SYCAMORES’ DEFENSE STIFLES VALPO FOR ROAD VICTORY, 58-43

 

SYCAMORES’ DEFENSE STIFLES VALPO FOR ROAD VICTORY, 58-43

Credit Source: Indiana State University Athletics

VALPARAISO, Ind. – Sophomore Jake LaRavia scored 22 points and pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds to lead the Indiana State men’s basketball team over Valparaiso on the road Friday night, as a stifling defensive effort boosted the Sycamores to a 58-43 victory in the Athletics-Recreation Center.

 

ISU (14-8, 11-6 MVC) held Valpo (9-17, 6-11 MVC) to a season-low 43 points and just 29.1 percent (16-of-55) from the floor in the contest. It was the fewest points Indiana State has allowed this season and the lowest an opponent has scored since Feb. 5, 2020 (Loyola, 39).

 

The Sycamores set the tone early, allowing just 16 points in the opening half while holding Valparaiso to 23.3-percent (7-of-30) from the floor and 7.1 percent (1-of-14) from downtown. It was the fewest points allowed in a half this season and matches its lowest of the last three seasons (16 vs. Loyola, Feb. 5, 2020)

LaRavia led all players in points and rebounds on the night, and paced what was an otherwise balanced offensive attack from Indiana State. Graduate transfer Randy Miller Jr. was the only other Sycamore to finish in double-figures with 10, as sophomore Tre Williams added an eight-point, six-rebound performance, and freshman Julian Larry scored four points and pulled down six boards

 

The Sycamores’ defense led to the convincing road win, as Valparaiso shot just 29.1 percent (16-of-55) for the game and 13.6 (3-of-22) from three. ISU was able to force Valpo into nine turnovers while committing just five of its own, and dominated in the paint, outpacing Valparaiso 30-to-14 inside and also winning the rebound battle, 43-to-37. It marked the second straight game Indiana State won despite being outscored from the free throw line (8 to 7).

 

Donovan Clay and Ben Krikke were the only two players from Valparaiso to finish in double-figures, each scoring 11.

Indiana State finishes the regular season Saturday, Feb. 27 with a 6 p.m. ET showdown with Valparaiso.