Game Wrap Up: No Hustle Detroit

Hustle, hustle, hustle.  Run back on defense, get those lose balls, dive on the floor....these are the things that won Valpo the game, well these plus another poor coaching performace by Coach McCallum. I think the turning point of the game occurred when Ray McCallum missed a layup then walked back while Rowdy finished on the other end.  I'm not even sure McCallum made it to half court before Ryan scored.

The first half was filled with highlight real dunk after highlight real dunk by Detroit.  The most impressive was this Doug Anderson posterization of KVW.  Valpo found themselves down nine in a high scoring first half 36-45.  The second half started similar with a Ray McCallum alley oop jam.  From there on out, Valpo locked down in their zone defense and proved that team work and hustle will win out over one on one play and walking on defense.  Detroit managed to put 5 guys in double figures McCallum, Simon, and Holman all had 14 while Anderson had 12 and Calliste finished with 10.

Detroit did not change much after the half and made no obvious adjustments during the second half.  The Crusaders were hot from behind the arc draining an impressive 12-22.  Ryan Broekhoff led the way with a career high 26 points (including 6-6 from three), 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Will Bogan picked up right where he left off against Detroit hitting his first three attempts from outside.  He is 10-13 against the Titans from outside.  Richie Edwards had a real solid game posting 16 points and played real physical defensively inside against Holman.  KVW chipped in 10 points, converting some big free throws with just under a minute to play after a dumb foul by Holman.

This win, combined with YSU's loss at UIC puts Valpo in a virtual tie a top the league standings in a great position to grab up one of those double byes. 

Player of the game: Ryan Broekhoff - 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and at least a handful of hustle plays that made the difference in this matchup.  This may be the game that seals his HLPOY status.

POFG Runner Up: Richie Edwards - 16 points, 5 rebounds, and a great decision making and defensive effort on Holman.

Up Next: The Crusader will seek revenge on Wright State on Saturday night at 7pm.  Be there for the game and the HOF inductions!