Broekhoff, Valparaiso squeeze past Milwaukee 55-52

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ryan Broekhoff scored 11 points Saturday as Valparaiso rallied late to edge Milwaukee 55-52.

Broekhoff also had a game-high eight rebounds for the Crusaders (15-8, 8-3 Horizon League), who have won five of six. Kevin Van Wijk scored 10 points.

The Panthers (14-9, 7-4) got 13 points from Tony Meier and 10 from James Haarsma.

Milwaukee scored the first six points before Erik Buggs ended a 7-0 Valparaiso run with a 3-pointer with 13:17 left in the first half. That was the Crusaders’ last lead until Matt Kenney’s basket with 5:20 left put them ahead 47-46.

Broekhoff pushed the Crusaders’ advantage to 53-49 before Kaylon Williams’ 3-pointer brought Milwaukee within 53-52 with 58 seconds left.

Van Wijk hit two free throws for a three-point lead, and the Panthers missed three 3-point tries in the final 13 seconds.

Both teams shot poorly, Valparaiso at 35.1 percent and Milwaukee at 35.4 percent.