Exciting Weekend for University of Evansville Basketball
This weekend, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team wraps up its regular season with two games. They’ll face Valparaiso on Saturday and Southern Illinois on Sunday, both starting at 3 p.m. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network. After Saturday’s game, seniors Alex Hemenway and Trent Hundley will be honored.
Last Game Recap
In their last outing, the Purple Aces faced a tough challenge against Belmont, losing 98-64. Belmont hit an impressive 21 three-pointers and led by as much as 36 points. AJ Casey stood out, leading the team with 21 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. Leif Moeller contributed 11 points, while Alex Hemenway chipped in with 10.
AJ Casey Shines Again
AJ Casey has bounced back recently after a rough patch. He scored 21 points against Belmont and 19 at Murray State, regaining his scoring touch. Previously, he had only 13 points in two games. Earlier this season, he set a career-high with 28 points in a win over Illinois State, and he ranks among the Missouri Valley Conference leaders in several categories:
- 14th in scoring (12.24 PPG)
- 9th in rebounds (5.52 RPG)
- 7th in shooting percentage (50.7%)
- 7th in steals (1.28 per game)
- Tied for 8th in offensive rebounds (2.00 per game)
Tight Series Against Valparaiso
The matchup between the Purple Aces and Valparaiso has been competitive. On February 6, Valparaiso snapped a four-game losing streak against Evansville with a 70-63 overtime win. Before that, Evansville had won four straight. Interestingly, the last seven games between these teams have been decided by 12 points or fewer, showcasing a fierce rivalry.
Josh Hughes’ Consistent Performance
Josh Hughes has also been a key player, averaging 11.5 points over his last four games. He matched his season high with 16 points against Murray State. Over the last 13 games, Hughes has averaged 10.0 points per game, shooting an impressive 49.5%. He started the season strong, averaging 13.2 points in his first six games.
Looking Ahead: Scouting Valparaiso
Valparaiso is in good form as they enter the final weekend of the regular season, with a chance to secure a third-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Beacons are currently 17-13 overall and 11-8 in the Valley, winning six of their last seven games. In a thrilling finish against Drake, they hit a last-second three-pointer to win 74-71.
Owen Dease leads Valparaiso with an average of 13.0 points per game, while JT Pettigrew adds 11.9 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds. Rakim Chaney rounds out the trio of double-digit scorers with 10.3 points per game. Dease was notable in the first game against Evansville, scoring 18 points.
As the Purple Aces prepare for these critical games, excitement builds for fans and players alike. It’s a chance to finish the season strong and gear up for what lies ahead.
