Tonight the Western Michigan Broncos head to Valpo to take on the 4-1 Crusaders at the ARC in Indiana. Last season the Broncos beat the Crusaders in the Bracket Buster game 89-80 in overtime at University Arena.
The moment that most college basketball fans remember Valpo for is what is referred to as "The Shot" in Valpo basketball circles. Bryce Drew's first round NCAA Tournament winning 3-pointer over 4th seed Mississippi in the 1998 NCAA Tourney.
Tonight however...is far from the team that set up that perfect shot from Drew.
While Homer Drew remains the coach of the Crusaders they aren't nearly as physically gifted as they were in terms of their league back in 1998.
This week Bronco Head Basketball Coach Steve Hawkins said this team will "not run you out of the building, but they are very skilled" unlike the Oregon's, Pacific's and Davidson's that the Broncos have played this season Valpo relies on it's shooting more heaviy than anyone.
BREAKDOWN
WMU:
The Broncos will need to continue to improve on the defensive end while working to free up Derek Drews, Shawntes Gary and David Kool on the outside via hard work inside from Joe Reitz.
Kool struggled with getting open against such a strong Davidson team that keyed heavily on stopping him. Throughout the season that is going to be the case...so as long as Kool continues to understand that...teammates like Drews, Gary and Redell will be forced to get involved and hit shots.
There should be no concern about the importance of these gifted shooters on the outside with the exception of Redell who has struggled at times to find a rhythm with his shot.
POSSIBLE BIG MOMENT:
Andre Ricks wasn't a big factor in the Davidson win but is a solid player for the Broncos. Expect for him to break out using his speed to push the tempo. Over-Under of 15 Points...I take the 15 tonight for Ricks.
VALPARAISO
Valpo will be looking for revenge after the overtime loss last season...this is another gifted shooting team that plays solid defense.
But for the Broncos this week most of what the players talked about was the ability to play championship basketball at the end of the season.
Shawntes Gary told me this week he is only concerned with championship basketball and that is certainly an indication of maturity.
Keep a hand in the face of Valpo's shooters and keep their half-court sets slow and the Broncos should run this game.
PREDICTION
WMU 74 VALPO 69 Broncos Pick Up The Road Victory.
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