Walker's 26 points help Valparaiso beat Drake 77-60
VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Tevonn Walker scored 26 points and grabbed six rebounds as Valparaiso ended Drake's five-game win streak with a 77-60 victory Wednesday night.
Walker, Max Joseph and Bakari Evelyn combined to make eight 3-pointers, and Derrik Smits had two dunks, in an explosive first half for the Crusaders (11-7, 2/3 Missouri Valley Conference) that gave them a 46-35 lead at intermission.
Drake closed to 57-49 midway through the second half but another hail of 3s by Walker, Joseph and Evelyn helped stretch the Crusaders lead to 70-54 with 4 1/2 left and they cruised from there.
It was the first conference loss for MVC leader, Drake.
Walker made 10 of 16 from the field including five from beyond the arc. Joseph finished with 16 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Smits chipped in 10 points.
Graham Woodward scored 15 points off the bench to lead the Bulldogs (10-8, 4-1).
Game Information
- Referees:
- Rick Randall
- Antinio Petty
- Joe DeRosa
2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State | 2-0 | - | 8-4 |
| Drake | 1-0 | 0.5 | 11-0 |
| Bradley | 1-0 | 0.5 | 10-2 |
| Belmont | 1-0 | 0.5 | 9-3 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-0 | 0.5 | 7-5 |
| Murray State | 1-1 | 1 | 6-5 |
| Illinois State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 8-4 |
| UIC | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-4 |
| Missouri State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Valparaiso | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 0-1 | 1.5 | 5-7 |
| Evansville | 0-1 | 1.5 | 3-9 |
Men's College Basketball News
