Tyler Fricke Joins Valpo Men’s Basketball as Walk-on

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Tyler Fricke (Arlington Heights, Ill. / Buffalo Grove) as a walk-on for the 2020-2021 season.

Goodnews Kpegeol Joins Valpo Basketball Program

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program officially welcomed its newest member on Wednesday as Goodnews Kpegeol (St. Paul, Minn. / North [Southwest Mississippi CC / Kansas State]) has signed his national letter of intent to join head coach Matt Lottich’s team.

#OneTeamOneBoat: The Story of the 2019-2020 Valpo Men's Basketball Season

The campus, community, conference and nation witnessed the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team accomplish something special in March, but those within the program knew they had something special long before the team arrived in St. Louis for the annual Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Valpo Athletics Mourns the Passing of Bob Metcalf

The Valpo Athletics family is saddened by the loss of Bob Metcalf ’50, who was inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 after his career as a men’s basketball standout from 1946-1950.

Valpo Basketball Seeking Managers for 2020-2021

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2020-2021 academic year.

2019-20 Valpo Men's Basketball Postseason Notebook

Just two years removed from finishing in last place and being knocked out in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament as a first-year Valley member, head coach Matt Lottich’s team did more than hold its own, ascending into a tie for sixth in the league standings before finishing as the conference tournament runner-up. Valpo became the first team in the history of Arch Madness to reach the title game after playing in the opening round.

Freeman-Liberty Named to NABC All-District Team

Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) added another honor to his long list of accolades from the 2019-2020 season on Monday as he was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District First Team for District 16.

Valpo Closes Historic MVC Tournament Journey, Finishes as Arch Madness Runner-Up

After making an unprecedented run to the Missouri Valley Conference title game by becoming the lowest seed to reach the final game in the 30-year history of Arch Madness, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell a victory shy of reaching the NCAA Tournament with an 80-66 loss to Bradley on Sunday afternoon at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, a game that was played in front of a coast-to-coast national television audience on CBS.

Valpo, Bradley to Play for NCAA Berth Sunday on CBS

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play for the Missouri Valley Conference title and the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament that goes along with it on Sunday afternoon at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Seventh-seeded Valpo’s unlikely run to the championship game has featured victories over Evansville, Loyola and Missouri State. Now, one win separates the program from its 15th NCAA Tournament appearance. In order to punch a ticket to the Big Dance, Valpo will have to knock off defending Arch Madness champion Bradley on Sunday afternoon.

Valpo Defeats Missouri State, Advances to MVC Tournament Championship

Valparaiso University star sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) once again put on his Super Man cape during Saturday night’s Missouri Valley Conference semifinal at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

Valpo, Missouri State Battle for Spot in MVC Title Game

After upsetting second-seeded Loyola on Friday night at Arch Madness, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play for a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference title game on Saturday evening at the Enterprise Center. Valpo will look to become the first team since the conference went to the current 10-team format in 1997 to play in the opening round of the tournament and reach the title game. Valpo and Missouri State tied for sixth in the regular-season standings with the Bears taking the No. 6 seed at Arch Madness by virtue of the NET tiebreaker.

Valpo Comes From Behind to Stun Loyola in Overtime, Advances to MVC Semifinals

Check back for details on Valpo's 74-73 overtime upset of Loyola on Saturday at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Valpo to Battle Loyola in MVC Quarterfinal

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has secured a Missouri Valley Conference victory for the second straight season, advancing to the quarterfinal round thanks to Thursday’s escape of Evansville. Valpo will match up with Loyola in an Arch Madness quarterfinal for the second consecutive season. The Ramblers took both of this year’s regular season matchups between the two nearby foes, winning the two games by a combined five points.

Valpo Survives Evansville, Advances to MVC Quarterfinals

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program’s bright future was on full display on the Missouri Valley Conference’s biggest stage as the team’s top two scorers were freshmen in Thursday’s Arch Madness opening-round game at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

Kiser Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Second Team

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team added to its haul of Missouri Valley Conference accolades on Thursday as senior John Kiser (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville) was recognized for his excellence both on the court and in the classroom as part of the MVC Scholar-Athlete Second Team.

McMillan, Freeman-Liberty Named to MVC Most-Improved Team; Kiser Earns All-Bench Honors

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued to haul in Missouri Valley Conference honors on Wednesday morning as the league announced its 2020 All-Bench and Most-Improved teams.

Freeman-Liberty Earns All-MVC First Team, All-Defensive Team; Clay Named to All-Freshman Squad

A pair of Valparaiso University men’s basketball underclassmen were recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its all-conference teams on Tuesday.

Men's Basketball to Open Arch Madness on Thursday

After finishing tied for sixth in the regular-season standings and posting its first Missouri Valley Conference record of .500 or better since joining the league, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will open Arch Madness by battling Evansville on Thursday night in St. Louis. Valpo was edged by Missouri State for the final first-round bye by virtue of the NET tiebreaker. Head coach Matt Lottich’s young team (nine of 14 players made their Valpo debuts this season) played its best basketball of the season down the stretch, winning four of five before dropping the regular-season finale at Indiana State with leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty sidelined by an illness.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: March 2

Coach Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey on Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly.

Donovan Clay Wins MVC Newcomer of the Week Honor

For the first time this season, Valparaiso University freshman Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has garnered a Missouri Valley Conference weekly honor as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Week on Sunday evening.

Arch Madness Bracket Announced

The Missouri Valley Conference officially revealed the bracket for this week’s 2020 men’s basketball tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis early Sunday morning.

Indiana State Tops Valpo in Regular Season Finale

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 71-58 in a tough road challenge against an Indiana State team that had dropped just one home game all season on Saturday afternoon at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute. Playing without leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty for the second straight game, Valpo received double-figure efforts from Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea), Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) and Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind. / Marquette Catholic [Providence]).

Seeding at Stake in Regular Season Finale at Indiana State

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the 2019-20 regular season on Saturday afternoon with a meaningful game at Indiana State. A win in the season finale would allow Valpo to clinch a first-round bye in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and earn a berth in Friday’s Arch Madness quarterfinals in St. Louis. A victory would be the team’s fifth in six games and allow the Brown & Gold to finish with a winning record in conference play for the first time since joining The Valley.

Rookies, Seniors Shine to Propel Valpo Past Missouri State

The past, present and future of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program all came together in a dominant 89-74 win over Missouri State on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Feb. 24

Kiser, Fazekas to Close Out Home Careers on Tuesday

It’s Senior Night at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Ryan Fazekas and John Kiser will be recognized prior to the game before taking the court for the final home contest of their collegiate careers. The game holds plenty of meaning, as Valpo can secure a first-round bye in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament by winning each of its final two regular season dates. It’s another even matchup on paper as Valpo and Missouri State – two squads that hold .500 MVC records – will square off on Tuesday night.

Bullseye 3-Point Shooting Lifts Valpo Over Bradley

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team erasing a double-figure deficit has become old news, but the fashion in which the Brown & Gold came from behind to beat Bradley made for yet another memorable night at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday.

Men's Basketball to Welcome Bradley on Hall of Fame Night

Another pivotal game in the Missouri Valley Conference standings is on tap for Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. It’s Hall of Fame Night, the penultimate home game of the season and the final weekend home contest of the year. The 2020 Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be honored at halftime. It’s also a crucial game in the Missouri Valley Conference standings as Valpo continues to battle for a first-round bye at Arch Madness.

Furious Comeback Falls Shy in Overtime Setback at Drake

This Valparaiso University men’s basketball game was similar to the last one in every way but the ending.

Men's Basketball Seeks to Extend Winning Streak on Wednesday

With four games remaining in the regular season, the stakes of each game are high for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. It’s an all-out battle to avoid Thursday at Arch Madness, with four teams owning a 7-7 record and tied for fifth in the league standings. The top six teams will automatically advance to Friday at the MVC Tournament, while the bottom four will play on the tournament’s first day. Valpo has regular season meetings remaining with all three of the other teams involved in the fifth-place tie, starting on Wednesday night at Drake.

Javon Freeman-Liberty Wins MVC Player of the Week Honor

After playing the role of hero in the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s improbable, come-from-behind victory at Illinois State on Saturday night, Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on Monday.

Valpo Comes From 17 Down to Stun Illinois State

When the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team entered the locker room trailing Illinois State by 17 points on Saturday night in Normal, Ill., head coach Matt Lottich’s message was concise yet clear – ‘just fight.’

Valpo Seeks Season Sweep of Illinois State

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first of back-to-back away games on Saturday night at Illinois State. This snaps a streak of four straight games without a hotel stay. Valpo will look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since a three-game winning streak over SIUE, North Dakota and Grand Canyon from Nov. 12-22. A victory on Saturday would allow Valpo to match its Missouri Valley Conference win total from last season with four games to spare.

Stingy Defense Helps Valpo Dispatch SIU on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together the program’s best defensive outing in 36 years on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, rolling to a 55-38 victory that snapped visiting Southern Illinois’ seven-game winning streak. On a night where Valpo limited the Salukis to just 23.6 percent shooting, Ben Krikke threatened a double-double with a team-high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds. The 38 points marked the fewest allowed by a Valpo against a Division-I opponent since 1984.

Valpo to Attempt to Cool Off SIU on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out a home-heavy stretch by welcoming the surprise team of the year in the Missouri Valley Conference to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday night. A Southern Illinois squad that was picked to finish last in the preseason poll but is instead competing for the league title under first-year head coach Bryan Mullins will be in town for Wednesday’s contest. This will mark Valpo’s third home fixture in a four-game span and fourth straight game without a hotel stay.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Feb. 10

This week's edition of Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly w/ head coach Matt Lottich features the following topics:

Late Comeback Falls Shy as Loyola Edges Valpo

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came from 14 points down with 7:54 remaining to create an opportunity to tie or take the lead on the game’s final possession, but host Loyola escaped with a 70-68 victory on Sunday afternoon at Gentile Arena in Chicago. Four Valpo starters scored 13 points or more in Valpo’s tightest matchup with the Ramblers since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.

Valpo to Visit Loyola in Nationally-Televised Matchup

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will make the short trip over the state line to visit the north side of Chicago on Sunday afternoon. The journey to Rogers Park will feature the latest installment in a longtime series with Loyola, a Sunday matinee that will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Both teams are looking to rebound from losses on Wednesday night.

Valpo Falls to Receiving-Votes UNI on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team held first-place UNI to its lowest point total in Missouri Valley Conference play this season, but the hosts couldn’t produce enough offense to knock off the Panthers on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. UNI, a team receiving votes nationally in the USA Today and AP polls, picked up its 20th win of the season thanks to a 63-51 triumph, sending Valpo to just its second home loss of the year.

Valpo Hosts MVC-Leading UNI on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will round out a set of consecutive home games for the first time all season on Wednesday as the team seeks its first set of back-to-back victories in conference play. Valpo will welcome the conference’s top team in UNI for Part 2 of the battle between the league’s top two scorers – Valpo’s Javon Freeman-Liberty and UNI’s A.J. Green.

Krikke’s Big Day Helps Valpo Past Illinois State

The contributions came from a variety of sources for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday night in an 80-70 win over Illinois State at the Athletics-Recreation Center. On a night where seven players finished with seven points or more and four players had five rebounds or more, it was Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) who shined the brightest. He scored 17 points, his highest total against a Division-I opponent, to lead the way for the Brown & Gold.

Men's Basketball to Start Home-Heavy Stretch on Saturday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a home-heavy stretch on Saturday night as Illinois State comes to the Athletics-Recreation Center. This will mark the first meeting of the year between the two teams as Illinois State enters the weekend as the final Missouri Valley Conference squad that Valpo has not yet played. This will start a stretch where Valpo plays three of four at home for the first time all season.

Second-Half Surge Comes Up Shy at Bradley

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made a late run to pull within two points with 3:44 to play on Wednesday night at Bradley, but the Braves finished strong to hold on for an 80-69 win at Carver Arena. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) and Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, Ind. / Marquette Catholic [Providence]) both returned to form, with Freeman-Liberty scoring a game-high 21 points while the now-healthy Fazekas drained four 3s.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 29

Head coach Matt Lottich joins Brandon Vickrey to talk about the latest in Valpo basketball on this edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly.

Men's Basketball to Visit Defending Champs on Wednesday

Valpo Fends Off Evansville Surge for Home Victory

On a night where Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) played perhaps his best game in a college uniform, it seemed only fitting that the Valparaiso University men’s basketball junior would make the biggest play of the day.

Valpo Looks to Continue Home Success on Sunday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will attempt to secure a season sweep over Evansville on Sunday afternoon in a regionally-televised contest at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Evansville is the first opponent Valpo will play for a second time this season after the two teams matched up at the Ford Center on Jan. 4. This is the second of back-to-back televised games for Valpo, as this one will air on the MVC TV Network, which includes NBC Sports Chicago as well as FOX Sports Midwest.

Valpo Drops Road Matchup with Preseason MVC Favorite

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team outdid Missouri State after halftime, but a large deficit by the game’s midway mark was too much to overcome on Thursday night at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. Valpo trailed by as many as 21, but cut the deficit all the way down to seven by the time the clock hit all zeros with the hosts prevailing 67-60.

Men's Basketball to Face Preseason Favorites in Nationally-Televised Matchup

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will have four consecutive days without a game for the final time this season leading into Thursday’s matchup with Missouri State. Valpo will head to Springfield, Mo. to battle the Bears in the program’s first nationally-televised game of the 2019-20 campaign. The contest will be carried on CBS Sports Network, the first of back-to-back TV dates for the Brown & Gold.

Valpo at Loyola Selected for ESPNU Distribution

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 9 at Loyola has been selected for distribution on ESPNU. The nationally-televised game will tip off at 3 p.m. from Gentile Arena in Chicago after being chosen by ESPN as a wildcard selection.

Valpo Battles to Gutty Win Over Indiana State

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fought through bumps and bruises on Saturday night to fend off the visiting Indiana State Sycamores 86-77 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Javon Freeman-Liberty poured in 25 points to lead five Valpo players in double figures, as a true team effort helped the Brown & Gold withstand the loss of three key players due to injuries and two more starters spending a chunk of the first half sidelined. Valpo dipped back into its old bag of comeback tricks, erasing a double-figure deficit en route to the victory.

Instate Foe Indiana State to Visit ARC on Saturday

It’s a Saturday night of Missouri Valley Conference hoops at the Athletics-Recreation Center as Indiana State makes its way to Porter County to create the latest installment of a deep history between the two instate foes. Valpo avenged a pair of regular season losses to eliminate head coach Greg Lansing’s team in the conference tournament a year ago in St. Louis, setting the stage for Saturday’s matchup that features two of the league’s top three scorers. In addition to the game, fans who come out will enjoy halftime entertainment courtesy of Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act.

League’s Top Scorers on Display in Game of Bursts at McLeod Center

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred an 88-78 setback to UNI on Wednesday night at the McLeod Center in a back-and-forth game where the guests led by as many as 11. The Panthers, a team receiving votes nationally in the AP and USA Today Coaches polls, clawed back with a large run late in the first half and early in the second half en route to improving to 10-0 at home this season. A battle between the league’s top two scorers lived up to the hype, as Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) poured in 28 points and UNI’s A.J. Green finished with 29.

Men's Basketball to Face Road Challenge on Wednesday

A challenging test awaits the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team, which will look for its second straight victory on Wednesday night at UNI. The Panthers are the highest regarded team in the conference by a variety of metrics and own an unblemished 9-0 record at home. After already eliminating one lengthy skid this season by winning at Evansville for the first time since 1969, Valpo will look to snap a 13-game skid at UNI and earn its first ever win when visiting Cedar Falls. UNI is receiving votes nationally in the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches’ Poll.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 13

Coach Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for another edition of Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly to recap Saturday's win at Drake and preview another tough test at UNI.

Valpo Makes Key Plays Down Final Stretch to Top Drake on Saturday

An unconventional but successful version of the home-run ball, a go-ahead 3-pointer by senior John Kiser and a clutch effort at the free-throw line were the key ingredients that helped create a 66-61 victory for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team over defending Missouri Valley Conference regular-season champion Drake on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Javon Freeman-Liberty Named to Lou Henson Award Watch List

Valparaiso University sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named to the 2019-20 Lou Henson Award midseason watch list, which was announced on Thursday.

Men's Basketball Returns Home to Host Drake on Saturday

After completing a stretch of five out of six on the road, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a Saturday afternoon affair with Drake. This will mark just the second home game played by Valpo since Dec. 8 and the first chance for students to catch the team after returning from the holiday break.

Valpo Falls at Southern Illinois on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 63-50 setback on Tuesday night at Southern Illinois, splitting a two-game Missouri Valley Conference road trip. Southern Illinois freshman star Marcus Domask scored 21 points on 8-of-8 shooting in the first half alone, spurring the hosts to victory at the Banterra Center in Carbondale. Valpo’s top performance came courtesy of senior John Kiser (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville), who equaled career bests in points and rebounds with nine of each. Another Valpo highlight was a dunk by sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) that would later appear on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.

Road-Heavy Stretch Continues Tuesday at Southern Illinois

Carbondale is the next stop on the current road swing for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team as the squad faces off with Southern Illinois on Tuesday night. Valpo will attempt to win in Carbondale for the second straight year after sweeping the season series from the Salukis a year ago. This will mark the final game of a stretch where Valpo has played five out of six on the road with only one home game over a month’s time.

Valpo Captures First Victory in Evansville Since 1969

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team accomplished a feat that the program hadn’t reached in the lifetime of any current player or coach on Saturday night at the Ford Center – winning a road game against the Evansville Purple Aces.

Men's Basketball Set for MVC Road Swing

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first time in Missouri Valley Conference play for a two-stop trip starting on Saturday night in Evansville. This will mark the team’s fourth road trip of five days or longer this season as Valpo will head on to Southern Illinois following Saturday’s tilt.

Loyola Edges Valpo in MVC Opener

Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) sure didn’t look like a freshman in Monday’s Missouri Valley Conference opener at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but the rookie’s senior-like performance came in a losing effort as visiting Loyola nipped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team 66-63 in front of a large audience of 4,364. A conference slate that figures to be filled with close games started in tight fashion as Valpo incurred its fourth loss by six points or fewer.

Valpo, Loyola to Clash at ARC in MVC Opener

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin this year’s Missouri Valley Conference schedule the same way last year’s ended – against the Loyola Ramblers. Valpo will welcome its nearby foes to the Athletics-Recreation Center in hopes of avenging last year’s conference tournament defeat. This will mark Valpo’s first home game since Dec. 8 following an eight-day, three-game road swing to North Carolina and Arkansas. After finishing the nonconference slate with a winning record for the 10th straight season, Valpo will open the league slate at home for the second straight year.

Valliant Effort Falls Narrowly Shy in Arkansas

Facing an uphill battle with a shorthanded roster in a raucous road environment, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team gave fans numerous reasons for optimism heading into the Missouri Valley Conference slate during Saturday’s nonconference finale.

Valpo to Close Nonconference Slate vs. Arkansas on Saturday

The third and final stop of an eight-day, three-city road trip will occur on Saturday evening in North Little Rock, Ark. as Valpo battles the Arkansas Razorbacks in a neutral-site contest to close out the nonconference slate. This will mark Valpo’s final game before breaking for the Christmas holiday and will be the final tune-up prior to the Missouri Valley Conference season, which begins on Monday, Dec. 30 vs. Loyola.

Strong Second Half Helps Valpo Pull Away from High Point

A career night from Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) and a monstrous second half from Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) highlighted a complete team effort that saw the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team pull away late to down High Point 87-72 at the Millis Center in High Point, N.C. on Wednesday. The contributions came from up and down the roster as Valpo outscored the Panthers 48-30 after halftime.

North Carolina Swing Continues at High Point

It’s Stop 2 on an eight-day, three-city road trip for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. This time, Valpo has revenge on its minds as the North Carolina swing continues with a stop at High Point for the team’s second game in a three-day span. The Panthers came into the Athletics-Recreation Center and knocked off the hosts a year ago, but this season presents the Brown & Gold with the opportunity to return the favor to Tubby Smith’s squad.

Valpo Falls at Charlotte on Monday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team attempted to claw its way out of an early 10-point hole on Monday evening in Charlotte, N.C., but the host 49ers prevailed 67-57 at Halton Arena. Freshman Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) boasted his fourth straight double-figure output, while sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) finished as the team’s leading scorer for the eighth time in the last nine games.

Men's Basketball Resumes Action Monday at Charlotte

After a week of focusing on final exams, it’s back to the hardwood for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Monday evening in Charlotte. This will mark the first of three games on an eight-day road trip that leads into a holiday hiatus. By virtue of its most recent victory, Valpo owns a winning record through 10 games for the 10th consecutive season, sustaining the program’s tradition of strong starts.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Dec. 9

The play of Javon Freeman-Liberty, Eron Gordon's contributions & the stellar defensive effort against the top scoring team in the nation are among the topics on Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly w/ Coach Lottich.

Stellar Defensive Showing Propels Valpo to Victorious Homer Drew Day on Sunday

The past met the present in all the right ways on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Valpo to Battle Central Michigan on Homer Drew Day

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program will recognize the man who laid the foundation for the program’s tradition of excellence prior to Sunday’s game against Central Michigan at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The day is dedicated to celebrating legendary head coach Homer Drew’s recent enshrinement into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. A banner to commemorate the high honor will be unveiled and raised during a pregame ceremony that will begin shortly after 12:35 p.m. When the game gets going, Valpo will face off with another quality Mid-American Conference foe as Central Michigan makes its way to Northwest Indiana.

Details Set for Sunday’s Homer Drew Pregame Recognition

The Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced details for Sunday’s celebration of legendary Valpo basketball coach Homer Drew’s recent enshrinement into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Comeback Bid Falls Shy at Eastern Michigan

After facing a 10-point halftime deficit and trailing by as many as 12, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team made its patented second-half comeback to take a late six-point lead on host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday night at the EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. But the effort fell short this time as the Eagles prevailed 85-79 despite a 28-point, five-steal performance by sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young).

Freeman-Liberty Wins Second MVC Player of the Week Honor

For the second time in a three-week span, Valparaiso University sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) has garnered the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week award.

Men's Basketball to Visit Eastern Michigan on Tuesday

Following a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday and a few days of practice, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will hit the road again on Monday in advance of Tuesday’s date with Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. After finishing the month of November with a winning record for the 10th consecutive season, Valpo will face the Eagles for the first time since 2010 to tip off the December slate.

Freshmen Thrive in Rout of Trinity Christian

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball players had their mental focus put to the test on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, taking the court after a late-night return that capped a full Tuesday of travel back from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Head coach Matt Lottich’s team passed that test with flying colors, dispatching visiting Trinity Christian College 98-71 with five players finishing in double figures and the team handing out 29 assists.

Men's Basketball Returns Home on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play its fourth and final game of the Paradise Jam multi-team event on Wednesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After playing the first three games of the MTE in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Valpo returns to the contiguous United States for a non-bracketed Paradise Jam game against Trinity Christian, the final contest before a few days off for Thanksgiving. This game counts as an exhibition for Trinity Christian but a regular season game for Valpo.

Freeman-Liberty Earns Paradise Jam All-Tournament Recognition

After pacing his team through three games at the Paradise Jam this week, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named to the Paradise Jam All-Tournament team following Monday’s championship game.

Valpo Edged by Cincinnati in OT Thriller

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team rallied from 12 points down to force overtime in Monday’s Paradise Jam third-place game in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, but Cincinnati outscored Valpo 11-7 in the extra session to escape with an 81-77 victory. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) poured in a career-high 32 points to lead all scorers.

Men’s Basketball Falls in Paradise Jam Semifinal

The early deficit was simply too large to overcome for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Sunday evening in a Paradise Jam semifinal matchup with Nevada, as the Wolf Pack advanced to the event’s championship with an 84-59 victory. Sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) continued his season-long tear, pouring in 21 points to pace the team.

Valpo Keeps Wins Coming with Team Effort to Top Grand Canyon

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued to find ways to win on Friday afternoon in the opening game of the Paradise Jam at the Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, beating a quality Grand Canyon team 78-74 in an entertaining affair. Four starters finished in double figures to help Valpo hold the last lead in a game that featured 18 lead changes. Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea) entered the game with a season free-throw percentage of just 53.8, but he calmly swished in four free throws down the stretch that allowed the Brown & Gold to clinch the team’s fourth win in five games.

Paradise Jam Begins on Friday in U.S. Virgin Islands

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will spend a week in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of the Paradise Jam multi-team event. Valpo will look to build on its 3-1 start to the season with three games against quality competition this week in St. Thomas. Valpo will face off with Grand Canyon in an opening-round matchup that is slated to tip at noon Central Time on Friday.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Nov. 18

Valpo men's basketball coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey to talk about the team's 3-1 start to the season, the play of Mileek McMillan and Ben Krikke in Sunday's win over North Dakota and the team's upcoming trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Freeman-Liberty Named MVC Player of the Week

After guiding the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a pair of victories over the past week, sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week on Monday.

Men’s Basketball Tops North Dakota for Third Win in Four Games

Four players finished in double figures as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued its strong start to the season by besting North Dakota 74-60 on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Junior Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) and freshman Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) both had career performances, while sophomore Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) finished one rebound away from his second straight double-double.

Valpo Basketball Welcomes Trio of Signees to Program

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced the addition of three incoming student-athletes for the 2020-21 academic and athletic year.

Valpo Basketball to Hold Homer Drew Celebration on Dec. 8

The Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced plans to hold a celebration of legendary head coach Homer Drew’s induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame during the men’s basketball game against Central Michigan on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Men's Basketball Welcomes North Dakota on Sunday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will attempt to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season and improve to 2-0 at home on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. North Dakota will provide the opposition for the lone home date sandwiched between a five-day journey to the St. Louis area and a week-long stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Valpo Erases Double-Figure Deficit for Road Victory at SIUE

The comeback kids were at it again on Tuesday night at the Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Ill.

Opening Road Trip Continues on Tuesday at SIUE

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will play the second game of a five-day road trip on Tuesday night in Edwardsville, Ill. as SIU Edwardsville provides the opposition. Valpo will look to continue its encouraging start to the season by trying for its second win in three games.

Sackey Posts Career Night in Defeat at Saint Louis

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team faced a 14-point deficit in the first half on Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis before battling to within two with 5:19 to play in the game. However, the defending Atlantic 10 champion Billikens finished strong, topping the Brown & Gold 81-70 by scoring 11 of the game’s final 13 points. Sophomore Daniel Sackey (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Thornlea) turned in a career-high 22 points, 15 of which came before halftime.

First Road Trip of Season Takes Valpo Back to St. Louis

The first road trip of the 2019-20 season will take the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team back to the same city where the 2018-19 campaign came to an end. The route will be a familiar one, but the destination slightly different as Valpo will visit the home of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and conference office headquarters, but this time for a nonleague date with Atlantic 10 opponent Saint Louis on Saturday evening.

Freeman-Liberty Game-Winner Helps Valpo Top Toledo on Opening Night

From an early deficit to large runs to late drama, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball season opener seemingly had it all.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Nov. 4

Valpo men's basketball coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey to talk about the freshman class, the growth of Javon Freeman-Liberty and the challenging opening week that features Toledo and Saint Louis.

Basketball is Back: Valpo Season Tips Tuesday vs. Toledo

The long wait is over as the 2019-2020 season commences for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Although the return of basketball games that count may seem like a long time coming for Valpo fans, the Nov. 5 tipoff marks the earliest season opener in the history of the program, which dates all the way back to 1917. Last year’s Nov. 6 lid-lifter marked the program’s earliest start date prior to this season.

Valpo Downs Cedarville in Exhibition Opener

Fans received their first look at the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. They went home pleased with what they saw after Valpo showcased speed and athleticism on the way to an 85-65 triumph over Cedarville in exhibition play. Javon Freeman-Liberty (Chicago, Ill. / Whitney Young) boasted 21 points to lead all scorers.

Freeman-Liberty, Fazekas Earn MVC Preseason Second-Team Recognition

Two returning standouts on the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team received preseason recognition on Thursday as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its preseason teams and poll in advance of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Time for Tipoff: 2019-2020 Campaign Set to Begin for Valpo Basketball

If a member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team needs a reminder of what the program is all about in 2019-2020, he doesn’t have to look far.

Valpo Basketball Teams to Hold ‘Crusader Hoops in Hammond’ Event

Valparaiso University Athletic Department has announced plans to hold an event for the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the Hammond Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and the City of Hammond.

Valpo Basketball Sets Start Times, Broadcast Plans

With practices underway and the start of the season right around the corner, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced start times and broadcast plans for the 2019-2020 season.

DeAngelis, Jones Join Valpo Athletic Training Staff

Valparaiso University Director of Sports Medicine Nate Twedt has announced two additions to his staff as Ken DeAngelis and Stephen Jones have been hired as Assistant Athletic Trainers.

Valpo Basketball Schedules Finalized as MVC Unveils Conference Slate

Valpo men’s and women’s basketball finalized their respective schedules for the upcoming 2019-20 season as the Missouri Valley Conference office released the conference slate on Tuesday.

Valpo Basketball Releases Nonconference Schedule

The 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball nonconference schedule has arrived as head coach Matt Lottich has released a slate that will pit his team against at least five teams that qualified for the postseason last year.

Valpo Basketball Announces Staff Promotions

A trio of familiar faces have accepted elevated responsibility on the Valparaiso University men’s basketball staff as head coach Matt Lottich has announced a series of promotions, headlined by Matt Bowen moving into an assistant coaching role.

Valpo Basketball Seeking Managers

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program is currently searching for students who are interested in joining the program as student managers for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Wire-to-Wire Win Helps Valpo Complete Unblemished Foreign Tour

From a late 14-0 run to an overtime buzzer-beater, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team found a variety of ways to win this week in Canada.

Valpo Basketball to Host Special Needs Camp

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced plans for a special needs camp, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Sackey Hits Buzzer-Beater in Native Land, Propels Valpo to OT Victory Over Carleton

The calendar may say August, but the madness of March came early on Tuesday night in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Foreign Tour Off to Winning Start for Valpo Basketball

A double-digit deficit with less than five minutes remaining disappeared in the blink of an eye after a late surge by the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Sunday afternoon.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Foreign Tour Preview

With the team's trip to Canada just a week away, Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich joins Brandon Vickrey for a summer edition of Valpo Basketbal Weekly.

Men’s Basketball Announces Plans for Foreign Tour

When the 2019-2020 Valparaiso University men’s basketball team takes the court in a game situation for the first time, it will do so north of the border.