Valpo & SIUE – It’s About Energy – Updated

Two Teams Trying to Move Up

(St. Louis, MO) – Valparaiso has struggled since joining the Missouri Valley Conference and Southern Illinois Edwardsville has struggled ever since joining Division 1. Both teams believe they are turning the corner.

Tuesday night the two upward-looking programs squared off in Edwardsville, Illinois. An outstanding first half by SIUE led to an early lead for the Cougars. An even better second half by the Crusaders brought them the victory.

Valpo was picked to finish second last in the Valley. We didn’t believe that prediction (See ‘Looking For an Education‘). After the Crusaders’ loss at Saint Louis on Saturday, Billiken media members repeatedly shared their disbelief about that ranking. SLU fans and coaches were impressed by the Valpo talent level and persistence. While Ryan Fazekas’ wrist injury is significant, this year’s team seems to have more confidence and commitment.

Head coach Matt Lottich believes his team has the right make up and temperament to be better this year. The early season results have been mixed and he thinks his team needs to learn how to start faster. On this night when Evansville had just upset Kentucky, I also asked Lottich about his reaction to that win.

 

 

SIUE – Barone Says It’s About Energy

SIUE was picked to finish second last in the Ohio Valley Conference. We didn’t believe that prediction either. There are significant pieces left over from last season. Point guard Tyresse Williford, wing Cameron Williams and forward Brandon Jackson are proven commodities. They are successful OVC players.

First year head coach Brian Barone loves coaching his team. Since there is a deeper talent base, Barone insists the key to his team’s success is all about energy. During the Valpo game, his team scrambled to a half time lead by out hustling the Crusaders to loose balls and ’50-50′ rebounds.

He said they lacked some of that intensity in the second half. He too responded to the Evansville win and the fact that OVC teams are giving highly ranked teams all they can handle.

 

What’s Next?

During the first day of national signing day, SIUE signed local standout Ray’Sean Taylor. The Collinsville native averaged over 21 points per game during his junior campaign. SIUE (1-2) travels to Texas to play Incarnate Word Saturday. The Southland Conference member Cardinals are 1-2. After Saturday’s game in Texas, the Cougars then travel to South Dakota for Monday’s game with the Coyotes.

Valpo (2-1) is off until Sunday, when they host North Dakota. After Sunday’s contest the Crusaders head to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam. North Dakota is 1-1. The Crusaders signed a trio of prep standouts. Wings Connor Barrett and Sheldon Edwards and forward Jacob Ognacevic are joining the Valpo program.

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