Ohio St. game wrap up...

Jay Harris had a big night, Valpo did not. As expected Valpo had some trouble with #3 Ohio St. There is no need to dwell on the worst game of the season for the Crusaders, but I will note a few things that were frustrating.

In usual fashion the Crusaders put together a competitive half and then collapsed in the 2nd half. Neither team looked particularly good in the first half, but Valpo managed to stay within 4 at the break. OSU's defense was incredible in the second half along with Valpo's knack for missing almost every single shot around the basket because they were seemingly afraid of Sullinger blocking their shots. They were just plain out muscled at every spot on the floor committing 18 turnovers overall with 12 being thefts. Valpo managed to shoot just 33.9% from the field and 34.8% behind the arc. I have no issue with the 3pt shooting on the evening as it was actually an improvement from how they had been shooting from the 3pt line. The problem though is that it was indicative of the fact that Van Wijk absolutely disappeared in this game after averaging more than 20 for the season he didn't record a single point. Some of that has to be credited towards OSU's defense, but KVW has to take some of the blame too. Vucic provided his best game of the season in KVW stretches on the bench because of foul trouble by contributing 7 pts, but shooting only 30% around the basket (again missing shots a foot from the basket).

All in all Valpo ran into a much more talented Ohio State team and Jay Harris was the clear player of the game for Valpo being the only player who rose to the occasion. Definitely lots to build on as the Crusaders next game is a Horizon League opener at Butler.