Recap: Valparaiso vs. Butler

Valparaiso, IN (Sports Network) - Ryan Broekhoff led the way with 19 points and 16 rebounds as the Valparaiso Crusaders downed the Butler Bulldogs, 64-46, in the Horizon League Tournament semifinals at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Top-seeded Valpo will now advance to the conference championship game, where it will meet third-seeded Detroit on Tuesday.

Kevin Van Wijk and Erik Buggs each finished with 11 points for the Crusaders (22-10).

Chrishawn Hopkins led the fifth-seeded Bulldogs (20-14) with 18 points, while Erik Fromm chipped in 12 points.

Butler struggled from the field to start the game, hitting just 40 percent, including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc. Valpo was hot from the field, connecting on 53.8 percent, but just 1-of-7 from three-point range, as the Crusaders led at halftime, 31-24.

The Crusaders continued to shoot well in the second half, connecting at a 52.9 percent clip, including 5-of-9 from long distance. The Bulldogs continued to struggle, making just 26.9 percent and missing all but one of their six three-point attempts. Valpo led by as many as 21 in the second half as it cruised to victory at home.

The Crusaders dominated the Bulldogs on the boards with a 39-22 rebounding advantage. Valpo outscored Butler in the paint as well, 34-24.