Box Score

Post-Game Press Conference On Titan YouTube

A 26-4 second half run got the Titans' men's basketball team right back in the game, but it was just not enough as Valparaiso held off Detroit, 74-70, on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center (ARC). 

Detroit (14-10, 7-6 HL) trailed by one, 71-70, with just 1:38 left after sophomore Chase Simon (Detroit, MI/Community) connected on a 3-pointer. The Titan defense held Valparaiso (12-13, 7-6 HL) scoreless its next trip down, but could not take the lead. The Crusaders then hit a pair of free throws to extend their advantage to three. 

Detroit did have a chance to tie on its possession, but Simon was called for a charge with just 13 seconds left. UDM never quit as the defense forced an errant pass on Valpo's inbound attempt and Detroit took control without the clock moving. After a timeout, the Titans could not convert on offense and VU hit a free throw to earn the win. 

The red, white and blue rebounded from a bad first half, where it trailed 43-24, with a 26-4 run to start the second stanza. Simon started the charge with two free throws and then sophomore Eli Holman (Richmond, CA/Richmond) got inside for a layup. 

After both teams exchanged baskets, Detroit went on an 18-0 run over the next six minutes to jump out in front, 50-47. Six UDM players scored in the time with Detroit holding the Crusaders to an 0-for-6 effort from the field with six turnovers. The last basket came with junior Xavier Keeling (Huntsville, AL/J.O. Johnson) nailing a 3-pointer. 

That was answered with a Valpo trey to knot the score, but a pair of charity shots from senior Woody Payne (Inkster, MI/Ypsilanti) and Simon would give the Titans their biggest lead, 54-50, with 10 minutes to go. The Crusaders then responded netting the next eight points to take a lead that they would never give up, although Detroit got to within one four times with under five minute to play. 

Simon ended the contest with his seventh 20-point game of the season totaling a game-high 20 points and six rebounds. Keeling tied his career best for the third time this season with nine boards while adding 17 points and Holman recorded 13 markers and seven caroms. Senior Thomas Kennedy (Detroit, MI/Southeastern) posted eight points and eight rebounds, while Payne had eight points, five assists and five rebounds. 

The Titans shot 55 percent in the second half hitting 16 of its 29 shots and dominated the glass with 21 offensive rebounds compared to Valparaiso's nine. 

UDM will now get ready for a quick turnaround on Monday when the Titans host Chicago State at 7:00 p.m. The non-conference affair opens a three-game home stand that will see Green Bay and Milwaukee visit Calihan Hall later in the week.