Valparaiso University’s men’s basketball squad posted a convincing 90‑70 victory over Dalhousie in the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League, a contest held in Nassau, The Bahamas. The win marks the second straight exhibition triumph for the Crusaders, who improve to 2‑0 in the league and 13‑1 overall in preseason foreign‑tour matchups.
Sophomore forward JT Pettigrew was the offensive catalyst, pouring in 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds. His efficiency set the tone for a balanced attack that saw five other teammates reach double figures.
Freshman guard Rajan Roberts contributed 13 points while going 4‑for‑4 from the free‑throw line, a performance that helped Valparaiso shoot 80.8 % overall from the stripe. Carter Hopoi added 11 points and six boards, and Justus McNair chipped in nine, while Kai Yu’s seven points came with four offensive rebounds that fueled second‑chance opportunities.
The Crusaders also dominated the glass, out‑rebounding their opponents 18‑? (actually 18 offensive boards) and forced a 21‑6 turnover advantage, logging 14 assists against just six turnovers. Such statistics underscore a disciplined offensive rhythm and a defensive scheme that limited Dalhousie’s scoring chances.
Looking Ahead
Coach Terron Garrett praised the team’s chemistry, noting that the depth displayed against Dalhousie will be a cornerstone as the squad prepares for the November 2 start of the NCAA Division‑I season. Additional exhibition games are slated before the regular campaign begins.
With a 13‑1 record in foreign‑tour competition and a perfect 2‑0 showing in the current week, Valparaiso enters the upcoming schedule with momentum and confidence. The performances of Pettigrew, Roberts, Hopoi, McNair and Yu suggest a promising depth chart that could translate into a strong showing in the Midwest conference play.