Okay, time to move our thoughts out of the CSU game (and thread) and onto our next opponent - Southern Indiana. We have them on our turf. But except for the second half of the Bryant game our shooting on our home court has sucked. Will we revert to past home performances or have we turned the corner?
My gut: Our bigs have developed a ton of confidence and continue to command the paint and to crash the boards. Our shooting apparently was always there, but it took some time to unlock it. I think we’ve achieved enough comfort together that our shooting will be more natural and in the flow of play.
I’m sensing something special happening. With everyone healthy this could be a 15 point win going away. And let’s wait on Western Michigan until after this one.
However, i will give SIU one advantage that absolutely has nothing to do with the game on the floor. Their newish 4500 seat Liberty Center is EXACTLY what Valpo needs to build to be in the MVC facilities conversation.
However, i will give SIU one advantage that absolutely has nothing to do with the game on the floor. Their newish 4500 seat Liberty Center is EXACTLY what Valpo needs to build to be in the MVC facilities conversation.
From what I have been told. Any effort when it comes to facility improvements will be with renovations to the ARC.
As for the matchup. We have an old friend coming back and the roster seems to have found an offensive rhythm that works
From what I have been told. Any effort when it comes to facility improvements will be with renovations to the ARC.
Totally right but a guy can unrealistically aspire for his alma mater 😎
As for the matchup. We have an old friend coming back and the roster seems to have found an offensive rhythm that works
And welcome back to the ARC Ola Ajiboye. Looks like you've found a good slot at SIU - good minutes, good RBs, and some scoring
To be fair...with the "modular" design the ARC was intended with...you could theoretically turn it into something similar to Liberty arena. My personal wish is expand the other 3 sides outward as seating to around 5k/6k and turn the mez into a president's suite/camera well. But as you were getting after...one can dream
Valpo 81, S. Ind 62
Today: UIC 84 Southern Indiana 73. SIU is now 1-5. Regardless, no way the approach to this game can be casual. Grit, determination From. The. Tip. Off.
Roger’s teams have established a pattern over time of starting games kinda passively and then finding another gear to get back into a competitive mode. This year he has the bulls to impose will from the start. It’s time to start doing that.
Nothing less than 10+ point win will be disappointing. Unfortunately, with Wednesday afternoon game time and students on break, we looking at attendance under a 1000 again.
Attendance…..1350. 86-62 win. Not been any students at any of the games anyway. Cleveland state win and public out of school might boost attendance. My best overly optimistic view. Why not. Team shoots lights out to start game. Team is rested and hungry.
Team Stats (Through 6 Games) 1-5
- Points per game: 75.2
- Opponent points per game: 83.3
- FG%: 40.8%
- 3PT%: 28.4%
- FT%: 65.4%
- Rebounds: 37.0 RPG
- Turnovers: ~13.5 per game
Key Players
- Ismail Habib (G, SR)
- 18.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG
- Primary scorer; strong slasher with ability to draw fouls.
- Trey Thomas (G, SR)
- 11.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG
- secondary scoring option.
- Cardell Bailey (G/F, SR)
- 11.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG
- Physical wing; contributes on boards and defense.
- Kaden Brown (G, JR)
- 11.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG
- Quick guard; adds depth in backcourt scoring.
- Ola Ajiboye (F, SR)
- 8.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG
- Interior presence; shot blocker (1.5 BPG).
Strengths
- Experienced Backcourt: Habib and Thomas provide scoring and leadership.
- Rebounding from Wings: Bailey and Ajiboye help on the glass.
Weaknesses
- Defensive Efficiency: Allowing 82+ PPG; struggles against high-tempo teams.
- Three-Point Shooting: Only 28.4% from deep; inconsistent perimeter scoring.
- Turnovers: Ball security issues in late-game situations.
Recent Performance
- Nov 22: Loss to UIC 84–73 (Samuels 16, Habib 13 pts)
- Nov 20: Lost to Incarnate Word 87–81 (close game, defensive lapses late)
Coach’s Emphasis
Stan Gouard stresses role clarity, consistency, and toughness. After major roster turnover (12 new players), he’s focused on building chemistry and improving defensive execution.
Keys to Beating USI
- Pressure Guards: Force turnovers; disrupt Habib and Thomas early.
- Converting Free Throws: They foul a lot so converting at the line is key.
- Control the Paint: Attack inside; Ajiboye is their only true rim protector.
- Limit Transition: Make them play in half-court where shooting struggles show.
- Force them to shoot the 3: they are shooting 28.4% from outside 323rd in the nation.
It seems like USIs main production comes from guard play attacking the rim. The main guard rotation goes 6-0, 6-2, 6-6, & 6-2, they are pretty small up front as well with the 2 main bigs being 6-8 & 6-8. Valpo will need to provide help off the screens, prevent lane penetration, and use the length and size to disrupt shots. A concern here will be keeping Shon out of foul trouble and taking advantage in the post as he has been our main post scorer so far. Valpo should also target J.T. in low post situations as well, he may be due for a big game here. Posting up smaller guards and shooting over the top of the undersized defenders will also be key to winning in my opinion. I'll be in the seats on an early Wednesday game ready to get these guys motivated ahead of turkey day. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Chaney has earned MVC honors once again as he is freshman of the week for the second week in a row
Chaney has earned MVC honors once again as he is freshman of the week for the second week in a row
well deserved, it’s still early but he certainly should be in the conversation for freshman of the year honors. Powell has a knack for recruiting the diamonds in rough. I think his only other D1 offer was from Monmouth from what I have seen. He deserves all the credit and has earned his minutes. He is a key part of what we are doing. Valley play will tell us a lot and I wonder what the precedence is for 3 freshman of the year in a row. We can certainly dream a little this early in the season.
Hope the illness is over...I love our depth!
I am a huge believer in momentum. I really think we would have played well again if we had another game just a few days after the Cleveland State game. It was probably good for the team to recover from their illness, study film, and keep improving in practice. Let’s close out November on a high note.
Ive been nerding out on valley basketball this pre conference season... kind of inclined to think overall its a little down and we can get anybody on a given night...
