Championship Pregame With Todd Ickow

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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