2/21/2017
Men’s Basketball Battles, Earns Win Over Milwaukee on Senior Night
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.
2/20/2017
Valpo Men Host Senior Night Tuesday Evening at the ARC
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.
2/19/2017
Crusaders Take Down Titans Sunday Afternoon
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.
2/18/2017
Crusaders Look to Rebound At Detroit Mercy
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.
2/17/2017
Men’s Basketball Falls at Oakland Friday Night
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.
2/16/2017
Men's Basketball Starts Stretch Run Friday at Oakland
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.
2/15/2017
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
2/11/2017
Valpo Leads Start to Finish In Win Over YSU
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.
2/10/2017
Valpo Men Host YSU Saturday on Hall of Fame Night
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.
2/9/2017
Crusaders Take Down CSU Thursday Night
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.
2/9/2017
Peters Earns Academic All-District Honors For Third Time
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.
2/8/2017
Valpo Men Return Home to Host Cleveland State
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.
2/4/2017
Crusaders Fall At Green Bay Saturday Afternoon
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.
2/3/2017
Valpo Takes Aim at Win Number 20 Saturday Afternoon
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.
2/2/2017
Crusaders Handle Panthers For Eighth Straight Win
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.
2/2/2017
Peters Named Finalist For Karl Malone Award
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.
2/1/2017
Crusader Men Hit Road, Head to Milwaukee
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.
1/29/2017
Basketball Battles to Win Sunday Over NKU
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.
1/28/2017
Valpo Men Close Homestand Sunday
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.
1/27/2017
Crusaders Take Down Raiders For Sixth Straight Win
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.
1/26/2017
First-Place Crusaders Welcome Wright State to ARC On Military Night
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.
1/23/2017
Peters Claims League Player of the Week Honor
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).
1/22/2017
Peters Sets Career Scoring Mark; Valpo Takes Down UIC
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.
1/21/2017
Crusaders Set to Host UIC As Scoring Record Awaits Peters
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.
1/19/2017
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
1/16/2017
Peters Sets Rebounding Mark as Crusaders Crush Green Bay
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.
1/15/2017
Third Game In Five Days Awaits Men's Basketball
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.
1/14/2017
Crusaders Close Out Perfect Road Trip With Win at CSU
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.
1/13/2017
Valpo Men Look For Weekend Sweep in Cleveland
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.
1/12/2017
Crusaders Pull Away, Earn Road Win
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.
1/11/2017
Peters Named to Wooden Award Midseason Top 25
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.
1/11/2017
Men's Basketball Hits Road, Heads to YSU
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.
1/8/2017
Crusaders Close Weekend By Claiming Win Over Titans
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.
1/7/2017
Men's Basketball Hosts Detroit Mercy Sunday Afternoon
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.
1/6/2017
Crusaders Fall To Oakland Friday Night
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.
1/5/2017
Crusaders To Host Oakland In ESPN2 Showdown
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.
1/4/2017
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
12/30/2016
Valpo Men Open League Play With Win at UIC
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.
12/29/2016
Valpo Men Open League Play Friday Afternoon
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.
12/28/2016
Peters Reaches 2,000 Career Points in Crusaders’ Win Over Chicago State
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.
12/27/2016
Crusader Men Close Out Non-League Slate With Chicago State
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.
12/26/2016
Tickets On Sale Dec. 29 For 2017 Little Caesars Horizon League Championship
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.
12/22/2016
Valpo Falls at Home to Santa Clara
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.
12/21/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
12/21/2016
Valpo Set to Host Santa Clara Thursday
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.
12/19/2016
Peters Earns Third League Weekly Honor of Season
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.
12/17/2016
Crusaders Claim In-State Showdown With Win Over Sycamores
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.
12/16/2016
Valpo Men Return to the ARC Saturday
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.
12/14/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich sits down with the Voice of the Crusaders, Todd Ickow, on this 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.
12/10/2016
Crusaders Emerge Victorious In Saturday Night Slugfest
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.
12/9/2016
Valpo Looks to Rebound Saturday at 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.
12/7/2016
Crusaders Fall to Top-Ten Kentucky Squad
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.
12/6/2016
Crusader Men Head Down to Kentucky
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.
12/5/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
12/5/2016
Peters Repeats as Horizon League Player of the 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.
11/29/2016
Crusaders Win Thriller Over Nationally-Ranked Rhode Island Tuesday
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.
11/28/2016
Valpo Welcomes Ranked Rhode Island Squad to ARC Tuesday
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.
11/28/2016
Peters Earns Horizon League Player of the Week Accolade
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.
11/27/2016
Crusaders Take Advantage of Takeaways; Take Down Ball State
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.
11/26/2016
Valpo Men Return Home, Host Ball State
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.
11/23/2016
Crusaders Defeat BYU, Bring Home Championship Belt
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.
11/22/2016
Valpo and BYU To Square Off For Heavyweight Belt
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.
11/21/2016
Crusaders Take Down Alabama, Advance To Championship of Men Who Speak Up Main Event
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.
11/20/2016
Valpo Opens Action From Vegas Monday Versus Alabama
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.
11/17/2016
Crusaders Fall at #4/4 Oregon Thursday Evening
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.
11/16/2016
Valpo Travels to Take On Top-Five Oregon Team Thursday
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.
11/15/2016
McMillan Signs NLI to Join Valpo Men’s Basketball Program
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.
11/14/2016
Crusaders Roll to Victory Over Coppin State
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.
11/13/2016
Crusaders Host Coppin State 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.
11/12/2016
Valpo Earns Second Straight Win Saturday
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.
11/11/2016
Crusaders Take Down Thunderbirds in Season Opener
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.
11/10/2016
Men's Basketball Tips Season With Games Friday and Saturday
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.
11/9/2016
Hazen Signs NLI With Valpo Men’s Basketball
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.
11/8/2016
Valpo Basketball Preview
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.
11/5/2016
Crusaders Down Hillsdale In Exhibition Action Saturday
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.
11/4/2016
Men's Basketball Opens 2016-17 Campaign Saturday With Exhibition Game
“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.
10/28/2016
Valpo Hosts Season Ticket Holder Open Practice Friday Night
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.
10/24/2016
Tickets For Kentucky Game On Sale Now
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.
10/20/2016
Peters Earns Spot on Karl Malone Award Watch List
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.
10/17/2016
Vashil Fernandez Signs NBA Contract With Miami Heat
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.
10/6/2016
Crusaders Tabbed Preseason Favorite; Peters Preseason Player of the Year
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.
9/14/2016
Men’s Basketball League Broadcast Schedule Announced
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.
9/7/2016
Valpo Men’s Basketball Announces 2016-17 Schedule
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.
9/5/2016
Valpo Men’s Basketball Season Tickets Now On Sale
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.
8/23/2016
Joe Burton Joins Crusader Basketball Program
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.
8/9/2016
Valparaiso to Play in “MGM Grand Main Event”
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.
7/27/2016
Crusaders Place Pair on NABC Honors Court
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.
7/25/2016
Peters Participating in Nike Basketball Academy
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.
7/11/2016
Broekhoff Named to Australia Olympic Basketball Squad
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.
7/6/2016
Horizon League Announces 2017 Little Caesars Motor City Madness Updates
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.
