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GAME NOTES: Horizon League foes will collide tonight in Cleveland as the hometown Vikings host the Valparaiso Crusaders.

Valparaiso has won its last two games to even its overall record at 13-13 overall and move to 8-6 in Horizon action. Both of the recent wins have come by narrow margins, including Monday's thrilling 83-82 decision over Illinois- Chicago. The hope tonight for the Crusaders is that they can improve a poor 4-10 mark in true road games.

Cleveland State is clearly playing its best ball of the season right now, as the club has won its last five games to move to 8-4 in conference action and 12-12 overall. Strong defense was key to success in Saturday's 59-56 triumph over Loyola Chicago on the road, and the Vikings now return home where they have been victorious in nine of 12 tilts.

Valparaiso won the first meeting with Cleveland State this season by a 78-71 final, but the Vikings still own a commanding 26-8 series advantage over the Crusaders.

Brandon Wood is the leading scorer for Valparaiso this season with his 18.5 ppg, and Cory Johnson checks in with 15.4 ppg on 57.8 percent shooting from the field. As for Brandon McPherson, he rounds out a trio of double-digit scorers with 11.6 ppg. The Crusaders are generating 72.7 ppg while giving up 73.1 ppg to their opponents. Wood scored 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field to lead the way for Valpo in the narrow victory over UIC last time out. McPherson pitched in 15 points, while Johnson added 11 points. The Crusaders played tremendous offensive basketball in the second half, scoring 52 points on 62.1 percent field goal efficiency.

Through 24 games, Cleveland State is scoring 69.3 ppg while allowing 68.0 ppg to foes, and the Vikings are outscoring fellow Horizon League members by 3.3 ppg. Norris Cole is the top offensive performer for club with his 16.2 ppg, and he has also racked up 93 assists and 44 steals to date. Jeremy Montgomery provides 12.9 ppg for CSU, including 15.1 ppg against HL opposition. Trevon Harmon rounds out a trio of double-digit scorers with his 11.2 ppg. The Vikings held Loyola-Chicago to 16 field goals in 40 minutes of action last Saturday, and a low total of seven turnovers certainly helped the cause. Jared Cunningham posted 15 points off the bench in that affair, and Harmon added 14 points.

The edge has to go to the home team tonight, as Cleveland State will get its revenge from the earlier loss to Valparaiso.