Monday, January 24, 2005

Led by 77.3% shooting in the second half while allowing the second fewest points in school history, Valparaiso cruised to a 69-36 victory over IUPUI on Monday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Valpo made 17-of-22 shots from the floor in the second half and held the Jaguars to just 18 points in each stanza. The Crusaders just missed the school record for fewest points allowed, which was 34 by Manchester during November of 1985.

IUPUI held a 15-12 advantage with eight minutes remaining in the first half when Valpo stepped up its defense. The Crusaders allowed just one field goal the remainder of the half, and used a 15-1 run to build a 27-18 lead at the intermission.

Another 10-0 run early in the second half pushed the lead to 19 at the 14:47 mark, and the Crusaders cruised from there. A late 15-2 spurt gave Valpo a 69-33 lead in the final minute on the way to the win.

All 11 players that dressed scored for the Crusaders. Lauren Bechtold (Hebron, Ind./Hebron H.S.) led the way with 13 points, while Carrie Myers (Stickleyville, Va./Lee H.S.) added ten.

Kia Hayes led IUPUI (3-15, 1-6 Mid-Con) with 11 points, while Jasmine Baines added nine points and seven rebounds.

Valpo finished the game shooting 62.2% from the floor. The bench shot 75% and outscored the Jaguars' bench 29-7 for the game. The Crusaders also forced 27 IUPUI turnovers and converted them into 35 points.

Valparaiso (11-7, 5-2) will return to action on Saturday evening as the Crusaders travel to Cedar City, Utah to battle Southern Utah. Tip-off is set for 6:15 p.m. CST.