Valparaiso's JT Pettigrew stole the show at the Hulman Center, leading his team to a hard-fought 76-72 victory over Indiana State. Pettigrew's impressive 17 points and 9 rebounds were the driving force behind Valparaiso's win, which saw them outscore Indiana State 39-29 in the second half. The Crusaders' strong second-half performance was a far cry from their sluggish start, where they trailed 37-27 at halftime.
Derek Vorst was Indiana State's top performer, scoring 14 points in a valiant effort to keep his team ahead. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Valparaiso, which saw three players score in double figures. Owen Dease added 16 points for the Crusaders, while Carter Hopoi chipped in with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Indiana State's Xavier Hall and Camp Wagner also made significant contributions, scoring 11 points each, but their team's inability to contain Valparaiso's offense ultimately proved costly.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout. However, Valparaiso's superior rebounding and free-throw shooting ultimately gave them the edge they needed to secure the win. The Crusaders outrebounded Indiana State 38-32 and shot 75% from the free-throw line, compared to Indiana State's 65%.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Indiana State winning by 3.4 points, but Valparaiso had other plans. The actual margin of 4 points in favor of Valparaiso was a reflection of their resilience and determination. The win was a significant one for Valparaiso, as it marked a Quad 3 victory for the Crusaders. On the other hand, the loss was a Quad 4 defeat for Indiana State, which will likely have a negative impact on their tournament resume.
As the season heats up, Valparaiso's victory will be a crucial addition to their resume. With a current net ranking of 167, the Crusaders are still on the bubble, but this win will certainly help their cause. Indiana State, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the tournament. With a net ranking of 212, the Sycamores have a long way to go, and this loss will only make their road to the tournament more difficult. For now, Valparaiso can bask in the glory of their hard-fought win, while Indiana State must pick up the pieces and move forward. The implications of this result are clear: Valparaiso has taken a significant step forward in their tournament pursuit, while Indiana State has fallen further behind.