Purdue Fort Wayne
Valparaiso
Mastodons Blast Crusaders, 63-46
12/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 11, 2008
Valparaiso, IN - In a game they didn't trail once, IPFW broke a seven game losing streak to the Valparaiso Crusaders in convincing fashion Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center by the final of 63-46.
It was also the worst loss handed to Valpo since Purdue beat the Crusaders 73-56 on November 17, 1997.
The Mastodons jumped out to an early 17-9 lead on the strength of a pair of triples from junior guard Nick Daniels and the strong inside play of junior forward Deilvez Yearby. Yearby set the tone for IPFW's inside game early with a driving two-handed slam and an offensive rebound and put-back.
Senior forward David Carson also made his presence felt with 11 first half points as the 'Dons took a 31-18 lead to the halftime locker room.
In the second half, Valpo (3-5) ran off six straight points on a layup by senior forward Urule Igbavboa and a pair of baskets by sophomore guard Michael Rogers.
After a quick timeout by IPFW head coach Dane Fife, the Mastodons got a pair of layups by Yearby and a jumper by sophomore guard Ben Botts to take their lead back to 13 points.
Sophomore guard Zach Plackemeier put the game out of reach with five straight points as the 'Dons cruised to the 17-point win.
Carson led the Mastodons (4-5) with 16 points and nine rebounds. Yearby tied his career high with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Daniels also recorded 13 points.
Junior guard/forward Aaron Richie helped IPFW to a 41-31 advantage in rebounding with eight boards.
The Mastodons' defensive effort held Valpo to just 31.1% shooting in the game. IPFW hit for 46.7% from the floor.
Howard Little was the Crusaders' top scorer with 11 points.
This was game-three of a seven game road trip for the 'Dons. The trip continues on Saturday as the Mastodons travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to take on #25 Marquette.
~Dons~
