Game Wrap Up: Any more doubters out there?

If there were any doubters heading into the game Saturday night (I'm looking at you Vegas odds makers) the Crusaders certainly had to have changed their minds.  Butler started out to an 7-2 lead, the teams would tie the score at 8-8 but that would be the last time Butler was close.  Valpo would ride the amazing play of Ryan Broekhoff and some timely shooting by Erik Buggs (not a typo) and Jay Harris.  The ARC was on fire last night with crowd pushing the facility to it's limits.

After Butler got out to that early lead, Brent made the suggestion that our super subs would get things turned around for us.  Boy was he right.  That first substitution of Richie Edwards (apparently my wife's favorite player), Matt Kenney and Jay Harris turned the tide in the Crusader's favor.  The story of this night however was Ryan Broekhoff.  He filled up the box score with 19 points (6-9 fg, 5-6 ft, 2-3 3pt) and 16 rebounds.  At one point in the game Brent and I made a bet on whether he would have more points or rebounds...I lost and bought the drinks and appetizers at Wings Etc. after the game.  Ryan's hustle, energy, and always being in the right place at the right time (coincidence, I think not) are huge for the Crusaders as he is always creating extra scoring chances for the team.  If there was anybody in the league not thinking he should be the POY they are certainly on board now.

Coach Stevens had to be frustrated last night.  No defensive strategy seemed to work and his offense was not converting against Valpo's suddnely stingy defense.  Butler went with the Hack - a - Buggs strategy with about 7 minutes left in the game when it was obvious they weren't going to be able to chip away at the lead playing defense. 

Player of the Game: Ryan Broekhoff - 19 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and several amazing hustle plays (like when he saved a lose ball after a missed Buggs free throw and banged it off a Butler player creating another possession which would end in a Jay Harris 3pter).
1.303 PPS

POTG Runner Up: Erik Buggs - this was a tough call between Buggs and KVW.  I'm going with Erik because I thought those two 3 pointers he hit were so important.  While his free throw shooting left something to be desired when Butler went to the hack a buggs with 7 minutes left in the game, he managed to keep his cool and stay in the game.  He also played excellent defense (as did the whole team) on Ronald Nored holding him to only 4 points.

Up Next: The Crusaders will try to wrap up the conference tournament Tuesday night at home against Detroit at 8pm.