WOW...what an incredible game last night at the ARC in Valparaiso, Indiana as the Valparaiso Crusaders won a 1st Round Horizon League Tournament Game by defeating the Green Bay Phoenix, 75-67 in yet another thrilling game!

The first half was anything but exciting, as Green Bay could not hit much of anything, let alone the backboard. They finished with 17 points, shooting 28% from the field. Valpo faired a little better, connecting on 31% of their attempts, as the first half ended - Valpo 29, Green Bay 17. The second half was absolutely inverse from the first! Everyone was hitting everything! The 2 teams combined for 96 points in the 2nd half!  But, that was not enough for the Phoenix, as the Crusaders held on for a triumphant win! They now will head 140 miles South on Interstate 65 this Friday evening, 3/7/08 to play the Wright State Raiders.  Tip off is at 6:00pm EST at the Famous - Hinkle Field-House...and yes..I will be traveling to see the V.U. Team play with my wife !

The final stats of the game were impressive, as the Valparaiso Crusader's were at the free throw line a school record 45 times! YES, THAT IS NOT A TYPO...45 free throw attempts - that had not been done since 1959 ! They converted 23 of them all in that 2nd half, and that was the difference as Valpo prevailed! Green Bay was led by Mike Schactner, who finished with 14 points, followed by 13 each from Rahomn Fletcher and Ryan Tillema. For the Crusaders of Valparaiso, 5 players were in double figures..that is impressive ! They were led by Senior Shawn Huff, who finished with 16 points and 7 boards, followed by Urule Igbavoda's 14 points and 10 strong rebounds. He was also at the line 20 times and connected on 12 of those!  Freshman Bryan Bouchie finished with 11 points and Jake Diebler and Jarryd Loyd with 13 points each. It was a total "TEAM" effort by the Crusaders in this game. To be honest, it was the 1st time this season Valpo had 5 players in Double Figures.  So what is next for the Crusaders???.

"Hello Hinkle Field-house" ! The Valparaiso Crusaders will be playing Wright State Raiders in the 2nd Round of the Horizon League Tournament ! The Crusaders are coming off an Over-time win less than a week ago against the same Wright State team! This game is sure to be the same intensity and competitiveness, BUT, on a neutral court. It is now a simple task...you win, you play another day. You lose, you go home and season is over. So now the time comes in the season, where you MUST play perfect basketball and for the Crusaders, it must come 1 step, 1 game at a time with no looking forward!  It is the month of March and there is a reason it is called "March Madness"......... GO VALPO and keep the Madness alive :)

editorial by Jeff Safrin

Jeff & Grace Safrin,  REALTORS  "Spouses Selling Houses"TM  

F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty

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