Game Preview: Valpo at Miami

The Crusaders, after a crushing loss in the Horizon League Championship (not to belabour this any more than necessary) were automatically NIT bound by winning the regular season Horizon League crown. The Crusaders were given a 7 seed, and will head down to Miami to take on the 2nd seeded Hurricanes on Wednesday night. It is definitely no easy draw for Valpo, since size and athleticism is what ultimately wore them down last time out.

Last time out: Nice 1st half, ugly 2nd half. You guys know what happened, so I feel like it is not necessary to elaborate on this.

Preview: Horizon League Player of the Year Ryan Broekhoff and Horizon League 1st teamer Kevin Van Wijk have been the ones Valpo has counted on to carry the offensive load all season. We should expect no difference this game. The problem is that Miami is a team with lots of size and athleticism, and can overmatch the Crusaders in that regard. Van Wijk has made himself known for his physical play, so he will be especially important in this contest. Throughout the season we have seen how important it is for Valpo to have someone step up and act as a third scorer. Offensive balance has been a big strength for them this year. Miami has 4 players that average double figures in scoring, so Valpo will have their hands more than full trying to contain them. However, as a team they are not that great behind the arc (35%). Their field goal percentage (43%) and free throw percentage (72%) are fairly average. The one player that will probably be a huge problem for Valpo is Kenny Kadji. The 6-11, 251 lb junior leads the team with his 12.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG. Van Wijk will have a tough assignment.

In order for Valpo to have a chance in this one, we need our 2 workhorses to produce, knock down a lot of threes, and limit the Miami big men on things like second chance points, and getting Van Wijk into foul trouble. I usually do not like to pick against Valpo (and maybe you guys will rip me a little bit for not having enough faith in them), but I do not think we will win this one. I believe we have a good chance, but when it is all said and done I don't see Valpo on the winning end.

Prediction - Miami 74 Valpo 63'

Notables alumni from U. of Miami include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ben Folds, Grammy Award Winner Bruce Hornsby, and Sylvester Stallone.