Ben Krikke Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team

Valparaiso University men’s basketball forward Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) continued to earn honors for his stellar sophomore season on Thursday as he was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team.

Hedstrom, Ruedinger to Join Valpo Basketball Program

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has announced the addition of Joe Hedstrom (Hopkins, Minn. / Hopkins), who joins the program as a transfer from the University of Wisconsin.

Valpo Basketball Welcomes Thomas Kithier

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Thomas Kithier (Clarkston, Mich. / Clarkston), a transfer from Michigan State University.

Anderson, Taylor to Join Valpo Basketball Program

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the additions of Trevor Anderson (Steven Point, Wis. / SPASH [Wisconsin]) and Kevion Taylor (Milwaukee, Wis. / Whitnall [Winona State]), who will join the team as graduate transfers for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year. Both officially signed with the program on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period.

Valpo Men’s Basketball Season Comes to Close on Friday Night

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team battled back to outscore Missouri State 42-35 after halftime, but a cold-shooting first half proved to be too much to overcome as the Bears prevailed 66-55 to advance to the semifinal round of the State Farm MVC Tournament in St. Louis. Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy] paced Valpo with 17 points and eight rebounds in the season finale.

Krikke Adds to Haul of Honors, Earns MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team Status

The Missouri Valley Conference postseason accolades continued to roll in for Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) on Thursday.

Krikke Named to MVC Most-Improved Team

A day after being tabbed to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Third Team, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) added another accolade as he was selected for the league’s Most-Improved Team on Wednesday.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: March 2

Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly.

Krikke Named to All-MVC Third Team; Edwards Garners All-Freshman Team Honors

A pair of honorees represented the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference revealed its 2020-21 all-league teams. Sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) garnered all-MVC Third Team recognition, while Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) achieved a place on the All-Freshman Team.

Valpo Basketball to Tip Off Arch Madness on Friday

For the first time since joining the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has earned a first-round bye in the State Farm MVC Tournament by virtue of a top-six finish in the regular-season standings. The program continued to elevate its Valley tournament seeding with each passing season, bypassing Thursday’s opening round and vaulting straight into a quarterfinal showdown against the third-seeded Bears of Missouri State. Valpo will look to replicate its Arch Madness success from a season ago, when head coach Matt Lottich’s team won three games in three days to become the first opening-round team in the 30-year history of the event to reach the title game.

Valpo Downs Indiana State, Clinches First-Round Bye in MVC Tournament

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has never been so happy to see a date come off the schedule.

Valpo Drops Opener vs. Indiana State

A lengthy first-half scoring drought was too much to overcome for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Friday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. An early scoring run propelled visiting Indiana State to a 58-43 victory despite the Brown & Gold outscoring the guests 27-20 after halftime. Saturday’s rematch will hold high significance in the conference standings as Valpo battles to secure a first-round bye in the upcoming State Farm MVC Tournament.

Arch Madness Single-Game Tickets On Sale Thursday

The Missouri Valley Conference will conduct its 31st St. Louis-based postseason men’s basketball tournament when the State Farm MVC Tournament takes the hardwood at Enterprise Center, on Thursday-Sunday, March 4-7, 2021. The State Farm MVC Tournament, also known uniquely as “Arch Madness” to Valley fans, will be played at Enterprise Center for the 27th time.

First-Round Bye at Stake as Valpo Hosts Indiana State

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will welcome Indiana State to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Friday and Saturday for a pair of games to close out the 2020-21 regular season. All told, Valpo will have played its last 16 Missouri Valley Conference games in a 39-day span after six of the team’s first eight MVC games were postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. There’s a lot at stake entering the two games this weekend as Valpo plays for seeding with hopes of finishing in the top six and earning a first-round bye at next week’s State Farm MVC Tournament in St. Louis. In addition, Valpo will salute its senior class with a pregame recognition and postgame tribute video on Saturday.

SIU Edges Valpo to Split Series

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played its third consecutive game decided by three points or fewer on Monday as a late scoring surge fell short in a 67-64 defeat to host Southern Illinois at the Banterra Center in Carbondale. After a one-point Valpo win on Sunday, the Salukis (11-11, 5-11) tightened the race for first-round byes in the middle of the Missouri Valley Conference standings, setting up an intriguing final weekend of Valley action.

Late Defensive Stops Preserve One-Point Valpo Win at SIU

Southern Illinois scored seemingly at will early in the game, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team stepped up defensively when the stakes were the highest on Sunday night at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill.

Five-Game Road Stretch Concludes at SIU

The first stretch of five consecutive conference road games in the program’s Division-I history concludes this weekend as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team makes its way to Carbondale, Ill. to take on Southern Illinois on Sunday and Monday. Valpo players and coaches have not had much free time on their calendars, as this wraps up a stretch of eight games in a 17-day period with the last five of those taking place away from the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Valpo Comes Up Narrowly Shy in Memorable Battle at Nationally-Ranked Loyola

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team continued its trend of putting nationally-ranked opponents on notice on Wednesday night at Gentile Arena, coming within an eyelash of handing No. 22/23 Loyola its first home conference loss in exactly two years, but the host Ramblers escaped with a 54-52 victory. Valpo has played three games against nationally-ranked teams this season, earning one victory in addition to a pair of losses by three points or fewer.

Another Top 25 Opponent Awaits Valpo Basketball at #22 Loyola

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will continue its grueling schedule on Wednesday night with a visit to Chicago’s North Side to take on Missouri Valley Conference leader Loyola in Rogers Park. After notching the fourth victory against a nationally-ranked opponent in program history on Feb. 7 vs. then No. 25 Drake, Valpo will look to continue that success against the 22nd-ranked Ramblers on Wednesday. Valpo is seeking its first ever true road win over a nationally-ranked opponent.

Arch Madness Tickets Available Through Valpo Ticket Office

The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference that tickets are now available for the 2021 State Farm MVC Tournament, known as “Arch Madness,” which will take place March 4-7 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

Valpo Falls in Finale, Splits Series in Cedar Falls

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team put together one of its best performances of the season on Saturday, but that momentum did not carry over into Sunday’s series finale at UNI. The host Panthers bounced back to garner the split in the weekend set, topping the Brown & Gold 74-60 on Sunday. The Panthers (7-14, 5-10 MVC) shot at a 52.8 percent clip and boasted double-figure outputs from four of their five starters.

Balanced Effort Helps Valpo Roll to First-Ever Win at UNI

Depth was the name of the game for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team on Saturday night at the University of Northern Iowa. Valpo received contributions from a variety of sources on its way to achieving a slice of program history with the team’s first-ever victory at UNI, a 70-57 triumph at the McLeod Center that snapped a 14-game skid in Cedar Falls.

Busy Basketball Slate Continues This Weekend at UNI

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a stretch of five consecutive road tilts this weekend by paying Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite UNI a visit on Saturday and Sunday in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Saturday will mark the fourth game of a busy stretch of eight games in 17 days as Valpo continues its NBA-style schedule necessitated by several COVID-related postponements early in the league slate. Both games against the Panthers this weekend will be televised in the Chicago market, Saturday on NBC Sports Chicago Plus and Sunday on NBC Sports Chicago.

Valpo Falls to Bradley on Wednesday

Sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) scored a game-high 17 points including 16 before halftime, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell 76-52 to visiting Bradley on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Braves (11-11, 5-8) earned a split in the season series after Valpo prevailed in double overtime in the first meeting between the two teams.

Virtual ‘Victory for Valpo’ Event to Feature Valpo Basketball Legends

Valparaiso University will host a virtual panel featuring Valpo Basketball legends on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. Central Time in advance of that evening’s 5 p.m. game against Indiana State at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Third Game in Five Days Pits Valpo Against Bradley on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to build on its recent signature victory as Bradley makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a 6 p.m. tip on Wednesday. The Brown & Gold will continue a busy stretch of basketball that leads all the way to the regular-season finish line by hosting the Braves for the second time this season. Both teams will be playing their third game in five days as they squeeze in a makeup of a contest originally slated for late December.

Edwards Earns MVC Newcomer of the Week Distinction

A banner weekend concluded with a pair of honors for Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) on Monday.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Feb. 8

Head coach Matt Lottich sat down via zoom with Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Men's Basketball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute to discuss the play of freshmen Sheldon Edwards and Jacob Ognacevic, the upset over No. 25 Drake & how the team and staff are holding up during a busy stretch of games.

Valpo Upsets No. 25 Drake, Knocks Bulldogs from Unbeaten Ranks

There wasn’t much drama in the closing minutes on Sunday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, and for all the right reasons for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.

Valpo Pushes Nationally-Ranked Drake to the Brink in Narrow Loss on Saturday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with a nationally-ranked foe on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but No. 25 Drake eked out an 80-77 victory to remain one of three undefeated teams in the nation. Freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) poured in 20 points to match a career high and help the Brown & Gold give the Bulldogs (18-0, 9-0) a scare in their second-closest game of the season. Valpo put together one of its best assist-to-turnover ratios in recent memory in the defeat.

Valpo to Host Nationally-Ranked Drake This Weekend

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will host a nationally-ranked opponent for the first time since an upset victory over Rhode Island in November 2016 as Missouri Valley Conference leading Drake makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for a pair of games on Saturday and Sunday. The Bulldogs, one of three undefeated teams in the nation, moved into the Associated Press and Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll Top 25 this week.

Valpo Falls to Evansville on Monday

A strong first half had the Valparaiso University men’s basketball teams in good shape on Monday, but host Evansville roared from behind and Valpo went cold offensively as the Purple Aces pulled out a 58-51 victory. Valpo shot a sizzling 54.2 percent before halftime but was held to just 37.5 percent after the break in a tale of two halves at the Ford Center in Evansville. Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) was Valpo’s top scorer with 14 points.

Valpo Drops Opener at Evansville, Snaps Winning Streak

A three-game winning streak for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came to an end on Sunday afternoon at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind. Despite another strong showing from reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place), Valpo was on the wrong side of a 70-52 final in a game that saw host Evansville (7-8, 5-4) shoot above 60 percent.

Valpo Looks to Extend Winning Streak at Evansville

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to continue its winning ways as the program heads to Evansville to clash with the Purple Aces for a Sunday-Monday Missouri Valley Conference series. This will close out a stretch of six games in 13 days and continue a 34-day stretch that features 14 Valpo contests. The Brown & Gold won all three meetings with Evansville last season, but each of those victories were by three points or fewer.

Valpo Roars from 14 Down, Tops Bradley in Double-OT Thriller

On a night where a freshman played like a senior and January felt like March, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team engineered its latest come-from-behind victory, knocking off defending Missouri Valley Conference champion Bradley 91-85 in a wild, double-overtime rematch of last season’s league title game.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 26

Valpo head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Basketball Weekly sponsored by LBJI to discuss:

Ben Krikke Recognized as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week

Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week by the league office on Tuesday.

Valpo, Bradley Set for MVC Title Game Rematch

A game that was originally scheduled to kick off the Missouri Valley Conference slate on Dec. 28 will finally occur precisely a month later as the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team hosts Bradley on Thursday night in a rematch of last year’s MVC title game. Valpo is seeking its third straight victory as the two teams get together for the first of two midweek makeups as a result of the original series being postponed due to COVID-19. A victory on Thursday would allow Valpo to secure its first three game winning streak since its majestic run of three victories in three days last March in St. Louis to reach the MVC championship game.

Krikke, Sackey Shine as Valpo Fends Off Illinois State

A day after being held to a season-low four points while battling foul trouble, sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) joined elite company in program lore on Sunday, putting together a 25-point, 15-rebound game to lift the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to a 70-66 victory over host Illinois State. Valpo fended off a Redbird rally after leading by as many as 16, securing a Missouri Valley Conference sweep this weekend at Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill.

Complete Performance Helps Valpo Bounce Back with Road Victory

All victories are sweet, but this one felt extra satisfying for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team.

Men's Basketball to Make First MVC Road Trip This Weekend

he Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to get back on track this weekend as Valpo makes its way to Illinois State for a back-to-back against the Redbirds. These games were initially scheduled to occur on Jan. 2-3 but were postponed and later rescheduled for this weekend. Valpo will look to snap a five-game skid and grab its first road victory of the season on Saturday.

Valpo Falls to Loyola on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team fell to Loyola 75-39 on Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo was plagued by cold shooting, hitting at a 30.6 percent clip from the field and 15 percent mark from 3-point range. Senior Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) led the way with 14 points, while sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) joined him in double figures with 12.

Valpo Returns to MVC Play Wednesday vs. Loyola

After having six of its first eight scheduled Missouri Valley Conference games postponed, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will begin a busy stretch of Valley action on Wednesday night. The team is scheduled to play 14 games in a 33-day span starting with Wednesday’s home date with nearby foe Loyola. This is a rematch of last year’s MVC Tournament quarterfinal, when Valpo came from 18 down to upset the Ramblers 74-73 in overtime on a last-second layup by Eron Gordon.

Valpo Drops Nonconference Matchup at Big East Foe DePaul

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 77-58 setback to Big East Conference member DePaul in a nonconference clash on Saturday afternoon at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Eron Gordon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral [Seton Hall]) scored a team-high 12 points in Valpo’s first game against the Blue Demons since 1980, an 11th-hour addition to the schedule after both schools had conference games postponed this week.

Valpo-SIU Men's Basketball Makeup Dates Announced

The Missouri Valley Conference has announced makeup dates for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team’s series at Southern Illinois, which was originally slated for this coming weekend before being postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results within Southern Illinois’ Tier 1 personnel.

Valpo to Face DePaul for First Time Since 1980

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team has made the latest adjustment during a season that requires flexibility from all involved. After the team’s scheduled Missouri Valley Conference weekend series at Southern Illinois was postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results within Southern Illinois’ Tier 1 personnel, the Valpo staff added a nonconference matchup with Big East foe DePaul at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. This marks the first meeting between the two geographically nearby schools since the 1979-1980 season. The game will be televised nationally on FS1.

Valpo Adds Nonconference Game at DePaul

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of a nonconference game on Saturday, Jan. 16 at DePaul. The game will be televised nationally on FS1 from Wintrust Arena in Chicago with the tip slated for 3 p.m. CT.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Jan. 12

Head coach Matt Lottich joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Basketball Weekly, sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint.

MVC Postpones Valpo-SIU Men's Basketball Series

The Missouri Valley Conference has postponed the Valparaiso-Southern Illinois men's basketball series (Jan. 16-17) at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Ill., due to positive COVID-19 test results among Southern Illinois’ Tier I personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff. Additionally, the UNI-Drake single-game matchup scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21, at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has also been postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results among Drake's Tier I personnel.

Bears Top Valpo in Sunday’s Series Finale

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team dropped the second game of a back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference weekend series on Sunday afternoon, falling 78-68 to visiting Missouri State at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo held Isiaih Mosley to three points on just 1-of-5 shooting in the opening half, but the conference’s leading scorer went off for 26 points on 10-of-11 from the field after halftime to lift the Bears (8-1, 5-1) to their eighth win in nine games.

Valpo Falls to Missouri State in Conference Opener

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program returned to the court after a 20-day hiatus from game action with an 81-68 setback to Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Bears (7-1, 4-1 MVC) avenged Valpo’s victory from last season’s MVC semifinal matchup despite 21 points apiece from Valpo sophomores Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton). Krikke used 17 first-half points on his way to his new career high.

Valpo Men’s Basketball Announces Makeup Dates, Schedule Adjustments

The Missouri Valley Conference announced a number of men’s and women’s basketball makeup dates and schedule changes on Thursday, including four makeup games for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program.

Men's Basketball to Open Valley Play This Weekend

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will return to the court on Saturday after 20 consecutive days without a game since the team’s most recent action on Dec. 19 at Toledo. A pause in team activities due to positive COVID-19 test results within the program led to the cancellation of the scheduled nonconference finale against Mount St. Joseph on Dec. 21 plus the postponement of the team’s first two scheduled MVC series, which were slated to be vs. Bradley (Dec. 28-29) and at Illinois State (Jan. 2-3). Valpo will jump back into action against a Top-100 team in the NET rankings as Missouri State checks in at No. 81.

MVC Announces Postponement of Valpo-Illinois State Series

The Missouri Valley Conference has postponed the Illinois State-Valparaiso men’s basketball series (Jan. 2-3) due to positive COVID-19 test results among Valpo’s team personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff. The conference will announce make-up dates for the games at a later date.

Valpo Men’s Basketball Pauses Team Activities

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a pause in all team activities due to positive COVID-19 test results among the team’s personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff.

Valpo Men’s Basketball Announces Schedule Change

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the cancellation of Monday’s game vs. Mount St. Joseph due to COVID-19 protocols. The game will not be made up.

Valpo to Host Mount St. Joseph in Nonconference Finale

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will close out the nonconference portion of the season on Monday night as Mount St. Joseph makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the final game before the Christmas holiday. The game was a late add to the schedule, replacing the scheduled home opener against Trinity International that was canceled in November.

Sophomores Lead Charge in Setback at Toledo

Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomores Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) and Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) both put together strong showings, but it was not enough to lift the squad past host Toledo on Saturday afternoon at Savage Arena. A top-100 team in the Ken Pom ratings, the Rockets recorded a 71-57 triumph behind an 18-point effort by leading scorer Marreon Jackson.

Valpo to Voyage to Toledo for Nonconference Road Finale

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will seek its first road triumph of the season on Saturday afternoon as the squad takes the court at Savage Arena to battle host Toledo. The matchup is a return trip of a home-and-home that saw Valpo mount a 14-point comeback to win 79-77 on a last-second shot in the 2019-20 season opener.

Career High from Nick Robinson Helps Valpo Top Purdue Northwest

Senior Nick Robinson (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s] put together the highest scoring output of his Valparaiso University men’s basketball career, pouring in a team-high 21 points to lift his squad to an 89-71 victory over Purdue Northwest on Thursday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo pulled away late to move to 3-0 at home on the young season.

Ben Krikke Recognized in MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight

Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) was recognized for his success in the classroom as part of this week’s State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, which was announced on Wednesday.

Valpo Basketball Weekly: Dec. 15

Valpo Attempts to Continue Home Success on Thursday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to stay unblemished at home on Thursday night as Purdue Northwest makes the short trip from Hammond for a Northwest Indiana clash. Valpo was originally scheduled to take on Eastern Michigan on Wednesday evening, but that game was postponed until the 2021-22 season, and this contest against the Pride was added.

Valpo Basketball Adds Two Games to Schedule

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced two additions to the nonconference schedule.

Clay’s Big Day Not Enough as Halftime Deficit Proves Too Large at CMU

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team played well in the second half, but a 14-point halftime deficit proved to be too much to overcome as host Central Michigan held on for an 84-79 win on Saturday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) had his best game of the season and one of his most productive days in a Valpo uniform, posting 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting to go along with five rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal.

Valpo, Eastern Michigan Postpone Matchup Until 2021-22

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a schedule change for Wednesday, Dec. 16. The scheduled home game against Eastern Michigan has been postponed and rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season.

Valpo Seeks Third Straight Win on Saturday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak to three on Saturday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The team will clash with Central Michigan for a 3:30 p.m. CT tip, a return trip of a home-and-home after the two squads matched up at the Athletics-Recreation Center a year ago.

Valpo Basketball Announces Television Dates

The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference, has announced television plans for the 2020-2021 conference basketball season.

Edwards Paces Valpo in Victory over SIUE

A 20-point, eight-rebound performance by freshman Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) paved the way for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team to notch an 80-58 home victory over SIUE on Wednesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo held the Cougars to 11.8 percent from beyond the 3-point arc en route to the victory.

Men's Basketball Remains Home to Host SIUE

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will look to make it back-to-back wins on Wednesday evening as SIUE makes its way to the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo has won four straight home games dating back to last season, all by double figures. In addition, the Brown & Gold will look to top the Cougars for a fourth consecutive season.

Freshmen Thrive in Home Debut as Valpo Bests Judson

Freshmen Jacob Ognacevic (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) and Connor Barrett (Chicago, Ill. / Loyola Academy) finished as the top two scorers and combined for 37 points in their first collegiate home game on Sunday afternoon. The duo helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team down Judson 85-45 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Fellow rookie Sheldon Edwards (West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]) also reached double figures on a day where the freshman class carried the bulk of the scoring load as the Brown & Gold entered the win column for the first time this season.

Men's Basketball Tips Off Home Slate on Sunday

At long last, the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the Athletics-Recreation Center on Sunday afternoon as Judson University comes to town for a 1 p.m. tipoff. Valpo will compete in its home venue for the first time since winning the final three home games of the 2019-20 campaign in convincing fashion over Southern Illinois (55-38), Bradley (90-78) and Missouri State (89-74). Valpo’s first home game since Feb. 25 will not be open to the public as the University has announced that no outside spectators will be permitted at December home games due to current COVID-19 data. This game counts as an exhibition for Judson but a regular-season game for Valpo.

Valpo Pushes Big Ten Foe Purdue to the Brink in Narrow Road Defeat

Breakout performances by senior Nick Robinson (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s]) and freshman Jacob Ognacevic (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) helped the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team give host Purdue all it could handle on Friday night at Mackey Arena, but the Boilermakers made enough plays late to rally from an 11-point halftime deficit to prevail 68-61. Valpo’s best performance of the season to date saw Matt Lottich’s team lead Matt Painter’s squad as late as the game’s final eight minutes.

MVC Unveils Updated Conference Schedules Friday

The Missouri Valley Conference released its updated men’s and women’s basketball conference schedules on Friday, slates which feature games on back-to-back dates against the same opponent at the same site each weekend.

Valpo, Purdue Meet on Friday Night on Big Ten Network

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team will conclude a season-opening stretch of three straight road games on Friday night in West Lafayette. Valpo will be on the national television airwaves against a Power 5 opponent for the second straight Friday, this time battling Big Ten foe Purdue on Big Ten Network in the team’s first trip to Mackey Arena since 2017-18.

Valpo Falls at UIC on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team incurred a 66-50 setback on Tuesday at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago as host UIC secured its first 3-0 start since 2001 by limiting the Brown & Gold to 37.7 percent shooting and 1-of-14 from beyond the arc. Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) led the way with 12 points, while follow sophomore Ben Krikke posted 11 on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting.

Valpo to Renew Series with UIC on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team returns to the court on Tuesday night at UIC for the second of three straight road games to open the season. This matchup pits a pair of teams that reached the championship game of their respective conference tournaments and came within one win of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. This marks Valpo’s first game against a member of the Horizon League since departing the conference to join the Missouri Valley Conference prior to the 2017-18 season.

Valpo Drops Tight Battle with SEC Foe Vanderbilt in Season Opener

The talented frontcourt tandem of Ben Krikke (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada / Jasper Place) and Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) was on full display in the season opener on Friday night, but the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team came up shy in a 77-71 setback against Southeastern Conference opponent Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Valpo led by five with under six minutes remaining, but an 11-0 run by the host Commodores proved pivotal in a game of bursts.

Valpo Set to Open Season at Vanderbilt on SEC Network

It’s a sentence many have waited patiently yet anxiously to read: The Valparaiso University men’s basketball season is scheduled to begin this week. After the 2019-2020 campaign came to a memorable yet abrupt ending, the program shifted its focus to months of preparation for the start of a new season, which finally comes on Friday night in Nashville. The new year brings with it new opportunities, starting with a long-awaited matchup against SEC foe Vanderbilt.

Valpo Basketball Announces Schedule Change

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced that Sunday’s scheduled game against Trinity International has been canceled. The Trojans have delayed their season until late December.

Valpo Announces Broadcast Plans

Valparaiso University Athletics has announced the department’s broadcast plans for the 2020-2021 men’s and women’s basketball seasons.

Unique Basketball Journey Drives Zion Morgan

When Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Zion Morgan learned the news about his torn ACL prior to the 2017-18 season at Wabash Valley College, his first reaction was one of disbelief.

Valpo Athletics Announces Early-Season Spectator Policy

The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that men’s and women’s basketball home games at the Athletics-Recreation Center during the months of November and December will not be open to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

ACTIONS FROM MVC PRESIDENTS COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 20

During its meeting this morning, the MVC Presidents Council reaffirmed its priorities for decision-making regarding COVID-19 matters, which include: health and safety, ethical responsibility in decision-making, student-athlete experience, quality of competition and opportunities for national competitiveness.

Valpo Basketball Unveils Nonconference Schedule

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Matt Lottich have announced the program’s 2020-2021 nonconference schedule. The slate tips off on Friday, Nov. 27 with a trip to Vanderbilt.

Keyondre Young to Join Valpo Basketball Program

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Keyondre Young (Del City, Okla. / Del City), who has signed his National Letter of Intent for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year.

Tight-Knit Family Inspires Daniel Sackey

From the moment he first stepped onto the Athletics-Recreation Center floor as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, Daniel Sackey’s vocal leadership skills were clear to teammates, coaches and fans alike.

Valpo Basketball Announces Three Additions for 2021-22 Season

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced a trio of incoming freshmen for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year.

Valpo to Battle Purdue on Dec. 4 at Mackey Arena

The Valparaiso University and Purdue University men’s basketball programs have announced that the two teams plan to meet in a nonconference matchup on Dec. 4 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.

Robinson Excited to Return to Floor for Valpo Basketball

When asked what he hopes to accomplish during the 2020-2021 season, Nick Robinson’s (Chicago, Ill. / Kenwood [Saint Joseph’s]) two-word response was simple, yet effective.

Valpo’s Eron Gordon Has Basketball in his Blood

To put it simply, basketball is a way of life for Valparaiso University men’s basketball redshirt senior Eron Gordon.

Donovan Clay Named to MVC Preseason Second Team

Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has been named to the 2020-2021 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Second Team, as announced by the league office on Thursday.

McMillan Poised to Build on Breakout Season

The statistical leaps may have come as a surprise to some, but in reality, Valparaiso University men’s basketball senior Mileek McMillan’s place on the Missouri Valley Conference Most-Improved Team following his junior season in 2019-2020 just followed a trend that has been unmistakable from the early stages of his basketball career.

Family Ties Attract Tyler Fricke to Valpo

Family influence played a role in men’s basketball freshman walk-on Tyler Fricke’s decision to attend Valparaiso University.

Helm Returns to Valpo Basketball After Two-Year Mission

Since the last time Steven Helm III was a member of the Valparaiso University men’s basketball program, a lot has changed.

Freese-Vilien Bulks Up for Sophomore Season

Many college basketball players picked up a basketball as soon as they were old enough to walk, but Valparaiso University sophomore Emil Freese-Vilien appeared in his first game at the Division-I level less than five years after competing in the sport for the first time.

Former Valpo Student-Athletes Combat COVID-19 as Frontline Workers

In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, former Valparaiso University student-athletes working in the medical field across the country have gone beyond the expected in their efforts to combat the virus and treat patients in need of their care.

Brock Pappas Continues Family’s Valparaiso University Legacy

Junior Brock Pappas (Valparaiso, Ind. / Washington Township) remembers attending Valparaiso University men’s basketball games as a child and looking up to the players. Now, he’s one of them.

Sigurd Lorange Finds Home Away from Home at Valpo

Geographically speaking, Sigurd Lorange is no closer to home than he was when he first stepped foot on the Valparaiso University campus a year ago.

Valpo Announces Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Slates

The Valparaiso University men’s and women’s basketball teams released their 2020-2021 conference schedules in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference on Tuesday.

Morrill Strikes Balance as Engineering Major, Valpo Basketball Walk-on

The motivation doesn’t come in the form of a scholarship or significant playing time for Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Luke Morrill (Lombard, Ill. / Montini Catholic).

Donovan Clay Finds Comfort Zone with Valpo Basketball

With a year of college experience under his belt, Valparaiso University men’s basketball sophomore Donovan Clay (Alton, Ill. / Alton) has a simple piece of advice for the program’s new crop of rookies.

Basketball the Sport of Choice for Edmonton Native Ben Krikke

For followers of competitive athletics, ice hockey is the sport most closely associated with Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. However, it’s not the only sport played in the city currently hosting the National Hockey League postseason bubble.

Kpegeol Hungry to Play for Valpo After Unique Journey

The road to get there was different from that of his teammates, but the destination was the same for Valparaiso University men’s basketball redshirt sophomore Goodnews Kpegeol (St. Paul, Minn. / North St. Paul [Southwest Mississippi CC / Kansas State]).

Freshman Sheldon Edwards Exudes Joy of Basketball

Simply put, the game of basketball is fun for Valparaiso University freshman Sheldon Edwards (Port Saint Lucie, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes [TLAP Sports Academy]).

Valpo Gains ‘Special Player’ in Freshman Jacob Ognacevic

Jacob Ognacevic’s (Sheboygan, Wis. / Sheboygan Area Lutheran) high school basketball statistics speak for themselves, but the praise from Sheboygan Lutheran High School coach Nick Verhagen speaks even louder about the Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman.

Work Ethic, Passion Help Freshman Connor Barrett Elevate Basketball Career

Valparaiso University freshman Connor Barrett (Chicago, Ill. / Loyola Academy) was glued to his device for nearly every Valpo men’s basketball game in 2019-2020, but the chance to see his future team compete in the Missouri Valley Conference title game on March 8 took his excitement to a whole new level.

Kiser Named to NABC Honors Court

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program was represented as the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced its 2019-2020 Honors Court on Wednesday.