| 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVAN | 38 | 37 | 75 |
| VAL | 30 | 35 | 65 |
Smith with 23 points, Evansville downs Valparaiso 75-65
VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Dru Smith scored 23 points with six rebounds, four assists and Evansville downed Valparaiso 75-65 on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game skid.
Ryan Taylor added 22 points and five rebounds and K.J. Riley chipped in 10 points for the Purple Aces (13-9, 3-6 Missouri Valley Conference) who had a 42-34 rebounding edge over Valparaiso.
Evansville trailed through much of the first half, going ahead for good on a pair of free throws by John Hall and they finished on a 15-9 surge to lead 38-30 at intermission.
Valparaiso closed to 49-47 midway through the second half but Taylor hit a layup and Smith a jumper to push it to 53-47 with just under 10 minutes left. Riley, Taylor, Smith and John Hall combined for a perfect 14 points from the free-throw line in the final 1:22 to seal the win.
Bakari Evelyn scored 17 points with four rebounds and four assists for the Crusaders (11-11, 2-7). Tevonn Walker added 14 points and six rebounds.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Tom Eades
- Bo Boroski
- Gary Maxwell
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