Valpo Flexes Its Muscles Against Milwaukee

Coming off a setback to Green Bay, Valpo traveled to Milwaukee in the hopes of avoiding being swept out of Wisconsin as well as suffering a sweep to the Panthers. A loss would not help Valpo’s chances of not only hosting the Horizon League Tournament, but also securing a first round bye.

In what would end up being a slug-fest, Valpo pulled the stunning victory, 55-52. This was despite not having Richie Edwards, who was ejected early in the first half with two technical fouls. Matt Kenney was also in danger of being ejected, as he had already been called for a technical as well.

With 1.1 seconds remaining, Milwaukee would get the ball on their side of the court with a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime. But, the last-ditch effort would come up short, and send the Crusaders home alone in second place in the conference standings. Valpo showed that they are who the Panthers thought they were. The Crusaders next face off in the battle of Interstate 75 as Detroit and Wright State come to town, looking to slow down the momentum.

Valpo then faces off in the battle of the Ohio Turnpike as they visit Cleveland State and Youngstown State. Then, it’s battle of the Windy City, as UIC and Loyola come to town. The only other road game for Valpo is the BracketBuster game, slated for February 18.

Then, it’s a prime-time showdown on ESPNU, as long-time rival, Butler, visits the ARC to wrap up conference play. Tip off for that game is slated for 6:00 p.m. Be there, as the Crusaders look to send the bulldogs home on a sour note with the sweep.

Wisconsin Road Trip

This weekend brings the annual Wisconsin road trip. With the possibility of first place on the line, as well as a chance to beat Milwaukee at home, the Crusaders must get the win if they are to keep pace with Cleveland State.

Milwaukee, however, will be looking to sweep Valpo. With all that is at stake, the afternoon showdown is sure to be a good one. A win would show the Panthers the Crusaders are who they thought they were.

Having beaten both Youngstown State and Cleveland State to enter into a tie for first with the Vikings, all Valpo had to do was get the win and first place would have been theirs. Things did not go that way, as the Phoenix handed the Crusaders their third conference loss of the season. A win Saturday would get the momentum going as the Detroit Titans come to town next week.

If the Crusaders can take care of business Saturday, they will have won four of the last five and seven of their last 10. This will be key as the Titans will look to keep the Crusaders behind Cleveland State in the standings.

Cleveland State sits atop the standings at 7-2 in the conference. Valpo and Milwaukee are tied for second at 7-3 and are 0.5 games out of first. A win gives Valpo sole possession of second place and a chance to keep pace with Cleveland State.

Will the Crusaders avoid the sweep or not? Only time will tell.