Game Preview: Valpo vs. UIC

Valpo has lost two in a row and their last three Horizon League contests.  This slump has pushed them out of contention for one of the top two seeds and they need a win to lock up the four seed for the conference tournament.  It will be Senior night at the ARC as the Crusaders will try to send off Cory Johnson, Howard Little, and Michael Rogers with a final regular season home victory.

Previously vs. UIC:  The Crusaders' first league game of the year was against UIC back on December 2 in Chicago.  VU was able to brush off a poor performance from behind the arc (14%) to win the game in OT.  Valpo did an excellent job on UIC guard Robo Kreps, holding there best scorer to a 1-13 shooting performance.

If Valpo wants to win:  They will need to have gotten some rest between their game Thursday night and this game.  Thursday night Valpo looked worn down as their shots continually fell short of their mark, passes were not crisp, and the players just looked slow.  Look for the Crusaders to try and get Brandon Wood and Ryan Broekhoff going from behind the arc early in this one.

Player(s) to watch:  Valpo's seniors.  I look for this trio to combine for 35 points, 15 rebounds, and their usual stellar defense.  For UIC watch out for Robo Kreps (best name in the Horizon League?) and Paul Carter.  They have managed to form a very good inside/outside combination over the course of the season and could cause the Crusaders problems.

Prediction:  Valpo wins this one 78-71.