Another slow start by Valpo almost caused the Crusaders a Home loss. At half-time, Coach Homer Drew must have had a few choice words about inability to stop the University of Illinois-Chicago's relentless rebounding! As a result, the Crusaders came out after half time and put on perhaps one of the years most impressive defensive stands! They held theUIC Flames to only 2 points in the first 12 minutes to start the second half!  Valpo now 5-3 in Horizon League, and 14-6 overall, with an RPI Ranking of 60 is preparing for another battle this upcoming Saturday 1/26/08 (7pm tip-off) against Loyola. A game they must winto stay in contention for a top seed & bye in the upcoming Horizon League Conference Championship Tourney. Valpo's chances are looking very bright, BUT... Valpo can not afford to look past Saturday, as for the first time in school history, ESPN 2 will be carrying a game live on National T.V. asValpariso's Crusaders will be hosting it's in-state arch rival the Butler Bulldogs for a 9:00pm Eastern Time Tip-Off Game Next Tuedsay 2/5/08.

But back to last nites game....

Valpo once again started out slow and sluggish except for their "count on" deep threat shooter Sam Haanpaa who once again, was hitting from behind the arc with shear precision and confidence!  UIC countered with a threat of their own in 2 ways.. Josh Mayo who leads the country from downtown, and, no one can miss UIC's big man - Scott Vandermeer, who once again showed his presence with 21 Rebounds -(7 Offensive and 14 Defensive). One thing I can say is, watch this kid develop he is only a junior and 1 more year - a definite powerhouse and on to the NBA for this kid!  The first half ended on what was only the 2nd time I ever saw a 1/2 court shot hit nothing but the bottom of the net and for Jarryd Loyd that just may have been what Valpo neededto cut the UIC lead to 7 at halftime. UIC hit a blistering 46.2% from behind the arch while Valpo was not a bad at 41,7%.  

The second half as I said was ALL Valpo...they held UIC to 2 points in the first 12 minutes and never looked back. Jake Diebleronce again proved his defensive skills (the likes of a Dan Dakich). With his intense and smothering defense he put on against the Flames Mayo, (who finished with a season low 16 points and only 2-6 from behind the arch), Jake was like super glueon his side the entire game! Once Valpo went to a 1-3-1 half court defense, that seemed to confuse UIC and they never could figure out how to adjust from that point on. Shawn Huffhad another solid nite, as well going 4-8 from the field, and 7 rebounds to go with that!  My Prime Time Player of the night would go to Urule Igbavoda, it has been an up and down the last 4 weeks for Igy (as he is called), but tonight he was a maniac on the boards with 8 total. It was his physical play in the insideand against Vandermeer that I believe, was another reason, that allowed Valpo to go on to win (final of 60-56).

Next up for Valpo is University Chicago Loyola Ramblersand there is only 1 concern I have. Valpo cannot look past this team to the Feb 5th Showdown with Butler.  A loss to Loyola would make that game very unattractive, but with a win this Saturday, THEN the set up for the Nationaly Televised game on ESPN 2 against Butler on February 5th will be one of the most heated, intense, memorable, college basketball games of the year! A game that just might decide who will come out of the Horizon League and get into the Big Dance ! Go Valpo win Saturday :)

editorial by Jeff Safrin

Come on out and join us for a night of fun - It's always interesting to see what the Crusader Student Super Fans will be dressed as - the theme changes with every game :)

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