MUNSTER | The Duneland Athletic Conference has a solid boys basketball reputation. That was in the minds of the Munster players on Saturday night.
With Valparaiso coming into The Fieldhouse, there was a little extra motivation.
“We're not in the Duneland Conference,” Munster senior Michael Schlotman said, “so whenever we play 'em we want to beat 'em.”
That's exactly what happened as the Mustangs pulled away in clinic fashion to win 57-38.
Times No. 1 Munster stretched a moderate lead to 30-18 at the half. The Mustangs had hit six 3-pointers at the break while No. 6 Valpo was 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Luke Wuchenich went 3-for-6 from 3-land in the first half. He hit another one in the third quarter and finished with a team-high 14 points.
“We were getting open shots,” Wuchenich said. “(Schlotman) was penetrating and kicking it out. I know I'm going to make it in those situations. I have all the confidence in my ability.”
“When he's open I love getting him the ball,” Schlotman said. “He makes half of them.”
Munster (17-0) made 19 field goals and 15 of them were assisted. Schlotman led the way with six helpers. Schlotman also scored 12 points along with Nate Bubash, who missed much of the first half with foul trouble.
“We shot the ball well,” Munster coach Mike Hackett said. “(Wuchenich) really got us going by hitting those shots early.”
Saturday night was Valpo's Joe Otis' fifth game against the Mustangs. Munster has been undefeated three times.
This series was restarted in 2006. The 'Stangs no hold a 6-2 regular-season record against the Vikings in this streak.
“Any time you come in here you better shoot it well,” Otis said before the game. “They are so good defensively. You better be able to knock down some shots, especially when you play here.”
Valpo (12-3) was 2-of-10 from beyond the arc while Munster was 8-of-19.
The Vikings were led in scoring by Zach Meyer and John Mosser, who both scored 10.
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