Van Wijk’s 18 help Valparaiso defeat Butler 71-59

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Kevin Van Wijk hit 8 of 9 shots and scored 18 points Friday night, leading Horizon League champion Valparaiso past Butler 71-59 and denying the Bulldogs a chance to clinch second place.

Will Bogan made three 3-pointers and scored 14 points for the Crusaders (21-10, 14-4), who have won seven of nine. Ben Boggs scored 11 points, and Ryan Broekhoff hauled in nine rebounds.

Khyle Marshall’s 17 points paced the Bulldogs (17-13, 11-7), whose five-game winning streak ended. Andrew Smith added 12 points, and Ronald Nored had 11 points and eight assists.

Butler would have clinched second place with a victory but now can finish anywhere from second to fifth, pending Saturday’s results.

Valparaiso never trailed, enjoying its biggest lead at 27-12 late in the first half.

The big difference came at the free throw line. The Crusaders sank 26 of 33 to Butler’s 13 of 22.