The Valparaiso Vikings varsity team put up a fight against the Crown Point Bulldogs but ultimately fell 63-47 in a competitive matchup on Friday night.

 

The game started with Valpo’s Crowell setting the tone sinking the first basket of the night to give the Vikings an early lead. However, Crown Point responded quickly, and the teams battled back and forth throughout the opening period. Ending the first quarter, Stokes stepped up at the free-throw line, sinking one to tie the game and another to give the Vikings the lead. His shots helped Valpo lead 13-12 after the first quarter. The Bulldogs gained momentum in the second quarter, but Valpo kept pace. As the halftime buzzer neared, Wagner crashed the offensive boards and put back a critical bucket to tie the game, sending both teams into a tie at the end of the first half.

 

Crowell led the Vikings’ offense with 19 points, which included four three-pointers, while Wagner contributed nine points, a team-high seven rebounds, and two steals. Avery also contributed seven points and a steal, he also provided key energy at the free-throw line converting five of six attempts. Despite the Vikings’ strong effort, Crown Point took control in the second half, outscoring Valpo 14-9 in the third quarter and 23-12 in the fourth. Ultimately, by the end of the fourth quarter, Valpo fell to the Crown Point Bulldogs, 63-47.