Valparaiso Does Finally Belong
(St. Louis, MO) – It has taken Valparaiso some time, but as part of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Crusaders finally belong. Long time Valpo broadcaster Todd Ickow has seen it all. NCAA Tournaments, Sweet Sixteens and the shift to the MVC.
While it took the program and coach Matt Lottich some time, Ickow says it seems like Valparaiso does finally belong to the Valley.
Valpo is in the championship game for the first time in their Valley history. They are the first seventh seeded team to reach the title contest, but Ickow could see it coming. He says the team has been improving all season, but especially with the return of senior Ryan Fazekas. The Crusaders have won seven of their last nine games and one of those losses was an overtime decision at Drake.
The Character of the Crusaders
Ickow says he says there has been a ‘fight’ in the Crusaders and the team draws its character from the energetic and intense head coach.
Today’s Title Game Matchup
The two teams split their regular season games and Ickow likes the Crusaders’ chances. He says the guard showdown between Darrell Brown and Javon Freeman-Liberty favors ‘The Brown & Gold’.
To learn how Lottich will likely defend Elijah Childs and more about the future of the Crusader program head to our Valley Hoops Insider Podcast.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
