Box Score
Guard Woody Payne picked up a key steal and then followed with the deciding free throw just three seconds from the finish, as he sponsored the Titans' pulsating, 56-55 victory over Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon in Calihan Hall.
Chris Hayes led the Titans with 20 points, while Michael Harrington and Eulis Stephens chipped in 10 apiece. Payne just scored three points, but his five assists, three steals and last marker from the foul line made the difference as Detroit won for the third time in five games. The Titans are now 7-16 overall as they have already matched last year's win total, and they stand 2-11 in Horizon League play. The victory moved them to within a game of Valpo (6-18, 3-10 HL) in the conference standings.
The two teams played see-saw throughout a second half that saw five ties and four lead changes. Valpo grabbed its final advantage, 55-54 with 40.9 seconds to go as Erik Buggs scored on a drive through the lane and Howard Little followed with a pair of free throws. After Little fouled Stephens with 17 seconds left, the Titan sophomore tied the game by making the first of his two free throw opportunities.
VU controlled the rebound, but Payne got in a passing lane on the Crusaders' ensuing possession and, after coming up with the loose ball, was fouled by Urule Igbavboa. Payne made the second of his free throw tries, and Valpo's long desperation pass was thrown away as UDM secured its victory.
The Titans had to play from behind after Valpo jumped out to a 16-9 advantage 10-and-a-half minutes into the contest. They answered with a Hayes putback, followed with a Jason Bennett tip dunk and then saw Harrington and Ryan Janer go to the line to make two free throws each. Hayes quickly converted a turnover with a dunk, capping an 10-0 run that brought UDM right back into the contest at 19-16. The Titans pushed their edge as high as seven, 29-22, and took 29-26 lead into intermission.
Michael Rogers led Valpo with 12 points while Little added 11.
The Titans shot .452 from the field for the game while the Crusaders hit at a .408 clip. Rebounding was even at 30-all – Hayes led everyone on the glass by collecting nine boards – and Detroit was charged with 18 turnovers while Valpo had 17.
The Titans return to Horizon League action on Tuesday night as they begin a four-game road swing at UIC.
-Detroit Titans-
