The Valparaiso Vikings played a tight-knit game Thursday night, storming past the LaPorte Slicers with a commanding 58-50 victory. Valpo secured a decisive win with tight defense and an efficient offensive attack. Despite a rough opening quarter in which they were outscored 23-9, the Vikings responded with relentless defense and sharp execution on offense. By halftime, they had cut the deficit to 31-22. Avery led with 12 points, adding two assists and a steal and Crowell led Valpo’s defense and contributed 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Valpo’s defensive intensity was the difference-maker, forcing multiple turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. In the second half, the Slicers struggled to find any rhythm against the Vikings’ suffocating pressure, and when they did manage to get shots off, Valpo’s defense held tight. Offensively, the Vikings found success both inside and beyond the arc. Redmond provided a spark with 9 points, while Wagner had a perfect shooting night, going 4-for-4 for 8 points. Keene and Stokes each chipped in 6 points, with Stokes recording an amazing five steals. In the fourth quarter, Valpo never looked back. From the 5:26 mark in the fourth quarter, LaPorte did not score, while Valpo scored 17 straight points to seal the well-earned 58-50 victory!