With the start of exhibition play rapidly approaching, the Valparaiso men's and women's basketball teams have participated in a pair of events to engage with season-ticket holders and students over the past two weeks.

The Crusaders gave a preview of the season ahead to 230 season ticket holders and their guests on Saturday, Oct. 15, allowing them a look inside open practices.  Following the practices, the fans were able to interact with the players over dinner and heard from both Bryce Drew and Keith Freeman.

The inaugural Valpo Hoops Dodgeball Challenge was then held on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the students.  19 teams in all competed in the event, while in excess of 100 students participated.  Various men's and women's basketball players were randomly assigned to play with different teams each match.  Team Cat Daddy won the student championship, with Sigma Chi finishing second.

Cat Daddy then got a chance to take on a team comprised of basketball coaches, with the coaches taking the three-game series 2-1.  Finally, the coaches challenged the men's basketball players to a match, where Ben Boggs sealed the win with a diving catch to eliminate coach Luke Gore.

The action on the hardwood begins this Saturday, Oct. 29 as the men's basketball team hosts Hillsdale in exhibition action at 7:05 p.m.  The women's team begins exhibition play against Huntington at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1.