(Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)
Valparaiso(28-5) (13-3 Horizon) is back in the NCAA Tournament for the 2nd time in three years after dispatching of Wisconsin-Green Bay (24-8) (12-4 Horizon) 54-44 last night in the Horizon Tournament Championship.
Freshman guard David Skara came to the rescue for the Crusaders, coming off the bench to score a team-high 12 points. It was the first time Skara (who averages just 5.3 ppg) had scored in double figures since Feb. 8.
(credit to ValpoAthletics.com)
The Crusaders needed a boisterous home crowd to help them overcome a first half deficit that grew as large as 10 when Green Bay led, 25-15, with 1:10 to go before halftime. Valpo also trailed by as many as seven in the second half, but took hold of a lead they would not give up when junior guard Keith Carter‘s three-pointer gave them a 40-39 advantage with 8:39 to go.
This will be the second trip to the NCAA Tournament for Valpo under the direction of fourth-year head coach Bryce Drew. The Crusaders made the dance in 2013, but were beaten soundly by Michigan State in their first game, 65-54. The program’s only two wins in the big dance came in 1998, when ironically Drew (then a star senior guard) led Valpo to the Sweet 16 via upset wins over Ole Miss and Florida State. His shot against Ole Miss will forever be remembered, as well as the term “Pacer” which is what they drew up to shock the Rebels.
