Oakland Looks for Revenge This Saturday Night

In order for the Crusaders to keep this season's perfect home record, they will look for big contributions from the trio of Junior team captains Eric Buggs, Ryan Broekhoff, and Matt Kenney. Broekhoff comes into this Saturday's game averaging 15.3 points a game. Ryan "Rowdy" Broekhoff has also been strong in the paint this season with 10 blocked shots and an average of 9 rebounds per game. Eric Buggs will be coming off a knee injury that occurred during the Crusaders last game. As usual, Eric will be asked to lead the team from the point on offense and make things happen with his well-known defense. Matt Kenney has provided much needed life on both offense and defense all season long. It just seems that when the game is on the line it has been Matt Kenney who steps up. The Crusaders will also need solid work from center Kevin Van Wijk who is averaging 14.4 points and 6.8 boards. Solid contributions from both "2" guards Will Bogan and Jay Harris will probably be the determining factor of success for the Crusaders. Harris is shooting almost 85% from the free throw line and Bogan already has 8 steals in his debut season as a Crusader. There are also unconfirmed rumors that transfer Ben Boggs will join the active roster.

The Crusaders are 17-3 all-time against the Grizzlies from Oakland University. Most fans will say, though, that every game is a tough one for VU against Oakland.

The Grizzlies will be without the services of Blake Cushingberry. Coach Greg Kampe announced on Wednesday that Cushingberry, a redshirt junior, will not be able to participate on the team for the rest of the year being ruled academically ineligible. He started 4 out of the 10 games that Oakland has played this season averaging 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Oakland comes into Valparaiso with a record of 7-3 featuring big wins against Tennessee and the University of Ohio. They also played very tough against the Michigan State Spartans losing 90-80 at The Palace. The Grizzlies have 5 players averaging in double digits lead by Reggie Hamilton with a strong 20.3 points per game. Corey Petros comes in averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds a game.

As usual, this should be an excellent game between two of the top mid-majors in NCAA Basketball.

Personally, I think Kevin Van Wijk will have a monster game inside in the first half. That will morph into some great outside shooting from Bogan, Broekhoff, and Harris. I say Crusaders win 75-71 in a back and forth battle. Go Valpo!

Ticket information and live streaming video and audio information available at www.valpoathletics.com