4/19/2024
Devon Ellis Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball Program
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the signing of Devon Ellis (Schaumburg, Ill. / Conant [Maryland Eastern Shore]), who will join the program as a transfer for the 2024-25 season.
3/27/2024
Schwieger Named Kyle Macy Freshman All-American by CollegeInsider.com
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) added yet another feather to his crowded cap on Wednesday as he was named to the 2023-24 Kyle Macy Freshman All-America Team and a finalist for the Kyle Macy Freshman of the Year Award.
3/7/2024
Valpo Falls to Belmont in MVC Tournament Opener
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team saw its season come to an end on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) scored a team-high 20 points, while Jerome Palm (Almere, The Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) turned in a double-double in an 86-61 loss to Belmont.
3/6/2024
Schwieger Named MVC Freshman of the Year
A stellar season by Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) received well-earned recognition on Wednesday night as the Valpo rookie was presented with the league’s Freshman of the Year Award, as announced at the MVC Awards Banquet in St. Louis.
3/4/2024
Valpo Basketball Weekly: March 4
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They look back at Sunday's Senior Day win over Illinois State, discuss Jerome Palm's marriage proposal and preview Arch Madness.
3/4/2024
Schwieger Named MVC Freshman of the Week for Fifth Time
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) was recognized yet again by the Missouri Valley Conference on Monday as he was tabbed the league’s Freshman of the Week for the fifth time this season.
3/4/2024
Valpo to Tip Off Arch Madness on Thursday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will embark upon Arch Madness, the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, on Thursday afternoon in St. Louis. The 12th-seeded Beacons will play fifth-seeded Belmont in the first round with the winner of Thursday’s game advancing to play fourth-seeded UNI on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
3/3/2024
Schwieger, Stafford Lift Valpo Past Illinois State in Regular-Season Finale
Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) didn’t look like a freshman. There was a marriage proposal on Senior Day at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team beat Illinois State. No, this isn’t an assemblage of headlines seen on ValpoAthletics.com over the last decade, and yes this is a game story summarizing new developments that occurred on a memorable Sunday afternoon.
2/29/2024
Men's Basketball to Host Illinois State for Sunday's Senior Day
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will finish out the regular season on Sunday by hosting Illinois State at 1 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will be Senior Day for the Beacons as the program will celebrate Connor Barrett, Jerome Palm and Anthony Sciarroni as well as student manager Nate Maxwell and cheer/dance seniors, all of whom will be recognized prior to the game. Head coach Roger Powell Jr. and senior players will address the crowd following the game. Valpo has hopes of sweeping the season series from the Redbirds and continuing the program’s dominance in head-to-head matchups since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
2/27/2024
Shorthanded Beacons Fall to Panthers
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played shorthanded with Cooper Schwieger and Connor Barrett absent due to illness, and host UNI took advantage by recording a 68-54 victory in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Valpo’s frontcourt of Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) and Jerome Palm (Almere, Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) provided the highlights, as Sepp was a point shy of a double-double while Palm matched a career best in the scoring column.
2/26/2024
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Feb. 26
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly. They discuss Cooper Schwieger's career performance, Sherman Weatherspoon IV's 3-point shooting this week and recognizing longtime official scorer Dot Nuechterlein with the "Grit Chain."
2/25/2024
Men's Basketball Set for Final Regular-Season Road Game at UNI
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the road portion of the regular season on Tuesday night as the Beacons clash with UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Valpo will face a quick turnaround as the midweek game will take place on Tuesday instead of Wednesday for the first time this season. The Beacons will have a breather from game action after this one, as the next contest will be on Sunday at home against Illinois State for Valpo’s Senior Day.
2/24/2024
Valpo Assembles Strong First Half, But Host Racers Pull Away After Halftime
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together a strong first half and led 44-36 at the intermission, but host Murray State pulled away after the break en route to an 80-68 win on Saturday afternoon at CFSB Center in Murray, Ky. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) poured in 20 first-half points and finished with 26 for the contest.
2/22/2024
Valpo to Play Murray State for First Time This Season
As the regular season winds down, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will engage in its first and only matchup with Murray State of the 2023-24 regular season on Saturday afternoon in Murray, Ky. This will mark the first of back-to-back road games as the team will face a quick turnaround with a visit to Cedar Falls, Iowa upcoming for a Tuesday night tilt with the Panthers. These two games will mark the final regular-season road trips for the Beacons.
2/21/2024
Palm Produces Career High in Setback to Sycamores
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received a career-high 14 points from senior Jerome Palm (Almere, Netherlands / Echnaton [Hillsborough CC]) and junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) enjoyed another big day with 23 points, but visiting Indiana State prevailed 83-64 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This marked a step forward from the team’s visit to Terre Haute earlier this month as this time Valpo trailed by only three midway through the second half.
2/19/2024
Valpo to Host Indiana State in Penultimate Home Game
Two teams looking to bounce back from rough patches will lock horns on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team tries to get back in the win column against first-place Indiana State, a team that was nationally ranked for the first time this season last week but fell out of the Top 25 on Monday after losing back-to-back games. This will be Dot Nuechterlein recognition night as the longtime official scorer will be honored prior to the game for her 40 years of service. She will retire from her duties at the end of the season. Wednesday will represent the penultimate home game of the 2023-24 campaign.
2/17/2024
Late Run Helps Bears Best Beacons in Springfield
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led by as many as 10 points, but Missouri State went on an 18-0 run in the game’s closing minutes to rally past the Beacons 82-74 on Saturday afternoon at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. Two Valpo players eclipsed 20 points as Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) paced the team with 24 and Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest) turned in 22.
2/15/2024
Valpo Set for Televised Matchup in Missouri
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will take the court for a televised showdown with Missouri State on Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. After playing back-to-back home games for the first time in conference play, the Beacons return to the road, where they will spend three of their next four contests.
2/15/2024
A Look Back at Four Decades Sporting the Black & White Stripes; Longtime Official Scorer Dot Nuechterlein to be Recognized
A Valparaiso University men’s basketball game is set to tip off at the Athletics-Recreation Center, and the team shares a fist bump.
2/14/2024
Valpo Falls to UNI on Wednesday
Junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) tallied a game-high 21 points and fellow junior Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Canada / Orangeville Prep) turned in a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to UNI 86-67 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. A hot-shooting Panther team hit at a 66.7 percent clip.
2/12/2024
Schwieger Garners Fourth MVC Freshman of the Week Award
For the fourth time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week on Monday.
2/12/2024
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Feb. 12
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss the importance of a student section in college basketball including his memories of playing in front of the Orange Krush, talk about the quick turnarounds made by other MVC programs and more.
2/11/2024
Men's Basketball Set for Valentine's Day Date with UNI
It’s Valentine’s Day at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts the second of back-to-back home contests with UNI in town for a 7 p.m. tip. The Beacons will play consecutive home games for the first time since the start of Missouri Valley Conference action and will have a midweek home date for the first time since Jan. 10 after four consecutive road Wednesdays.
2/10/2024
Men’s Basketball Falls to Belmont on Saturday
Four Valparaiso University men’s basketball players scored in double figures and the Beacons outscored the guests 51-42 after halftime, but an early deficit was too much to overcome as visiting Belmont prevailed 96-78 on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Part of the department’s All-Sports Reunion Weekend, the game featured a halftime celebration of the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024, including Raitis Grafs ‘03 (men’s basketball), Jon Robisch ‘64 (men’s basketball/baseball), Jordan Rutkowski ‘12 (softball) and Ozzie Young ‘96 (football).
2/8/2024
Beacons Host Bruins as Part of All-Sports Reunion Weekend
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be back home on Saturday afternoon as Belmont makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 3 p.m. tip. Fans are encouraged to wear gold as part of Love Valpo weekend, where supporters and alumni celebrate their love of Valpo. Free pom-poms and Love Valpo posters will be available, plus the first 500 fans will receive a free Valpo shoe charm. Part of the department’s All-Sports Reunion Weekend, this game will celebrate the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which features Raitis Grafs ‘03 (men’s basketball), Jon Robisch ‘64 (men’s basketball/baseball), Jordan Rutkowski ‘12 (softball) and Ozzie Young ‘96 (football).
2/7/2024
Sepp Scores Personal Best on Wednesday in Terre Haute
Coming off the bench for the first time in the last 13 games, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) responded in a big way, pouring in 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting to go along with four rebounds on Wednesday night as the Beacons fell 101-61 to host Indiana State at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Ind. The first-place Sycamores remained undefeated at home and improved their overall mark to 21-3 and 12-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
2/4/2024
Valpo to Visit First-Place Indiana State on Wednesday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to knock off the Missouri Valley Conference’s top team on Wednesday night in Terre Haute as the Beacons clash with first-place Indiana State for a midweek matchup. The Sycamores were ranked No. 22 nationally in the CBS Sports Top 25 that was released on Sunday and are unblemished at home this season. This will mark the first matchup of the season between these two instate foes as the squads lock horns twice in a five-game span.
2/3/2024
Heartbreak Hits as Evansville Edges Valpo at ARC
For the second straight matchup between the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team and Evansville, the Beacons experienced heartbreak, this time falling 63-62 in a game that was hanging in the balance until the final horn sounded. Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year] poured in a game-high 22 points, but the freshman’s effort was not enough in a game that featured 11 ties and 11 lead changes.
2/1/2024
Valpo to Clash with Evansville for Beach Game
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will welcome Evansville to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon for a game that is presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. Fans have an opportunity to escape the cold weather with a Beach Party at the ARC as the first 1,000 spectators will receive free Hawaiian leis. Attendees can enter to win a free 55-inch television courtesy of LBJI, plus three lucky fans will win a $300 airfare credit for a vacation getaway. Fans are encouraged to wear beach gear and will enjoy island music throughout the contest. The Beacons and Purple Aces will rematch after a game that came down to the wire on Jan. 17 in the southern portion of the state, with Evansville notching a three-point win on its home court.
1/31/2024
Stafford Rewrites Career High, Host Bulldogs Fend Off Beacons
Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) made shots from all over the court. It didn’t matter if he was driving to the basket, firing from midrange or launching a 3, Stafford made tough looks look easy all night as part of a career-high 32 points that came in an 81-70 loss to Drake, the defending Missouri Valley Conference champion and a team battling for the top spot in the league standings again this season.
1/29/2024
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 29
On this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, head coach Roger Powell Jr. shares his message to the fan base, discusses the role of a coach beyond basketball and previews Wednesday's game at Drake.
1/28/2024
Valpo Seeks to Stop Drake's Perfect Home Record on Wednesday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to knock off one of the Missouri Valley Conference’s top teams on Wednesday night in Des Moines, Iowa as the Beacons pay a visit to Drake, the defending league champion and preseason favorite to defend that crown. The Beacons will look to bring a brief two-game skid to a halt, but Valpo won two out of three prior to back-to-back setbacks. This game will feature two of the league’s top three freshmen in terms of conference-only scoring average as Cooper Schwieger leads all MVC rookies at 12.2 points per game and Drake’s Kevin Overton ranks third at 9.4.
1/27/2024
Four Freshmen Start as Shorthanded Beacons Fall to Bears
Playing without the services of leading scorer Isaiah Stafford for family reasons, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team started four freshmen for the first time in 40 years on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons were even or ahead for the majority of the first half, but the experience of visiting Missouri State proved too much to overcome as the Bears used a 12-0 second-half run to prevail 81-70 despite a combined 39 points from Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada / Orangeville Prep) and Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy).
1/25/2024
Men's Basketball Welcomes Missouri State for Blaze's Birthday and Coaches vs. Cancer Game
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will enjoy another home Saturday and look to repeat the success of last week’s home date as Missouri State comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the first matchup of the season between these two teams. Blaze is celebrating a birthday on Saturday, and some sources close to the situation are calling it “the biggest mascot birthday party ever.” High-flying frisbee dogs will perform at halftime, fans will gobble up BOGO (buy one, get one) hot dogs and the first 1,000 arrivers will receive a free mascot coloring book. In addition, Valpo will be participating in Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers week.
1/24/2024
Host SIU Fends Off Beacons to Escape with Home Win
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled to the finish, but the host Southern Illinois escaped with a 75-69 win at the Banterra Center in a game that saw Valpo lead by seven early in the second half before never going away despite facing a gap as large as 13. SIU’s Xavier Johnson, who ranks third in the nation in scoring, was held to two points in the first half but exploded for 23 after the break. Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) paced the Beacons with 20 points and seven rebounds.
1/22/2024
Schwieger Repeats as MVC Freshman of the Week
For the second straight week and third time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
1/21/2024
Men's Basketball Looks for Second Straight Win on Wednesday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to make it three wins in four games and back-to-back victories on Wednesday evening as the Beacons make their way to Carbondale, Ill. to close out the regular-season series with Southern Illinois. This will mark the first time the Beacons have visited the Salukis since Jan. 30, 2022 as Valpo did not make the trip to Carbondale last season. According to KenPom, this is a matchup of the Missouri Valley Conference’s most-experienced team (Southern Illinois, 67th nationally) and least-experienced team (Valpo, 356/362 nationally).
1/20/2024
Valpo Rallies Past UIC for Home Victory
Simply put, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team never gave up on Saturday afternoon. Not when UIC already owned a double-figure lead with not even seven minutes elapsed in the game. Not when the Flames maintained an 11-point advantage with 7:47 remaining. And not even when Valpo still trailed by four with 2:30 to go.
1/18/2024
Men's Basketball Returns Home to Host UIC
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home on Saturday to welcome UIC for a 3 p.m. tip at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The world-famous Pacers Power Pack will bring their high-energy halftime dunk show to the ARC. Before the game, all children 12 and under are invited to join a pregame basketball clinic hosted by the Valpo team and staff from 1-2 p.m. The clinic is free with a game ticket and all attendees receive a Valpo drawstring bag. In addition, free mini-basketballs will be given away to the first 500 fans and postgame autographs will be available.
1/17/2024
Valpo Edged by Evansville in Narrow Road Setback
Junior Isaiah Stafford drilled nine 3-pointers and tied a career high with 31 points, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came out on the wrong end of a back-and-forth thriller against Evansville at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind., falling 78-75. Freshman Cooper Schwieger turned in his second straight double-double.
1/16/2024
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 16
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint to look back at the program's best road defensive performance in eight years in Sunday's win at Illinois State and preview Wednesday's matchup with Evansville.
1/15/2024
Schwieger Named MVC Freshman of the Week for Second Time
For the second time this season, Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
1/15/2024
Valpo Seeks Back-to-Back Wins on Wednesday at Evansville
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a set of back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference road games on Wednesday as the Beacons voyage to Evansville, Ind. to square off with the Purple Aces. Valpo will look to make it consecutive wins after capturing a victory at Illinois State on Sunday.
1/14/2024
Valpo Returns to Win Column with Road Triumph at Illinois State
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returned to the win column on Sunday afternoon, putting together a solid, 40-minute team effort to defeat host Illinois State 59-50 at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Ill. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) enjoyed his first collegiate double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds to lift the Beacons to their first Missouri Valley Conference victory.
1/12/2024
Men's Basketball Starts Set of Back-to-Back Road Games on Sunday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its first Sunday game of the season this week with a matinee against Illinois State. This is one of two Sunday contests all season for the Beacons, and both are against the Redbirds. The next time the two teams clash will be in the regular season finale on March 3 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
1/10/2024
Beacons Make Second-Half Surge, SIU Holds On
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outscored visiting Southern Illinois 44-33 in the second half, but the Salukis held on for a 77-68 victory after owning a 20-point halftime advantage at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday. The Beacons were led by 19 points from Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) and 18 from Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ontario, Canada / Orangeville Prep).
1/7/2024
Valpo to Continue Evenly-Matched All-Time Series with SIU on Wednesday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night when Southern Illinois comes to town for a conference clash. The Beacons will attempt to get back to .500 at home for the season with a win on Wednesday.
1/6/2024
UIC Tops Valpo on Saturday in Chicago
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was engaged in a 62-62 deadlock with 8:20 remaining, but UIC’s defense did not allow a made field goal for the game’s duration in a 70-64 win for the Flames at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) returned to the floor after missing the previous two games with an injury and paced the team with 19 points.
1/4/2024
Valpo Visits UIC on Saturday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make the short jaunt to the Windy City on Saturday as the Beacons prepare to clash with UIC in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup. This showdown will extend a long all-time series between the two nearby foes and represent Valpo’s first road game of the new year.
1/3/2024
DeAveiro Tallies Career High in Setback to Bradley
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to Bradley 86-61 in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation despite an inspired effort from point guard Darius DeAveiro (Kanata, Ottawa, Canada / Orangeville Prep), who enjoyed the top performance of his collegiate career with 19 points.
1/2/2024
Williamson Named MVC Freshman of the Week
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.
12/30/2023
Valpo to Open Calendar Year vs. Bradley
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up the calendar year of 2024 and start the continuous portion of Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night by hosting Bradley at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons will play at home for the first time since Dec. 19 and return to league action after starting the MVC slate with two games the week after Thanksgiving. This will mark the only regular-season matchup between these two teams as Bradley is one of two Valley foes that Valpo will face only once during the 20-game Valley gauntlet.
12/29/2023
Freshman Tandem Shines as Second-Half Rally Falls Shy at Elon
Playing without the team’s leading scorer due to an injury, a young Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was even younger when it took the floor on Friday afternoon for the nonconference finale in Elon, N.C. Young talent was on display as Valpo – the seventh least experienced team in the country according to KenPom – was led by the freshmen duo of Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy) and Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]), who combined for 45 points in an 82-78 setback to Elon. Valpo trailed by as many as 17 early in the second half before using a valiant rally to create a tight finish.
12/23/2023
Men's Basketball to Close Out Nonconference Slate at Elon
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the court following a nine-day hiatus for the Christmas holiday on Friday, Dec. 29 as the Beacons close out the nonconference portion of the season with an afternoon tilt at Elon. After the final horn sounds on Friday afternoon in North Carolina, it will be exclusively conference games from that point forward, starting on Wednesday, Jan. 3 vs. Bradley.
12/19/2023
Valpo Falls to Samford in Pre-Christmas Matinee
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 79-61 to Samford in the final game prior to the Christmas holiday on Tuesday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) topped the team with 15 points, while fellow rookie Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds.
12/17/2023
Valpo to Host Samford in Final Game Before Christmas
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host Samford in a pre-holiday matinee on Tuesday at 1 p.m. as part of the team’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game. This will mark the team’s final game before the Christmas holiday as Valpo will have nine days without a game before closing out the nonconference slate on Dec. 29 at Elon.
12/16/2023
Chicago State Rallies Late to Edge Valpo
Both teams erased double-figure deficits on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but it was visiting Chicago State who enjoyed the game’s final run in a 63-62 victory over the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, which return to the court after a six-day layoff for final exams. The Beacons received a big-time boost from Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario, Canada / Royal Crown Academy), who poured in 20 points after missing the previous two games due to an illness.
12/14/2023
Men's Hoops Returns to Action on Saturday vs. Chicago State
After six days without a game due to final exams, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will be back in action on Saturday as Chicago State visits the Athletics-Recreation Center for a mid-afternoon clash. The Beacons are back home – where they are 4-2 this season – for the first time since Nov. 29 after a stretch that featured road games at Belmont, Central Michigan and Virginia Tech. This will mark the first of a set of back-to-back home games to close out the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule as Valpo hosts Samford on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the final game before the holiday.
12/12/2023
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Dec. 12
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly to highlight the play of Kaspar Sepp and Darius DeAveiro, recap last week's games and discuss this week's schedule during final exams.
12/9/2023
Edwards, Sepp Shine in Setback at Virginia Tech
Freshman Kaspar Sepp (Tartu, Estonia / Fairmont Academy) continued a breakout week by registering his first double-figure scoring output and sophomore Jaxon Edwards (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral also provided a scoring lift, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 71-50 on Saturday afternoon at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.
12/7/2023
Valpo Visits Virginia Tech in Final Game Before Final Exams
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will take the court one final time prior to final exams as the Beacons make their way to Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies. This marks the team’s third straight game on the road and the final trip prior to the Christmas holiday. After Saturday’s game, Valpo will not play again until Saturday, Dec. 16 vs. Chicago State and will not hit the road again until Friday, Dec. 29 at Elon.
12/6/2023
Valiant Comeback Effort Falls Shy as Central Michigan Edges Valpo
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team showed grit and fight throughout the second half on Wednesday night at Central Michigan, whittling what had been a 22-point deficit all the way down to three with nine seconds to go in an eventual 71-67 loss to the host Chippewas in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) poured in a team-high 23 points, while Sherman Weatherspoon IV (Bowie, Md. / Bethesda Chevy-Chase [Golden State Prep]) provided a bench boost with a career-best 13.
12/3/2023
Road-Heavy Stretch Continues Wednesday at Central Michigan
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a stretch of three straight games away from the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday night as the middle game of the road-heavy stretch takes the Beacons to Mount Pleasant, Mich. for a matchup with Central Michigan. After playing the first two Missouri Valley Conference contests of 2023-24 last week, the Beacons will step outside of league play for the last five nonconference games of the season to close out the calendar year.
12/2/2023
Early Hot Shooting Helps Bruins Top Beacons
Belmont started the game red hot from 3-point territory, hitting three 3-pointers over the game’s first 90 seconds to jump out to an immediate 9-0 lead on Saturday afternoon at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe the rest of the way in a road Missouri Valley Conference contest, matching the Bruins 68-68 over the game’s final 38:30 of a 77-68 win for the hosts. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) poured in a game-high 21 points, while Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) tallied up a career-high 18.
11/30/2023
Valpo to Start Stretch of Three Straight on the Road
After starting the season with six of its first seven games within the confines of the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will keep the travel bags handy for an upcoming nine-day stretch that features three games away from home on three separate trips to three different states. The Beacons will start that stretch with their first road Missouri Valley Conference game of the season on Saturday at Belmont before stepping outside of league play for the final five nonconference games including two on the road next week.
11/29/2023
Valpo Drops MVC Opener to Preseason Favorite Drake
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led for much of the first half, but preseason Missouri Valley Conference favorite and defending league champion Drake utilized a strong second half to beat the Beacons 83-65 in the league opener for both teams, a game that was closer than the final score would indicate. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) paced the Brown & Gold with 20 points.
11/29/2023
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Nov. 29
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They talk about the play of MVC Freshman of the Week Cooper Schwieger, Ola Ajiboye's big night and the team's 2-0 week. Plus, they preview Wednesday's MVC opener vs. Drake.
11/27/2023
Schwieger Named MVC Freshman of the Week
For the second consecutive week, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program received recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference office, this time in the form of Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley Southwest [Link Year]) being named the league’s Freshman of the Week.
11/26/2023
Valpo to Tip Off MVC Play Against Preseason Favorite Drake
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open up Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday night as the Beacons host Drake in head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s first-ever league game at the helm of a program. Valpo will continue a home-heavy stretch by playing its sixth home game in the season’s first seven contests and its third straight at the Athletics-Recreation Center as the defending MVC champions come to town. Valpo is seeking a third straight victory, its fourth win in five games and its fifth victory in the season’s first seven contests.
11/25/2023
Valpo Pulls Away From Southern in Final Tune-up Before MVC Play
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team led wire-to-wire on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, handling every Southern push with poise as the Jaguars trimmed what was a 15-point first-half deficit to as few as one on several occasions, but each time the Beacons had the answer to stay ahead. The hosts knocked down their free throws in the final minute to pull away for a 71-59 victory in the last nonconference game prior to Wednesday’s start of Missouri Valley Conference action.
11/23/2023
Men's Basketball Hosts Southern to Round Out Multi-Team Event
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its third and final game of a multi-team event featuring Illinois, Western Illinois and Southern as the Jaguars come to town for a post-Thanksgiving faceoff on Saturday afternoon. This will mark the final nonconference contest prior to the Missouri Valley Conference opener next Wednesday, Nov. 29 vs. Drake. This also continues a home-heavy stretch where six of the team’s first seven games are taking place at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
11/21/2023
Bench Steps Up, Lifts Valpo Past Western Illinois
When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went to the bench on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Beacons didn’t miss a beat. The underclassmen trio of Ola Ajiboye (Chicago, Ill. / Evanston Township [Central Michigan / Bosco Institute), Sherman Weatherspoon IV (Bowie, Md. / Bethesda-Chevy Chase [Golden State Prep]) and Jahari Williamson (Pickering, Ontario Canada / Royal Crown Academy) combined for 41 bench points, playing a pivotal role in Valpo’s 73-66 home win over Western Illinois.
11/20/2023
Stafford Named MVC Newcomer of the Week
After a strong week highlighted by a stellar first half on Friday night at No. 23 Illinois, Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks [John A. Logan / Southern Indiana]) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week.
11/19/2023
Men's Basketball Welcomes Western Illinois in Final Game Before Thanksgiving
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return home to continue a stretch of playing six of their first seven within the confines of the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo will clash with Western Illinois on Tuesday in the first of three straight at home including two this week sandwiched around the Thanksgiving holiday. The matchup with the Leathernecks, in their first season of Ohio Valley Conference membership, continues a trend of Valpo facing old conference foes this season as the two teams shared league affiliation from 1982-2007.
11/17/2023
Valpo Puts No. 23 Illinois on Upset Watch with Superb First Half, Illini Flip Script After Halftime
A night that started with a focus on the past ended with an emphasis on the future for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program.
11/15/2023
Powell to Face Alma Mater as Valpo Visits No. 23 Illinois
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will face a top-25 test on Friday night as the Beacons hit the road for the first time this season to clash with No. 23 Illinois. This will mark a homecoming for head coach Roger Powell Jr. as he was a three-year starter for the Illini during his playing days, helping the team to three Big Ten regular-season titles, two Big Ten Tournament crowns and three Sweet Sixteen berths. During his senior year in 2004-05, Powell was part of an Illinois team that finished 37-2, won 29 straight to open the season and reached the national title game.
11/14/2023
Strong Second Half Lifts Valpo Past Green Bay
When the stakes were highest, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team got the job done on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After a setback on Friday night in which they led for the entire first half before seeing the opponent pull away late, the Beacons flipped the script on Tuesday. They took their first lead of the game with 9:04 remaining and outscored visiting Green Bay by 10 in the second half to assemble a 64-59 victory.
11/13/2023
Valpo Basketball Weekly: Nov. 13
Head coach Roger Powell Jr. joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss his first career win in Monday's season opener, look back at Friday's setback vs. IUPUI, highlight the women's soccer program reaching the NCAA Tournament and discuss the support of the Valpo student body. In addition, they look ahead to Powell's return to his alma mater on Friday at Illinois.
11/12/2023
Another Former Conference Matchup Renewed as Valpo Hosts Green Bay
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a home-heavy stretch on Tuesday night as Green Bay enters the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 7 p.m. tip. The Beacons will continue to renew old rivalries as they lock horns with a team they previously shared conference affiliation with for the second straight game.
11/10/2023
IUPUI Tops Valpo on Friday
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team carried the lead for much of the first half, but a seesaw second half saw the guests from IUPUI pull away in the closing minutes for a 66-56 victory on Friday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
11/9/2023
McNair Inks NLI to Join Valpo Basketball Program
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Justus McNair (Joliet, Ill. / Joliet West) has signed his National Letter of Intent to join head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s program for the 2024-25 season.
11/8/2023
Men's Hoops to Host IUPUI to Cap Friday Night ARC Doubleheader
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue a home-heavy early-season schedule on Friday night when the Beacons match up with a Division-I opponent for the first time in 2023-24 as IUPUI comes to town for an 8 p.m. tip. This will mark the second half of a volleyball/basketball doubleheader at the Athletics-Recreation Center as head coach Carin Avery’s team hosts Drake at 5 p.m. Anyone who purchases a men’s basketball ticket can arrive early and receive admission to the volleyball match at no additional charge. Anyone who purchases a volleyball ticket will be encouraged to stay for the men’s basketball game at no additional charge, but must move to the upper mezzanine area at the conclusion of volleyball.
11/6/2023
Valpo Routs Trinity Christian for Roger Powell Jr.’s First Victory as Collegiate Head Coach
A night that started as a welcome back party for Roger Powell Jr. ended with even more reason to celebrate on Monday at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
11/3/2023
Men's Basketball Season to Tip Off on Monday
The first game of the regular season is upon us for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. The Roger Powell Jr. head coaching era will officially begin on Monday night as the Beacons welcome Trinity Christian College to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The theme for the night of fun is “Powell Party of 5,000,” a welcome back extravaganza for Powell, who previously served as an assistant coach at Valpo from 2011-2016. The evening will begin with a pregame event at Peddler’s Pizza Sidebar before the excitement moves down the street to the ARC. The game will count as a regular-season contest for the Beacons but will be an exhibition contest for the Trolls.
11/1/2023
Stafford Leads Valpo to Exhibition Win
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team took the court in a game environment for a final tune-up prior to the regular season on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, pulling away late for an 82-71 victory over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Isaiah Stafford (Bolingbrook, Ill. / Crispus Attucks) paced the team with 26 points, leading a group of four Beacons in double figures.
10/31/2023
Preview: Men’s Basketball Season is Upon Us as Powell Era Tips off with Wednesday Exhibition
The time has come.
10/30/2023
Men’s Basketball Season to Tip Off with ‘Powell Party of 5,000’ Event
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced plans for a welcome back party for men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. during the regular-season opener vs. Trinity Christian on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
10/18/2023
Valpo Visit to Missouri State to Air on MVC TV Network
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2023-24 MVC TV Network schedule, with men’s and women’s basketball contests airing on Bally Sports, NBC Sports Chicago and ESPN+.
10/17/2023
MVC Releases 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2023-24 men’s basketball preseason poll, which was revealed by the league office on Tuesday.
10/11/2023
MVC Announces Schedule on ESPN Network
The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its plans for games televised on the ESPN family of networks during the 2023-24 basketball season.
10/9/2023
Powell Party of Six Episode 1: Burgerhaus
Episode 1 of "Powell Party of Six" is now available. Valpo head coach Roger Powell Jr. and his family visit Burgerhaus in Valparaiso.
10/3/2023
‘A Day at Brown Field’ to Feature Men’s Basketball Open Practice, Football vs. Morehead State
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced details for an action-packed day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 14, an event dubbed “A Day at Brown Field.”
9/22/2023
MVC Reveals 2023-24 Conference Men's Basketball Slate
The Missouri Valley Conference has revealed the 2023-24 league basketball schedule, which will feature a 20-game journey for each team leading into the 2024 State Farm MVC Tournament from March 7-10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
8/28/2023
Valpo Basketball Announces 2023-24 Nonconference Schedule
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has revealed its nonconference schedule for the 2023-24 season, the first season of the Roger Powell Jr. head coaching era. The nonleague docket is highlighted by seven home regular-season contests plus a home exhibition.
8/24/2023
Valpo Athletics Hall of Famer Lubos Barton Returns to Alma Mater, Joins Men’s Basketball Staff
A Valparaiso University men’s basketball legend is back in the Athletics-Recreation Center.
8/16/2023
Luke Carroll Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball Program as Walk-On
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has added walk-on Luke Carroll (Westfield, Ind. / Hamilton Heights [Lake Land]) to head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s squad for the 2023-2024 academic and athletic year.
8/15/2023
From Gridiron to Hardwood: Anthony Sciarroni Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball Program as Walk-On
When Anthony Sciarroni (Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis DeSales [Alderson Broaddus at Findlay]) filled out information for an academic award in high school, he listed his future goal as playing for a mid-major Division-I college basketball team and making a Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament.
8/1/2023
Sean Taylor Joins Valpo Basketball Staff as Video Coordinator, Director of Operations
Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Roger Powell Jr. has announced the hiring of Sean Taylor as the program’s Video Coordinator/Director of Basketball Operations.
7/13/2023
Lucas Scroggins Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball Program
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of Lucas Scroggins, a 6-foot-9 forward from Woodbridge, Va. who joins the program as a freshman for the 2023-24 season.
