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The Horizon League's plan all along must have been to produce a team that could win the 16-seed play in game because that plan is working out well so far. Great job! 

At least if an HL team wins the play in game, the HL will get some money so there's that too. Meanwhile, our conference standing is plummeting. But hey, who needs that when you can have $$$! 

Was told this evening by a current senior that there is no support in sending students to Detroit for the HL tournament. VU ticket office told him to buy $15 GA ticket online and there are no plans for a bus or anything. (Note: There is an alumni bus, but are students aware/allowed on/able to finance that?) I understand it is Spring Break and that many are upset that the tourney is in Detroit, but come on. Oakland announced earlier this month at the Valpo home game that they bought 200 tickets for the students and are providing transportation. Can we not even do 25% of that and get 50 tickets and a bus for even some of the students??

A little bit different situation there. Oakland being only 35 miles away by bus means shuttling back and forth each day. I don't believe Valpo would make daily trips for the students. So the big rub for the students is the $125 - $200 a day Hotel room. Provided we play more than one game. Not the $15 - $75 ticket or free transportation

It is a different situation. I'm not asking the athletic office to subsidize all costs like OU is doing, but we can't throw in a couple free tickets for those that make the journey to Detroit? Or organize a bus for say $20 a person and reserve a block of rooms for the students at a reduced rate? For the 2011 HL tournament in Milwaukee, the pep band went back and forth to U.S. Cellular Arena for the Detroit game and Milwaukee games...

Was told this evening by a current senior that there is no support in sending students to Detroit for the HL tournament. VU ticket office told him to buy $15 GA ticket online and there are no plans for a bus or anything. (Note: There is an alumni bus, but are students aware/allowed on/able to finance that?) I understand it is Spring Break and that many are upset that the tourney is in Detroit, but come on. Oakland announced earlier this month at the Valpo home game that they bought 200 tickets for the students and are providing transportation. Can we not even do 25% of that and get 50 tickets and a bus for even some of the students??

Folks complain on the board of student attendance, students standing or sitting during games, etc., but why should students be excited when we cannot even put together the resources getting even some of the diehard students to go the conference championship? I'm very disappointed to say the least. Why would any conference want us when last year as a bubble team, we only had Jubril's Dad, Cameron, 4-5 students, and the band in the student section and we aren't trying to improve upon that this year? It's hard to prove to the MVC that we would send more folks to St. Louis or the A-10 that bus loads are coming to Pittsburgh when it seems that we are stuck in the mud complaining about the "joke" of Motor City Madness. Some food for thought...


As for this first game, I pray that Peters is available just so that we know that he isn't out for the tourney/rest of the year. If he is available, I say use him sparingly and enough to maintain some rest while knocking some rust off and letting the rest of the team continue to build their confidence off of their great efforts at WSU and NKU. If Peters is out, I still like our chances, but certainly would be guarded enough to be concerned on that "3rd time's a charm" theory that seems to occur in basketball.

Also there is still a small chance to lose today and still be one of the last teams to make the NIT field if we were to somehow lose in the championship round. 

Serious Question to the Board: Does an NIT berth mean anything to anyone at this point? My personal thought is been there, done that.  While the auto-NIT bid would be nice for the rookie coach and younger players, the team is hungry for more than that.

With that being said, Alec being out today is no surprise. We could play for the auto-NIT berth, winning the HL outright, and the #1 seed in Detroit, but we're still going to have to win 3 tough games in Detroit, so why give him more pain and risk worse injury for what is not much gain? This game is house money in my book and we see if the team can repeat Friday's performance. If they do repeat Friday's effort today, that mental motivation and momentum will be bigger than any seed line or win streak going into March. And if they don't, well at least, Alec is healing up a bit for the March stretch run and we have some good reps with the team without Alec on the floor. Go Valpo!

Quite simply, I think that folks responded to the theme of Thursday Night's Game quite well. It was Motor City Madness Night at the ARC, so what speaks better to Motor City Madness Night showing the Horizon League, our team, other teams, etc., what Motor City Madness means: folks dressed up like empty seats, little-to-no student section, and a very poor atmosphere for a first place team. All of this will be repeated on the road come March, so everyone might as well get used to it now, so I think our fans did an amazing job trying to prep them for that atmosphere! Great Job!

^^^ Note the above is intended as a joke and sarcasm.

Ok, on a serious note... When I was a student at VU, Thursday games were by far the most difficult to attend. With wrapping up homework, quizzes and exams that were usually on Fridays, all intermixed with balancing campus jobs and other student organizations, it was a very difficult sacrifice of time to get to a game. Sometimes, if the game wasn't over by 9pm (it was a blow out), I would leave early just so I could get my stuff done and get something that resembles sleep. Also, with the exception of 2015, we've had very lackluster attendance for Cleveland State home games. I made the trek to the ARC last year and it was light, and I infamously remember how empty it was for Senior Day in 2014. So perception of the opponent may be built into it somewhat.

I think that the attendance will greatly improve on a Saturday night. Go Valpo!

While I (and many others) agree that our post-season aspirations rest on our team's performance over a couple days in Detroit in March, we still have a regular season championship for which to fight! I believe this game will determine the course for the remainder of the season.

This is a home game against the lone undefeated team in conference. This is a revenge game from the semi-final loss in Detroit last March. This is a game to begin to rebuild confidence at home, since we struggled over the long Christmas Break. We have a lot to fight for in this game and I hope we show up to play it so that we can go back to controlling our own destiny in the Horizon League. Otherwise, losing to #1 and #2 in conference at home with only the return road games at #1 and 2 does not bode well for a team with such high aspirations and talent, after a good non-conference.

With all that we have to play for, we have to put up or shut up. No excuses about rest or missing Jubril or lack of students/atmosphere. We need to start this home stand with a positive note! Thanks for listening!

From USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/horizon/2016/12/06/versatile-big-man-alec-peters-gives-mid-major-valparaiso-rare-edge/94990914/

FYI, Rhode Island released their non-conference schedule last week... and they will be coming to the ARC on Tuesday, November 29.

http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20160815l3pm2s

I will say that I am excited that they are indeed coming to the ARC, but the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't scream "well attended game" to me. Given the Tuesday night time after the college football regular season and decent matchup, I would hope that this gets ESPN coverage and that would help things out. But, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for a Friday or Saturday Night game for Rhody and I already know I cannot make the trek for a Tuesday night game... 

Updated Non-Conference Schedule:

Friday, November 11: Southern Utah at Valparaiso (Home Opener/MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Saturday, November 12: Trinity International at Valparaiso ("Tentative")
Monday, November 14: Coppin State at Valparaiso (MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Thursday, November 17: Valparaiso at Oregon
Monday, November 21: Alabama vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Heavy Weight Bracket Semi-Final)- 11pm CT
Wednesday, November 23: BYU or Saint Louis vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Final/Consolation)- 8:30 or 11pm CT
Tuesday, November 29: Rhode Island at Valparaiso
Wednesday, December 7: Valparaiso at Kentucky
Saturday, December 10: Valparaiso at Missouri State
Saturday, December 17: Indiana State at Valparaiso
Thursday, December 22: Santa Clara at Valparaiso

Missing: Home vs. Ball State? (Was Saturday after Thanksgiving last year in Muncie... Date still available this year...)
Home vs. Chicago State?
(Making for 13 Non-Conference plus 18 Conference for 31 Regular Season Games... we had 31 last year.)

Personal Thoughts: Very tough Non-Conference schedule for a first year head coach, and a schedule that some would have loved to see last year with more power conference teams. The thing that is missing is a team like Belmont last year, a strong mid-major that will compete for their conference championship. (No the A-10 is not a mid-major for those that believe that Rhody can win the A-10 with E.C. Matthews back.) A strong mid-major would be a great way to compare how we stack up to last year and of course with other good mid-majors this year. So...If we can still somehow ditch Trinity International for something the likes of an Akron, Ohio, Kent State, or similar team I would like that, but that's probably wishful thinking at this point.

Will Florida State be the first ACC team ever to play at the ARC??

Without looking anything up, if Notre Dame's pre-ACC tenure counts, then no.

Unless some of these teams get at-large bids into the NCAAs, the NIT is full of auto-bids at the moment, 11 as 8:45pm CT on March 9th:

North Florida- Atlantic Sun
High Point- Big South
Hofstra- Colonial
Valparaiso- Horizon
Monmouth- MAAC
Wichita State- Missouri Valley
Wagner- Northeast
Belmont- Ohio Valley
Bucknell- Patriot
Fort Wayne- Summit
St. Mary's- West Coast

Now that the other Crusaders (Holy Cross) will be in a play in game, can the committee really leave the other Crusaders (Valpo) out of the NCAAs? It could be Crusader night in Dayton!

D, E, H, J, K, Q, R, S

I think tonight was the kiss of death to the double bye. The format will be the same as Arch Madness for 2017. You can bet on it now.

1.  Good.
2.  Then why did they suddenly *add* the double-byes to the women's tournament this year??

Was unaware of that for the HLWBB tourney. Just like the tourney was changed within one year, I presume the the format can change just as quickly, even if the WBB double bye never sees the light of day?

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Quick comments: I was at the game tonight and enjoyed the general atmosphere of the tournament. It wasn't as hostile as I thought it would be, but the rental Green Bay/Detroit High School Band was getting on my nerves... I mean if you are going to vote for the neutral site tournament, shouldn't you be obligated to bring your own band? The GB Band is actually quite good and was in Valpo in 2013 and 2015...

Oakland did not bring as many fans as expected and even their student section wasn't full. We clearly gave too much of a home court advantage to them. It was loud for Oakland but not home game loud.

Also, STILL haven't seen Oakland win a game in person... 0-5 when I am in attendance. Hmm...

I think tonight was the kiss of death to the double bye. The format will be the same as Arch Madness for 2017. You can bet on it now.

I could not stand the swarm of Oakland people that immediately began to overtake Section 122 after our game was over. I paid for the ticket, it's my seat. You aren't wearing Valpo, so don't expect me to move so you can sit closer to your team. This also opens up the arguement of how the HL needs to arrange seating for these games...

I cannot wait for this tourney to be at the new Detroit facility.

Donlon is a fantastic coach and should have been COY. Darner is a rising star and will be moving up quickly in the coaching ranks.

Let's destroy the NIT and get to MSG in New York at the end of the month!!! Go Valpo!

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Also, is there a team that we prefer to win the Oakland/Wright State game?

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Valpo opens as 9 point favorites over Green Bay.
Oakland opens as 4 point favorites over Wright State.

My two cents are simple: Valpo defeated Green Bay in Green Bay without Skara and with minimal time from Walker. Green Bay is tired after a physical game today and other than turnovers/steals GB is a decent matchup for us. I am bit nervous on this game but I think that it is more that this game is not at home and we will have 3 hostile fan bases going against us rather than being nervous for having a mental slip up and losing to GB. But you have to play and win this game to advance and there is no room for error...

I say play 8 with Max Joseph and have Skara and T. Walker as rested as possible for the final, if they can be available.

Driving up to Detroit tomorrow! I'll be one of the loud ones in 122! Go Valpo!

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Had no clue where to put this but Wichita State loses in Arch Madness Semifinal to Northern Iowa. Just shocking!!

Already 3 regular season conference champions losing in their conference tourneys!!!

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Technically 4, but North Florida is still alive.

Ah. Just saw that High Point lost today. Was only counting North Florida, Belmont, and Wichita State. The NIT is just going to be swamped with mid-majors this year. Hope that we aren't one of them!

Bucknell

Yup. Bucknell, too...
Well, unless Stetson upsets FGCU and/or the NCAA Committee looks kindly onto the Shockers, 5 of the 32 NIT bids are already set, while no NCAA bids have been claimed by tournament winners as of 5:15pm CT today.

Had no clue where to put this but Wichita State loses in Arch Madness Semifinal to Northern Iowa. Just shocking!!

Already 3 regular season conference champions losing in their conference tourneys!!!

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Technically 4, but North Florida is still alive.

Ah. Just saw that High Point lost today. Was only counting North Florida, Belmont, and Wichita State. The NIT is just going to be swamped with mid-majors this year. Hope that we aren't one of them!

Had no clue where to put this but Wichita State loses in Arch Madness Semifinal to Northern Iowa. Just shocking!!

Already 3 regular season conference champions losing in their conference tourneys!!!

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Breaking News: Horizon League already planning ahead of potential attendance concerns this weekend and has curtained off the TV friendly half of the upper deck. See photo in the Tweet below.

[tweet]705853522638536704[/tweet]

[APPALACHIAN STATE, RPI #285 BEATS ARK-LITTLE ROCK, RPI 35, 69-63UALR FALLS TO 27-4]

Last Game of the Season

APPALACHIAN STATE, RPI #285  BEATS ARK-LITTLE ROCK, RPI 35, 69-63

UALR FALLS TO 27-4

The Trojans still get the double-bye as the #1 seed (ULM is #2)

http://sunbeltsports.org/documents/2015/10/21/2016_Men_s_BKB_Bracket.pdf

For those that think our losses to Wright State are a disaster or narrowly winning both games in Wisconsin is unsettling... would you prefer something like this? You just cannot lose to a low RPI team like Appalachian State (whose best win is #179 Georgia State!) on the final night of the regular season. Not only must they win the Sun Belt to make the NCAA tourney, but I would even bet that a loss in the Sun Belt tournament could knock them out of a home game in the NIT with a loss like this. Must be completely demoralizing right before starting the heart of March Madness.

For the first round games on our side, my personal preference is that we need chalk from the Wisconsin schools. A Green Bay-Milwaukee quarterfinal will only add to the wear and tear before the semi final against us, as it's a rivalry game rubber match for them. If one of the Wisconsin schools is upset in the first round, Valpo may get a "less tired" Wisconsin school, although a third game in three days is still a lot... Also, after just playing and beating both Wisconsin schools, I am sure that Bryce has made the team memorize the game tape for last weekend and we will be ready to exploit every weakness possible and fully prepare for the first game on Monday.

For the other half of the bracket, I just do not think that Wright State will have the depth to make it to play Oakland and if they do make it to the semi, they will be all but exhausted. However, I do think that if Detroit is there in the semi to play Oakland, it would be a tough rivalry game for Oakland to play. I really don't believe that Oakland will lose their semi, but if we are looking for the most vulnerable Oakland team in the final, then Detroit getting to the semi in the easiest way possible would be ideal so that they can play Oakland "less tired." Therefore, I am not opposed to a UIC upset, but that would only make our two losses to Wright State worse than what they are...

Speaking honestly though, I just really don't see any of the 3-10 or 6-7 winners giving Oakland any grief. And given our double bye advantage, I also think that we sit pretty on our side. But who knows? It's why we play the games, so we might as well play the best teams that we are dealt and prove we can win on any stage in this league. There's my

The Horizon League Tournament Court is all put together at Joe Louis Arena and it seems that things are almost ready for Saturday. Here are some photos and a time lapse all retweeted or sent out from the Horizon League Twitter Account.
[tweet]705350758972182528[/tweet]
[tweet]705394868118491137[/tweet]
[tweet]705453676656087040[/tweet]
[tweet]705541970324824064[/tweet]
[tweet]705508979913396224[/tweet]
[tweet]705503011892805632[/tweet]

Anyone else notice the Oakland Black and Detroit Red color scheme for the court? Is that just a coincidence?

The Valpo Section is the section behind the Geico Banner in the first photo and the Oakland section is to the left of Valpo's section and is behind the Discover Banner... Glad I will be on the other aisle... way too close to the bear's cage there. 

The student sections (and band?) seating on the floor doesn't look all that great for both watching the game and distracting the competition.

I think that the court and venue look very nice although it isn't the cozy ARC. And I will say that I am growing excited for the event. I remain optimistic that it will be a final validation stamp for our team and I am hopeful that it is a good atmosphere for all who attend. I have the hotel, tickets, etc. all set and I will be giving this tourney a fair chance.

We seem to be doing an ok job selling our section for the Horizon League Tournament Semifinals. It looks like we only have 3 more rows in our section 122 not sold on the Motor City Madness Website. (Although I bet some lower rows/seats in our section are still available through the Valpo Alumni block...) Given that section 122 holds just under 300 seats, plus the student section, pep band, team, coaches, etc., it looks like the Valpo supporters number about 450-500 at the moment for Monday night... (compared to 4500+ at the ARC...)

Meanwhile...it looks like Oakland has 1 row and a few random seats remaining for their section in 121, but I'm sure their numbers will increase with time, although I am surprised that Oakland's section has not sold out yet. Looking through all of the other team allotments, it seems like everyone else is in the "wait and see" mode for the semis, with many of the other teams still having seats as low as rows 2 and 3 of their sections available on the HL website. It is painful for all parties to see how good/bad attendance will be for this event, as it will not be 100% known until next Monday at 9pm or so, but so far it is looking pretty bleak.

Also, recently announced and promoted in some news articles, there will be a fan fest/pep rally of sorts in the late afternoon before the championship on Tuesday. (http://motorcitymadness.horizonleague.org/visitor-info/wintergarden) Not sure how this will turn out...

Some great points have already been said on this thread, especially several by a3uge that I wholeheartedly agree with!

For those that think we have regressed in the last four games, I think that the close nature of the games and the increase in opponents' offensive production (all 4 had more than one point per possession) is simply that the 2nd matchup is always tougher than the first, the team is seriously tired after giving it their all for 31 regular season games, and the final 3 games were more "tune up" games rather than "must-wins" (and getting all three wins was just icing on the cake.) Sitting right behind the Valpo bench in Green Bay, our team just seemed so gassed. Green Bay was giving us their everything and our lack of depth for the game just wore us out, the heavy breathing by KC and AP was just something I hadn't seen in a long while from our guys.

I think that the Wisconsin road trip is exactly what our team needed. Two close games, including our first OT game, that gave our team practice on the close game scenario and gave us the late game "catch up" scenario. Our HL schedule made for 13 double digit wins and that doesn't help when we need the grind out games that come with March. These two Wisconsin games were a huge confidence builder IMO. The goosebumps and "March Feeling" that came with the end of the Green Bay game I really think will rejuvenate the team going forward, as they now feel and realize what is at stake with each game going forward (as if they really needed a reminder?). I still have the butterflies several days after Hammink making that shot with 2.2 seconds left. Plus, seeing as a Wisconsin school rematch is likely for the semis, these closes games will be fresh in our minds and push us to do better from the tip to the final buzzer.

Also, a win at the Resch Center is huge, regardless if it was by 2 or 20. We have not done well in Green Bay historically, so just winning in Green Bay should be plenty of a boost for our mentality going into the HL Tourney. It is the first win at GB for most of the team (sans Vashil?)