Valparaiso Crusaders
Record: 28-5, 13-3 Horizon
Head coach: Bryce Drew (4th season)
Season summary: Valparaiso showed impressive consistency this season, cranking out 28 wins and collecting at least five in between each of its five losses. With five players in the rotation 6-foot-7 or taller, the squad outrebounded its opponents by an average of more than seven per game. The Crusaders outlasted Green Bay to win the Horizon League tournament title 54-44, relying on breakout star Alec Peters. The sophomore forward averages 16.7 points per game and shoots 55 percent from two-point land, 46 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line. Valparaiso also puts up a strong defense in the paint with 6-foot-10 center Vashil Fernandez, holding all but three of its opponents to 70 points or fewer. Fernandez spearheads a fierce defensive effort that averaged nearly five blocks per game and ranked 17th in the nation by allowing a shade less than 60 points per contest.
How they make a run: The Crusaders take advantage of their size to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities and get the ball in Peters’ hands in crunch time.
How they falter: Without a true point guard, Valparaiso is overwhelmed by athletic perimeter players and gets bounced early in the tournament.
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