VALPARAISO | After every home game, Valparaiso freshman walk-on Andrew Ferry is always the last to leave the gym.

Ferry is one of a handful of players who practice shooting on the Athletics-Recreation Center floor after the crowd has filed out. One could joke that it's the only time Ferry sees the court on game night, but that wasn't the case Friday.

Head coach Homer Drew called Ferry's number early in the first half of a 71-47 victory over Loyola. Ferry entered the game at the 15:54 mark, replacing Erik Buggs in a spot of the rotation normally reserved for Logan Jones.

Less than two minutes later, Ferry found himself wide open for a 3-pointer. He nailed it, nothing but net.

"Andrew has really been playing well in practice, and he just deserved the opportunity to have that chance," Drew said. "He played very well, and handled the ball well."

Ferry added a jumper and two free throws for seven points while playing 11 minutes, both career highs. And most importantly, Ferry was on the floor when it counted and didn't miss a shot attempt.

"It was a great feeling," Ferry said while taking a break from his post-game shooting routine. "I just want to reward my coaches' confidence and do what I can to help my team win."

That's nothing new for Ferry. At Milwaukee Lutheran High School, he was MVP three times on a team that won two regional titles. Ferry set school records for 3-pointers in a season (74) and game (eight) as a senior.

So Ferry's a shooter, but at a generously-listed 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Division I scholarship offers didn't pour in. Ferry played in the annual National Lutheran Basketball Tournament at Valpo as a youngster, and wanted to play for the Crusaders.

"I try to work hard every day so when my chance does come, I'm able to come through," Ferry said. "You like to see the benefits of your work, and (against Loyola) I was able to see that. If the chance comes again, I'll be ready."

That could come today in a Horizon League matinee against UIC (11-14, 4-11).

Like Loyola, the Flames have struggled recently -- even with local stars Josh Mayo (Merrillville) and Scott VanderMeer (Lake Central) -- with losses in six of their last seven games.

"We have to continue to play strong defense," Ferry said. "And we finally started converting on offense, which has been a struggle for us."