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It did not take long for me to see just exactly what the loss meant on Saturday when Valpo lost to arch-rival Butler - That game took out a lot of steam from Valpo and it showed for the first 18 minutes of the 1st half at the ARC in Valparaiso, IN. Valpo started out sluggish on defense and sluggish on offense and quickly they realized they were in a for BIG TIME fight against the University of Milwaukee Panthers (9-7 overall and 4-2 in Horizon League play). The start of this game and pretty much the entire game reminded me of the Indianapolis Colts when they played New England so hard for an entire game and lost-then on to San Diego and FLAT... Unfortunately for Valpo tonight they were flat and now not much time to get prepared to play University of Green Bay which played #13 Butler incredibly well tonight and only lost by 7 points.
The start of the 2nd half was less then impressive for both teams as neither scored a field-goal in the first 5 minutes and much was caused by an incredible tenacious defense Valpo started out with..they were cutting off ever post play and stopped the slashing inside game that Milwaukee was able to due with ease in the first half...Then the unexpected occurred and that was from the Milwaukee bench- Deion James decided to take over the game and control the tempo - he finished with 20 Pt's and a blistering 7 for 10 from the field and more impressive 4 for 6 for outside the arch...it went back and forth as Jarryd Lloyd got off a last second three that would have tied the game..but fell short...primarily due to the fact the Milwaukee player fouled him...how am I so for sure...IT was right in front of me and I heard the slap on his wrist...but that is the way Valpo's night went and so goes the officiating..one thing about the officiating..the were consistent...consistently INCONSISTENT... Valpo now prepares for Green Bay Phoenix another Horizon League game and even though it is early...this is a MUST win game..they can not afford to loose conference games at home and what will be needed to win...Valpo MUST find a way to get their Sharp Shooter - Sam Haanpaa free..and posting him is not the answer...For those that aren't aware of this incredible behind the arch shooter - he lit it up a few weeks ago in the ARC shooting 10-12 from downtown....great nite yes..new record at Valpo yes...one problem..every team in the country and more precisely in the Horizon League saw or heard of his performance and NOW...the pressure defense on Sam is like a wetsuit..it is tight...he is having a tough time getting open and they are more physical then ever...when Valpo can figure out something to get him free it will open up the inside game..until then..it is gonna be tough. Bryan Bouchie played well - Brandon McPherson played great penetrating and dishing and Jake Dielbler...well he is up to I think 65 dives on the floor and works hard every play..And what can be said about Jarryd Loyds performance - coming off the bench to lead the Crusaders with 18 points shooting 7 for 11 and 3 for 4 from behind the Arch. This Saturday 1/12/08 (tip off 7pm) is another day and another game...It would be great to have the ARC PACKED with Crusader Fans..this team never lacks effort or desire and they deserve the support of the area. Lets hope that Valpo gets back on track and comes out Saturday nite with a "W"......................GO CRUSADERS! Editorial by Jeff Safrin
VU Students wearing RETRO style Basketball Uniforms at the Game! There's always themed attire for these super fans. Come out and see for yourself this Saturday what they will be wearing next? ! :) Buying or Selling Property in 2008? Talk To Jeff & Grace Safrin Today @ 219-405-1232 or visit our website or Blogs for info->
We are Full Time, Full Service REATORS with F.C. Tucker- Indiana's largest Real Estate Company (est.1918), serving Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County, Starke County, Jasper County and Newton County in Northwest Indiana. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The ActiveRain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Active Rain Community. |
The start of the game as I said was sluggish but a late run by 
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