"This Is the Valpo Way"

Beacons Get Back on Track With 84-55 Victory

The Valparaiso Beacons came back and got a must needed win, 84-55, against Western Michigan.

Snow kept the fans away but did not keep away the Valpo offense. The Beacons scored 84 points and won by 29. Valparaiso’s starting group delivered a steady offensive foundation, highlighted by Brody Whitaker’s 14 points on an efficient 4-for-8 shooting. Shon Tupuola controlled the glass with a game-high 9 rebounds but struggled to score, while Rakim Chaney provided ball movement and defensive activity despite a quiet shooting night. Roger mentioned in the post-game press conference that Rakim was not even supposed to play today after dealing what it seems to be an ankle injury.

The bench was just as impactful, headlined by Owen Dease’s breakout 18-point performance on 7-for-11 shooting, including four made threes, giving Valpo a huge lift in scoring efficiency. Mark Brown Jr. added 15 points and a confident 3-for-5 mark from beyond the arc. This was his first game of the season coming off the bench.

Valparaiso’s rim protection stood out today, with the team totaling 8 blocks. The starters contributed a pair, led by Shon Tupuola’s 2 blocks.

The bench was the major force defensively, responsible for 6 of the team’s 8 blocks. Carter Hopoi dominated with 4 blocks in just 18 minutes, repeatedly shutting down drives and altering shots at the rim.

Postgame

After the game, Coach Powell said he was proud of his team’s effort today and thought the team could win more if they stayed consistent and played “the Valpo way”. Powell said, “We didn’t shoot early threes like we did in our two losses.” The Beacons got the ball inside from the start and were able to move the ball to get open looks outside the arc.

Powell also added, “A big thing for us is to do boring well. And it’s boring to do the same thing everytime, to execute, to go inside, to play our way.” Valpo stayed consistent the whole game in all phases, even with Western Michigan starting the second half off hot with two straight threes. The Broncos were able to get the lead down to 14 at the under 16 timeout, but the Beacons kept the foot on the gas.

Valpo was without Justus McNair today, but Powell said the depth of the team allowed them to overcome injuries and playing shorthanded. He said, “I have a ton of confidence in all these guys, and I have confidence anybody can step up.” Valpo was without three players at Cleveland St. and still won by 15 and were able to win by 29 today without McNair.

Coming Up

Valpo plays Marquette in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. This is a big test for the Beacons and just their third road contest. When we asked about Marquette, Powell said, “They’re a great team, great coach. It’s gonna be an unbelievable environment.”

Powell said he will be scouting and learning more about the team in the coming days. But he also said Valpo needs to focus on themselves. He said, “At the end of the day, all I care about is us playing the right way. And if we play the right way and do us great, do boring well, we give ourselves a chance.”