Previous Matchups: Valpo swept the two regular season matchups, winning by 10 at Detroit and by 8 at home. While being undersized, the Crusaders managed to take the edge over the Titans on the boards the last time out. Keys that can be attributed to Valpo's success in the regular season against Detroit: at home they controlled the boards and Detroit big man Nick Minnerath, at Detroit the Crusaders guarded the three point line real well and the bench outscored the Detroit bence 33-12.
Win and Advance: Detroit is playing well right now. They are young team who seem to be learning to play together at the right time. Valpo will need to play a complete 40 minutes of basketball. The Crusaders need to take advantage of their deep bench. Valpo should have 9 guys playing some substantial minutes, while Detroit will mostly likely stick to 7 players for the majority of the game. The Crusaders must limit the number of second chances that the Titans get. Detroit is a lot bigger then Valpo, so team rebounding will be key. Valpo needs Cory Johnson to play like he is capable. CJ4 has been struggling a little bit lately and now would be a perfect time to snap out of it.
Predictions: Brandon Wood and Ryan Broekhoff get hot from behind the arc early and pace the Crusaders with 23 and 19 points each. Valpo takes it at the buzzer 83-81 on a Ryan Broekhoff jumper.
(Crusaders and students celebrate a previous victory over Butler, what I predict will be the scene Friday night after the Valpo Victory at the horn.)
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