Valparaiso Beacons Basketball Tickets

Notable Players: Bryce Drew, Raitis Grafs, Jamie Sykes, Zoran Viskovic, Bruce Lindner, John Janisch, Don Bielke, Bob Dille, Alec Peters, Ryan Broekhoff and Milt Schoon

Valparaiso Crusaders Basketball Tickets

The Valparaiso Crusaders men’s basketball program dates back more than a hundred years to 1917. An independent program for most of its history, Valparaiso joined the Mid-Continent Conference (now the Summit League) in 1982 and then the Horizon League in 2007. The school joined its current home, the Missouri Valley Conference, in 2017. During its most successful period, Valparaiso made the NCAA Tournament every year between 1996 and 2000 under head coach Homer Drew. In 1998, Valparaiso upset No. 4 seed Mississippi and No. 12 seed Florida State on its way to the program’s only Sweet Sixteen appearance, where it lost to No. 8 Rhode Island. Bryce Drew’s buzzer beater, which is still remembered fondly as "The Shot," put the Crusaders over Mississippi 70-69 in that year's March Madness. In 2011, Bryce Drew succeeded his own father as the head coach of Valparaiso. His 2016 Valparaiso team finished with a 30-7 record and made it all the way to the NIT championship game, where it lost to George Washington 76-60. You can grab your tickets at StubHub.

What was the team’s record last season?

Valparaiso finished the 2018 to 2019 season with a record of 15-18 and 7-11 in the conference. The team beat Indiana State 77-55 in the first round of the Missouri Valley tournament but lost to No. 1 seed Loyola Chicago in the quarterfinals to end the season.

What are the top games on the current Valparaiso Crusaders' basketball schedule?

Valparaiso's biggest non-conference foes for the 2019-2020 season include Saint Louis and Arkansas. During the Missouri Valley Conference portion of the schedule, Valparaiso plays at home against Loyola Chicago on Dec. 30 and Indiana State on Jan. 18. The team then goes to Bradley on Jan. 29, Loyola Chicago on Feb. 9 and Indiana State in the final game of the regular season on Feb. 29. The Missouri Valley Tournament begins on March 5 and runs until March 8. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

How big is the Athletics-Recreation Center?

Located on the school campus, the Athletics-Recreation Center is a multipurpose arena that seats approximately 5,000 people, though it can fit more than 5,400. In addition to the basketball and volleyball arena, the recreation center also houses a swimming pool, a running track, racquetball and handball courts, classrooms and lounges, and a coed training room. It was originally opened in 1983.

What is a Valparaiso game like?

Valparaiso home games are a raucous affair led by the chants and cheers of the Crusaders student section. The Crusader Pep Band, which is composed of students, alumni, faculty and community members, entertains the crowd with a selection of songs, including the school fight song, during timeouts, breaks and scoring runs. The Valparaiso spirit squad also appears at all home games to cheer on the team.

Does Valparaiso have any rivals?

Due to its transition between the Horizon League and the Missouri Valley, Valparaiso has yet to establish permanent rivalries with its fellow conference opponents. However, it does have a few notable opponents. Since 1949, Valparaiso has met the Indianapolis-based Butler Bulldogs approximately 59 times, more than any other team, but the two schools have not met since the 2011 to 2012 season. Valparaiso also has sometimes matched up with Loyola Chicago even before the Crusaders joined the Missouri Valley.Back to Top