Big game for both teams trying to avoid playing Thursday night in St Louis. Both are playing some of their best the last few games. Let's Pack the ARC and make it Rock. Should be one heck of a game.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1231986563992694787
Could be touch and go but might get in the game under the wire with snow currently scheduled to arrive about 6 PM and big accumulations following the game.
The two teams with the greatest momentum going into tomorrow's game to do battle. We can either get down by 17 or will shoot 3's like we did the other night and win. Easy peasy to win at home. MVC is number one in home game win%. Cheer like crazy if we get down by 17 because we all know what the outcome will be.
Book the win.
Just sayin, often wrong, never in doubt.
Are they considering moving the start time up in the name of safety? It might be prudent with a huge snowstorm coming in.
In conference, Valpo is 7th in offensive efficiency and 6th in defensive efficiency. One leg in sixth, one leg in seventh. This team's improvement in defense is likely to push them to sixth place and to avoid a Thursday game. And even if we end up in 7th place, that's better than an 8th or 9th, the winner of which will likely face Northern Iowa. As a 7th, if we beat Evansville, we go through Loyola (likely) before playing Northern Iowa.
Given the history of conference championships in the MVC, things rarely go according to the best seed progressing. Should be fun to watch.
Go Valpo.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 24, 2020, 06:54:44 PM
Are they considering moving the start time up in the name of safety? It might be prudent with a huge snowstorm coming in.
The weather forecast has been changing all night. It now looks like most of the snow and rain will move east and south of Valpo (more down in our area of Central Indiana-but probably more rain) It looks like at the most 3 inches of snow with rain beginning the storm. This could be a case of the forecast doing more damage to attendance than the actual weather.
Glad to know that the forecast has taken a more benign turn in recent hours. I hope the weather holds off until everyone is safely home and can ride the storm out.
Valpo 78
Misery State 70
I would really like to win this game. Mostly because this game last year we were down like 4 players and they barely beat us. They were a "hot" team last year and we should have swept them.
I think we will be cold from 3 but still find a way to win a close game.
We have played 5 good games in a row (granted two of those games had horrible 1st halfs). But in general, I think the team is in a good stride and I see that continuing today at home. Valpo comes away with a big W.
Valpo 72
MoSt 60
It's been working to predict .... first team to 70 wins.
If the outside temperature drops a few more degrees, it's going to be nasty come tip off..its snowing hard
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https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232456419544141824
Quote from: KL31NY on February 25, 2020, 06:08:39 PMhttps://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232456419544141824
Quote from: KL31NY on February 25, 2020, 06:08:39 PMhttps://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232456419544141824
Uh oh... We're in trouble aren't we?
2 freaking years in a row we can't freaking catch a break when MoSt comes to town. Insane.
Let's hope it's the 24 hour flu — not mono.
Big point guard minutes for Daniel, Eron and Zion! I wouldn't be surprised if something good comes out of this challenge. Probably not victory good but good for setting up for St Louis. Maybe a 10 deep rotation team can advance from Thursday. Loyola and SIU no longer terrify me.
Pep band out tonight too apparently. Unbelievable.
Last weekend someone reported on this board that Kiser would not play vs Bradley but not only did he play but he started. Regarding Javon, could Matt be leaking out info to throw our competition off base? No, we wouldn't do that, would we? :)
Well this is unusual. I like it.
Students turned out better than I thought given the weather (not that they had to walk far), but man I hate to see so many of them sitting this early in the game. Would not be like that ten years ago.
On the court, this team is monumentally better when Clay and/or McMillan are able to contribute offensively, even with JFL out.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 25, 2020, 07:07:15 PM
Well this is unusual. I like it.
Good defensive start and the offense is happily moving well and not settling for threes. MSU has got to be confused as to how and whom to shut down with JFL out.
Someone tell Krikke that it's okay to dunk....came back to bite us against Drake
Wow! A fast start. Who are these guys? Now if we can avoid our usual extended scoring drought....
Nice first half. Krikke played real well on offense. Sure hope they all decide to start rebounding on defense for the second half.
No JFL, getting absolutely torched on the glass, still up by two at half? I'll take it
Can't wait for all our coach K's to tell us how we suck.
Only 3 total fouls between Krikke and McMillan. I want to see them BOTH in this game in the 2nd half.... None of this 10 minutes for each stuff, they BOTH need to play at the same time for a good portion of this 2nd half. Krikke is the hot hand and McMillan has owned 2nd halves of late. Might help with rebounding as well.
If we could pull this out with no JFL it would be a big confidence boost for the team.
Come on guys, you can do this!
I certainly hope they've ruled out something contagious for JFL if he's sitting on the bench.
Clay and Daniel leading the charge! Good to see the improved play from Sackey! And Clay is having an INCREDIBLE half!
Donavon Clay is a stud
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Timeout...
RYAN FAZEKAS! HUGE 3!
Ryan and Clay are on a mission tonight! They are playing like they will not be denied!
In the bonus with a nice lead. Keep attacking and drawing fouls. Keep getting to the line.
Clay is good. Big props to the team and coaches on this one. Missouri State doesn't have scoring power to come back. Good guys win. One game above .500 with one more game to play.
Are we getting hot at the right time?
Clay is showing what he can do. If he and JFL stick around next season, it will be a top 3 season.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 25, 2020, 08:30:44 PMClay is good. Big props to the team and coaches on this one. Missouri State doesn't have scoring power to come back. Good guys win. One game above .500 with one more game to play. Are we getting hot at the right time?
This is super presumptuous. You'd better be right.
You can only laugh whenever Fazekas shoots over the last few games. He is unconscious...
Kiser has 7 assists - what is his career high?
Kind of fitting, as he has been a great assist to this this team for four years.
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Daniel! Great shot! Love seeing him play well! Glad to see him coming around at the right time.
We're playing out of our minds right now and I like it. We need a center, but we're playing well right now.
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I'm so happy to see Fazekas and Kiser play so well in their final home game! I can't tell you how good that makes me feel! I can't think of two seniors who have earned a good performance and a standing ovation more than these guys. Thank you Kiser! Thank you Ryan!
Playing hard for a full 40 looks great
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Great performance by Fazekas and Clay :thumbsup:
Even better by the ENTIRE TEAM to step up while your star player is out!!!!!
Great Job Valpo :clap: :clap: :clap:
Well that was awesome.
How could JFL not want to stick around and play here? I think this game should do a lot to allay our fears of him transferring. He also sent out a tweet earlier tonight calling on the fans to come out and support the team and the seniors. I think that speaks volumes. I don't think he's going anywhere and I hope I'm right. Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
It's simple here guys. Win in Terre Haute and play on Friday! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
I realize the game was a blowout with lots of jumpshots and therefore not a lot of fouls, but man is it great how games fly by when the officials swallow their whistles.
Great game by both of the seniors. Thanks for the 4 years Kiser and Thanks to Ryan for toughening it out through all the injuries and jerk teammates last year.
Glue guy Kiser. Been saying it since last season, and he continues to prove it. The fact that the dude is making 3's this season is just icing on top of all of the other things that he has done for us.
This is the first time we've been over .500 in MVC play since our victory in Bloomington Normal on February 5 of last year! AKA The Great JFL Coming Out Party where he had 27 points to take us to 6-5 in MVC play. It feels good to be on this side of things again! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
John. F@&$ing. Kiser.
That is all.
Quote from: valpotx on February 25, 2020, 08:54:16 PMGlue guy Kiser. Been saying it since last season, and he continues to prove it. The fact that the dude is making 3's this season is just icing on top of all of the other things that he has done for us.
Passing up the open threes to get better shots is just awesome. So unselfish. He does so much for the team. He's been great and we will miss him. And a no-practice order but he still plays like this? Amazing. A testament to his heart his character and to this program.
Absolutely a great team effort sparked by some sensational performances by individuals. It was as great game plan by Coach L that picked up the team with JFL and Nick out. What fun it is to watch these guys play well at this time of the year. Thanks Ryan and Jon.
JFL Who???? this team can win lots of ways.... ;D
That was fun to watch. Fast start, solid first half. Even faster start in the second half with no letdown. Lots of contributors and some great individual performances. Now the team knows they can not only win without JFL but dominate. Come back with the same kind of performance next game and we could make some noise in St. Louis. 👏
Loyola is trying their darndest to blow a 12 point lead over Drake at the Gentile, but they're going to hold on. Valpo started the day tied with Drake in the standings, now we're a game up on Drake and MO St and a half-game behind ISUb, who is at SIU tomorrow evening.
Loyola beats Drake 64-60! Here's the real time standings for avoiding Thursday:
Indiana State 9-7 (@SIU tomorrow)
Valpo 9-8
Missouri State 8-9
Drake 8-9
Since NET is a tiebreaker I think Drake is now for sure a Thursday team and now it's very simple, win and in for Valpo. Indiana State becomes a nearly certain top six team with one victory as well. Otherwise it may come down to NET rating. Let's just make it easy and get this win! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
Reporters tweeting that JFL has mono, perhaps has been playing with it? Jeez, sound familiar? If they play like this without him, it'll be okay...but Valpo won their first game without Peters too that year. They did look like a well-oiled machine tonight. Todd reported during the game that JFL would likely miss Saturday, but be back for the Tournament...so let's hope for that.
Meanwhile, Lottich confirms that Freeman-Liberty has been diagnosed with mono, but "it might sound worse than it actually is [?]...JFL has been playing [during the season] with it and will be re-evaluated soon" per Oren on Twitter
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 25, 2020, 09:21:55 PMMeanwhile, Lottich confirms that Freeman-Liberty has been diagnosed with mono, but "it might sound worse than it actually is [?]...JFL has been playing [during the season] with it and will be re-evaluated soon" per Oren on Twitter
No breaks for Valpo in the Lottich era... Wow... This isn't right...
Mono, the ol kissing disease.
Ryan Fazekas goes 5-6 from 3 tonight and is now 36-70 for the year putting him at 51.42% for the season and now 84-181 for his VU career or 46.41%. This is a top 3 conference team if Ryan had been healthy all season.
Quote from: FWalum on February 25, 2020, 09:37:59 PMRyan Fazekas goes 5-6 from 3 tonight and is now 36-70 for the year putting him at 51.42% for the season and now 84-181 for his VU career or 46.41%. This is a top 3 conference team if Ryan had been healthy all season.
With how close we came against Cincinnati and Arkansas (and we probably wouldn't have lost some of the other games we came up short in) who knows? Maybe we could have been at least a bubble team had we been healthy. It's sad to think about what could have been but at least our future looks incredibly bright! We might just be a top 3 team come next season! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
Thought the guys played great in every facet except defensive rebounding. Everyone did their jobs well. Lets get one more big win on Saturday!
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 25, 2020, 09:30:18 PMMono, the ol kissing disease.
As long as JFL hasn't been kissing Ryan and Clay, I think we can still be alright. :thumbsup:
Good decision by "Freight Runners" air charter service. (same company used by Valpo) They dropped off the MoSt team yesterday evening, and immediately took off... for Gary International Airport. Longer Runway, somewhat better equipment... and the Bears had to bus over to the Gary Airport for their flight back to Springfield... Scheduled to take off at 10:10pm... gonna be a really nasty flight with bad weather in NWI and at Springfield.
I've been thinking as well guys that NET is a tiebreaker. And rewards teams for winning by big margins. Missouri State came into that game 11 spots ahead of us. We just beat them by a margin that gives us bonus points (presumably at Missouri State's expense.) Therefore we will rise and they will fall possibly by enough that we will pass them in the NET rankings setting up a situation where the NET tiebreaker between us and Missouri State (should it come to that) will favor us. I'll have to check tomorrow but this could be great and very significant news for us! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
Quote from: talksalot on February 25, 2020, 10:03:47 PMGood decision by "Freight Runners" air charter service. (same company used by Valpo) They dropped off the MoSt team yesterday evening, and immediately took off... for Gary International Airport. Longer Runway, somewhat better equipment... and the Bears had to bus over to the Gary Airport for their flight back to Springfield... Scheduled to take off at 10:10pm... gonna be a really nasty flight with bad weather in NWI and at Springfield.
I'm glad the company is doing what it can to account for their safety. If you are praying people it is only right that we send our prayers to their team for a safe journey home.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 25, 2020, 08:30:44 PMAre we getting hot at the right time?
Somebody better check the air conditioning for our flight to St.Louis.
JFL has Mono, and will miss Saturday?
This season has had adversity, and the team has fought. Missed time for Fazekas and Nick.
Team has put themselves down in multiple games, and has fought back.
Now JFL is out for the final two games. Seems that adversity is one constant for the season.
I read at the beginning of the season that the coaching staff was putting a new emphasis on culture. This latest blow is where that emphasis pays off. It has been said that "culture eats strategy for breakfast." I'm a believer in that. It seems that this team has the culture and character to shake off this latest issue. If VU wins in Terre Haute, I think that we need to be VERY proud of this team.
Quote from: 4throwfan on February 25, 2020, 10:57:56 PMJFL has Mono, and will miss Saturday? This season has had adversity, and the team has fought. Missed time for Fazekas and Nick. Team has put themselves down in multiple games, and has fought back. Now JFL is out for the final two games. Seems that adversity is one constant for the season. I read at the beginning of the season that the coaching staff was putting a new emphasis on culture. This latest blow is where that emphasis pays off. It has been said that "culture eats strategy for breakfast." I'm a believer in that. It seems that this team has the culture and character to shake off this latest issue. If VU wins in Terre Haute, I think that we need to be VERY proud of this team.
I see the culture being established. I'm already there. I'm VERY proud of this team and what they have shown down the stretch. Loyola showed us what culture can do, Wichita State in its MVC days shows what culture can do. The entire MVC shows what culture can do. Gonzaga shows what culture can do. Butler shows what culture can do. The culture emphasis is already starting to pay off. They've been incredible. The difference between this year's team and last year's team is night and day. They proved they can do it. They can win no matter the circumstances tonight and I am darn proud of them. Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
How can anybody be frustrated or upset with this guy? He works so hard and sets such a good example for the whole team. Go Mileek! Keep working! I hope he has a big finish to this year and a huge senior season!
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232517803158200320
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 26, 2020, 01:28:27 AM
How can anybody be frustrated or upset with this guy? He works so hard and sets such a good example for the whole team. Go Mileek! Keep working! I hope he has a big finish to this year and a huge senior season!
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232517803158200320
We all appreciate where he has come from, undoubtedly. I fear you watch the games through different lenses than some of us. Doesn't make you wrong or us wrong, but don't post an emotionally charged comment that doesn't address his basketball IQ. This is strictly the complaint that some of us are raising. Him taking shots in a gym are why he has come so far, but they don't change his decision making ability.
Ie Last night we are trying to keep a lead under 3-min and he jacks up a three ball with maybe 23 seconds left on the shot clock......situational awareness eludes Mileek at times.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 25, 2020, 10:07:56 PMI'm glad the company is doing what it can to account for their safety. If you are praying people it is only right that we send our prayers to their team for a safe journey home.
Flight left Gary at 11:10... arrived in Springfield at 12:50am... Apparently, Freight Runners needed the plane (or the pilots/attendants) at their home base in Milwaukee... they took off immediately and landed in Milwaukee at 3:02am. all safe and sound.
Quote from: FWalum on February 25, 2020, 09:37:59 PM
Ryan Fazekas goes 5-6 from 3 tonight and is now 36-70 for the year putting him at 51.42% for the season and now 84-181 for his VU career or 46.41%. This is a top 3 conference team if Ryan had been healthy all season.
I would say 4th. Childs was out for Bradley most of the season too. We had a lot of growing pains at center, although Krikke/McMillan are now showing flashes, that still has hurt us, especially stopping good big men.
Point being, with JFL/Clay/Fazeekas on the court and healthy we are at worst the 4th best team in this conference. Fact.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 25, 2020, 06:10:44 PMUh oh... We're in trouble aren't we?
As for missing JFL we played extremely well without him. Maybe, because of his hype and great athletic ability, we depend too much on him to carry the game for us.
Quote from: bbtds on February 26, 2020, 12:16:12 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 25, 2020, 06:10:44 PMUh oh... We're in trouble aren't we?
As for missing JFL we played extremely well without him. Maybe, because of his hype and great athletic ability, we depend too much on him to carry the game for us.
Maybe playing without JFL for this game is something that was just what the doctor ordered for this team. They need to be able to do well without him when he needs to sit, or fouls out. Possibly, this game gave the team confidence to do that.
However, I don't want to go to the medicine cabinet for that medicine too often. Looking forward to his return soon.
Quote from: 4throwfan on February 26, 2020, 12:41:03 PMMaybe playing without JFL for this game is something that was just what the doctor ordered for this team.
The whole point guard by committee approach shouldn't be working this well (my opinion). I realize that the distinctions between a Lottich 1, a Lottich 2, and a Lottich 3 are pretty hazy but by I could observationally argue that while Lorange, Morgan, Sackey and JFL have carried the main load: Clay, Gordon, Kiser and Robinson have also taken their turns in the barrel. Boy would it be nice to get Nick and Javon 90% healthy for St Louis! Having only 5 healthy point guards just isn't enough. ;)
I think MoSt was just as shocked as the fans were that JFL was out. I'm assuming he was their main defensive scheme and when he was out, so was their plan. Certainly didnt think we were gonna smoke em by 20 though when I noticed him in sweats!
Anyone know if they did a post-game presser last night? Couldn't find it, maybe Senior Night prevented the presser? Paul, can you comment?
Quote from: bbtds on February 26, 2020, 12:16:12 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 25, 2020, 06:10:44 PMUh oh... We're in trouble aren't we?
As for missing JFL we played extremely well without him. Maybe, because of his hype and great athletic ability, we depend too much on him to carry the game for us.
It would be silly to say the team is better without JFL, but it was clear that from the tip last night that the ball movement was much better than normal and several players were much more confident in looking to score. If they could keep those positives in effect when JFL returns, the team could be really dangerous in Arch Madness.
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 26, 2020, 03:57:46 PMQuote from: bbtds on February 26, 2020, 12:16:12 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 25, 2020, 06:10:44 PMUh oh... We're in trouble aren't we?
As for missing JFL we played extremely well without him. Maybe, because of his hype and great athletic ability, we depend too much on him to carry the game for us.
It would be silly to say the team is better without JFL, but it was clear that from the tip last night that the ball movement was much better than normal and several players were much more confident in looking to score. If they could keep those positives in effect when JFL returns, the team could be really dangerous in Arch Madness.
I believe part of our success, was a carry over from our hot shooting by everyone in the previous game. I saw a lot of confidence in our players at the start of the game and it grew as the shots kept falling. Hope this continues on with the Indiana State game and the MVC tournament
I only saw the end of the first half and the entire second half, but one big difference was that Sackey had a very good game. Another difference was that Kiser took more of a playmaker role. Plus, good shooting always makes everything look good (28 of 48 from three point range in the last two games).
Shooting always tends to even out over the course of a game or a season which is one reason why I thought a comeback against Illinois State was possible. There is no way we were as bad shooting as we had been until this recent stretch. Luckily we are seeing ours even out at the right time. I hope the shot shooting continues in Terre Haute. We need this one! Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 26, 2020, 02:27:36 PM
Anyone know if they did a post-game presser last night? Couldn't find it, maybe Senior Night prevented the presser? Paul, can you comment?
There was a presser, but it wasn't filmed, likely because that crew was filming the senior speeches and the presser happened really fast right after.
The "highlight" was Lottich revealing the mono diagnosis.
Finally a Winning record for the regular season , that has not happened in a while!!!! now ;D
Now how about a Winning record in the valley
Quote from: vu84v2 on February 26, 2020, 05:02:23 PM
I only saw the end of the first half and the entire second half, but one big difference was that Sackey had a very good game. Another difference was that Kiser took more of a playmaker role. Plus, good shooting always makes everything look good (28 of 48 from three point range in the last two games).
Which I believe was a direct result of JFL not playing and players asserting their roles in the game, something I don't think they would have done with JFL in the game and the other players relying on Javon to push the offense. I think that was happening too much when Javon was in a slump and that pushed the team to those long scoring droughts.
Quote from: bbtds on February 26, 2020, 07:56:34 PMQuote from: vu84v2 on February 26, 2020, 05:02:23 PMI only saw the end of the first half and the entire second half, but one big difference was that Sackey had a very good game. Another difference was that Kiser took more of a playmaker role. Plus, good shooting always makes everything look good (28 of 48 from three point range in the last two games).
Which I believe was a direct result of JFL not playing and players asserting their roles in the game, something I don't think they would have done with JFL in the game and the other players relying on Javon to push the offense. I think that was happening too much when Javon was in a slump and that pushed the team to those long scoring droughts.
Seems pretty weak to blame Javon for long scoring droughts though I get it. I've said many times that this team depends on Javon too much to bail them out. Hopefully this was the kind of gut check win that gives the players the confidence and ability to man up and accept a leadership role whenever Javon slumps. Donovan Krikke Fazekas even Mileek all have the ability to be that secondary scorer to step up and help Javon. So just do it! We'll all be better off for it! When Valpo becomes a multifaceted team with two or three players to gameplan for we'll all be much better off. Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
That has been a problem for Valpo teams in the past. Depending on one star (Broekhoff Peters) and nobody stepping up to fill that role when needed. That shouldn't be a problem for us anymore as an MVC team. Most of these teams have good secondary options when their star is not firing on all cylinders or is out. We need to be that team too. This game gave me a lot of confidence to say that maybe we are on the verge of becoming that kind of team. Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 26, 2020, 05:31:54 AMsituational awareness eludes Mileek at times.
I do believe that Mileek's work ethic is exceptional and he has great athletic ability and has improved his basketball skills by increasing his shooting accuracy. Just think what a truly all around player he would be if he could increase his basketball IQ and play smarter. That still may be coming or at least getting better and we may see the completion of the making of a truly all around great basketball player at Valpo.
Quote from: bbtds on February 27, 2020, 04:48:21 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 26, 2020, 05:31:54 AMsituational awareness eludes Mileek at times.
I do believe that Mileek's work ethic is exceptional and he has great athletic ability and has improved his basketball skills by increasing his shooting accuracy. Just think what a truly all around player he would be if he could increase his basketball IQ and play smarter. That still may be coming or at least getting better and we may see the completion of the making of a truly all around great basketball player at Valpo.
Fair point, with the large strides made this year I think many of us are pleased to see him get minutes. Truthfully with us being 4-1 in the last 5 games...I'm feeling generous!!! 😉😉😉
Quote from: bbtds on February 27, 2020, 04:48:21 PMQuote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 26, 2020, 05:31:54 AMsituational awareness eludes Mileek at times.
I do believe that Mileek's work ethic is exceptional and he has great athletic ability and has improved his basketball skills by increasing his shooting accuracy. Just think what a truly all around player he would be if he could increase his basketball IQ and play smarter. That still may be coming or at least getting better and we may see the completion of the making of a truly all around great basketball player at Valpo.
It would absolutely settle the "Does Lottich develop players?" argument. Heck I mean look at the progress McMillan has made between his freshman year and now. Kiser too for that matter. We can actually count on him to contribute productively on offense while he's out there. That is not something we could always say. It's both a testament to the work ethic of those young men and also to the coaching staff that they have come so far. It doesn't matter how good you are at player development if you are coaching players who don't want to be coached. I really think that was the problem last year. The guys just didn't want to be coached and didn't respond well enough to Lottich. This team does and you see the results. You see the improvement. Go Valpo! I BELIEVE!