VALPARAISO, Ind.  – Illinois State held Valparaiso without a field goal for 13:50 between the first and second halves; however, a buzzer-beating half-court shot by the Crusaders' Markus Golder gave the hosts the 58-56 MVC-opening win.
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How It Happened
Valparaiso got on the board first with a Nick Fazekas three-point basket 28 seconds into the contest, before the Redbirds ran off nine straight points over a three-and-a-half-minute span, leading 9-3 with 16 minutes to play in the opening period. Â After the Crusaders fought back, and led by four with 4:58 to play, the ISU defense clamped down and held the hosts without a basket for the remainder of the half and fought back to tie the game at 26 points apiece heading into the locker room at halftime.
The Redbirds burst out of the gate to start the second half, opening the period on an 11-1 run to lead 39-27 before Valparaiso ended its field goal draught with a Fazekas three-pointer. ISU's lead grew to 12 on numerous occasions, the last coming after a Keyshawn Evans jumper with 6:21 to play in the game. Valparaiso ISU's lead was at 10 following a Matt Chastain follow-up lay-in with 2:07 to play, as the Crusaders started to chip away at the deficit. Leading by three Evans drained a pair of free throws to put the visitors ahead by five but a lay-in by the Crusaders, and a drawn offensive foul gave the hosts the ball back. Golder was put on the free throw line when he was fouled on a three-point shot and made two-of three. ISU's free throw attempt on the other end with two seconds to play went awry, setting the stage for Golder's heroics.
Key Moment
Golder's half-court heave at the final buzzer to give Valparaiso the two-point win.
Inside the Box Score
- Zach Copeland scored a career-high 21 points, making 8-of-12 shots from the field and 5-of-8 from long range. He also pulled down six rebounds and gave out three assists in the game.
- Phil Fayne scored 14 points, making 7-of-13 shots from the field and pulled down six rebounds and blocked two shots.
- In his first collegiate start, Matt Chastain scored four points and pulled down a game-high-tying nine rebounds while adding an assist.
Stat of the Game
Illinois State held Valparaiso without a field goal for 13:50 of game-time between the first and second halves and held the Crusaders to just 33.3 percent shooting in the second half.
What's Next
Illinois State returns to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena for a two-game homestand opening with the Evansville Aces on Saturday, Jan. 5.
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