Thriller in Valparaiso - Double Overtime Win for Crusaders in Front of National TV Audience!

WOW..that is the only way to describe the Valparaiso Crusader's win over the Redhawks of Miami Of Ohio! ESPN's Bracket-Buster Gametonight took place in front of a rowdy crowd. Once again Valpo made National T.V. as ESPN Classic was there to televise the game from the ARC.

It was a sluggish start for Valpo, as Miami was running one of the most impressive motion offenses I have ever witnessed. They could cut, post, pass and shoot, and they did that quite well as they took a 38-30 halftime lead over the Crusaders. BUT...the 2nd half was different..Shawn Huff a senior showed his desire and leadership as he scored 26 of his Career-High 32 points (all in the 2nd half), just when Valpo needed a leader! Urule Igbavoda played a strong game as well. He finished with 22 points, but even more impressive, he had 13 rebounds. Freshman standout Michael Rogers,finished the game with 10 points and sparked Valpo with his tenacious defense! The second half was back and forthand ended when Igbavoda's last second shot stayed on the rim for what seemed an eternity,before rolling off and sending the game into the first over time. Regulation ended 75-75 so on to Overtime #1....Back and forth, and back and forth again. Valpo had the lead with less then 8 seconds left when Miami's Kenny Hayes hit what had to be at least a 28 foot three pointer that hit nothing but net to send it into a 2nd overtime session!This time Valpo pressed harder and harder and out scored the Redskins 12-7 in the second OT to walk away with a 99-94 thriller at the Arc in Valparaiso Indiana!The Redskins play of Kenny Hayes, Michael Bramos and Tim Pollitz was impressive as they accounted for 75 of the Redskins 94 points. It was an absolute incredible game and one that anyone watching will always remember!

SO...what is next for the Crusaders? There are 3 games left for them. IF Valpo is wanting to host a Horizon League Tournament Game, they will need to win ALL three of the remaining games. They travel Monday to play at Milwaukeethen back to the ARC in Valpo to play at Home this upcoming Thursday 2/28/08 tip off 7pm CST against Detroit. The season finale will be on March 1st against Wright State- this game will be televised nationally again by ESPN 2 with a start time of 11:00am CST - this game just could determine if Valpo will be hosting a Tourney Home Game!!!

The win tonight by Valpo was a much needed. Hopefully, this will be a win to propel Valpo to winning their next 3 games!

Editorial By Jeff Safrin

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REALTORS - "Spouses Selling Houses"TM - F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty

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