Good play at both ends carries Ramblers past Valpo

 

VALPARAISO—Ben Averkamp scored 16 points and had four blocked shots Wednesday night as Loyola beat Valparaiso 63-54 in the Horizon League opener for both schools.Christian Thomas had 14 points and six rebounds, and Cully Payne had 13 points and seven assists for the Ramblers (10-3).Ryan Broekhoff led Valparaiso (10-5) with 15 points and seven rebounds. Kevin Van Wijk also had seven rebounds, and contributed 10 points. LaVonte Dority also scored 10 points for the Crusaders, going 8 for 8 from the free-throw line.Loyola led 26-24 at halftime. Broekhoff made a 3-pointer for Valpo early in the second half, but Thomas’ layup with 18 1/2 minutes to go put the Ramblers ahead for good.