Game Recap: Valpo vs. YSU

Survive and advance!  Valpo struggled during the first ten minutes of the game as Youngstown State simply out hustled the Crusaders up and down the court for some easy baskets.  The final ten minutes saw the Crusaders go on a nice run behind several turnovers from the Penguins and some easy buckets in transition to take a 44-35 half time lead.

The second half saw two different Valpo teams in action.  The "good" Valpo team showed up first and built a seemingly commanding 19 point lead at the 12:21 mark.  YSU struggled to get anything going offensively early on, but then rediscovered the instant offense of big man Damian Eargle.  Eargle (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots) helped lead the Penguins almost all the way back.  It was a two point game with 1:37 remaining in the contest.  That is when a jumper and three free throws by Brandon Wood (20 points and 13 rebounds) along with two Ryan Broekhoff freebies (9 points) helped Valpo close out the Penguins in round 1 of the Horizon League tournament.  Valpo will head north to Milwaukee for Friday's matchup against a very good Detroit team. 

Tonight the VU alumni association treated the fans to delicious pregame meal (pictured below)!