The Vikings matched up with the Hobart Brickies in the first round of sectionals. In an earlier contest, Valpo defeated Hobart with a final score of 65-50. 

 

The first quarter started off slow, with the first points of the game by either side coming with three minutes left. With multiple turnovers and sloppy play by both teams, the Brickies had the lead at the end of the first quarter, 7-4. The second quarter showed more of the same back-and-forth action that kept the score low. Going into halftime, the Vikings had the lead, 20-18. 

 

Coming out of halftime, the Vikings went on a 14-3 scoring run and jumped ahead for the first time in the game. Valpo led by as much as 16 in the quarter. With a strong offensive strategy and good defensive setup, the Vikings won the quarter, 22-9, and had the lead, 42-27, heading into the fourth. The rest of the game, the intensity represented by Coach Lieske and the Vikings soared, going on more scoring runs and increasing the lead. In the second half, Valpo outscored Hobart 40-17; the Vikings won game one 60-35. 

 

Jack Smiley led the attack with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Sophomore KJ Avery scored a season-high 19 points, shooting 70% from the field. Avery also grabbed five rebounds and had five steals in the Vikings win. Valpo will play Crown Point in the second round on Friday.