Break Out Weekend?

(St. Louis, MO) – Valparaiso and Evansville came up with potential break out weekend wins. Two teams looking for identity and success handled nonconference foes and witnessed the emergence of team leaders.

Road Win for Valpo

The Crusaders went to the nation’s capitol and defeated George Washington 82-79. Bakari Evelyn and Ryan Fazekas recorded season best scoring days. Javon Freeman and Derrik Smits joined them in double-digit scoring, while Deion Lavender handed out ten assists. Matt Lottich’s team buried 15 three-pointers including six triples by Providence transfer Fazekas. Valparaiso (6-4), led by Lavender’s ten helpers dished 21 dimes. Valpo has won three of its last four games. Smits has been in double figures seven straight times. The young Crusaders are growing up.

Aces Gain a Split

Evansville became the first Valley team in four tries to defeat Ball State. Indiana State, Loyola and the Aces all fell to the Cardinals before Sunday. UE lost by ten in Muncie, Indiana and Sunday’s was a twelve-point win in Evansville. Division 3 transfer Shea Feehan scored a career-high 29 points and four of Walter McCarty’s other Purple Aces reached double figures. Evansville (5-4) has won three of four. It was Feehan’s second straight game (fourth overall) reaching the 20-point plateau. Marty Hill’s dunk was amazing. http:/

VICIOUS DUNK @SportsCenter Top 10 play by Marty Hill 🔥🔥🔥 @SCTopTen #SCtop10 #AcesAces #GetOnBoard pic.twitter.com/ZNAV6E7rRF

— Evansville Basketball (@UEAthletics_MBB) December 10, 2018

Successful Weekend

Overall the Valley went 5-and-2 with Indiana State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois joining the winner’s circle. SIU has won five straight. The Valley may have had its first break out weekend.