Valparaiso Men’s Basketball Faces Eastern Illinois in Sunday Matinee
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team (2-2) will host Eastern Illinois (1-4) this Sunday, November 24, at 1 p.m. CT in the Athletics-Recreation Center. This match marks the start of a busy three-game span for the Beacons, including upcoming games against Northern Illinois and DePaul later in the week. Sunday’s game is also Cheer Day, with free pom poms for fans.
Valpo enters the game on the heels of a 77-64 victory against Lindenwood, where Cooper Schwieger impressed with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The win marked the team’s largest margin of victory over a Division-I opponent since Roger Powell Jr. took over as head coach.
Powell, now in his second season, has been a critical player in rejuvenating the program, building on his success as an assistant at Gonzaga, where he contributed to the team’s national championship run. Current milestones include senior point guard Darius DeAveiro reaching 300 career assists during the last game, illustrating the team’s enduring commitment to developing talent.
The historical matchup between Valpo and Eastern Illinois is notable, with EIU leading their all-time series 20-16. This face-off will be the first since both teams parted ways from the Mid-Continent Conference in 1996.
Valpo has exhibited consistent free-throw shooting, maintaining a success rate of 79% or higher in all games so far. Key players such as Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro and Devon Ellis have consistently scored in double figures this season. With rising talent like Schwieger leading the way, the Beacons aim for continued success as they take on the Panthers this Sunday. Fans can stream the game on ESPN+.
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Photo credit valpoathletics.com