Wood, Kenney lead final surge for Valparaiso in 77-75 win over Youngstown State

Valparaiso gets past Youngstown State 77-75

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Brandon Wood scored 22 points and Matt Kenney got five of his 15 in the final 49 seconds as Valparaiso beat Youngstown State 77-75 on Saturday night.

Two layups by Wood brought the Crusaders (14-14, 9-7 Horizon League) within a point, 72-71, with 1:30 left. A dunk by Kenney gave them a 73-72 lead at the 49-second mark, and he was 4-for-4 on free throws the rest of the way.

Vytas Sulskis scored 11 points to help the Penguins (8-17, 2-13) lead 17-6 with 10:19 remaining in the first half. He finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Valparaiso responded with a 17-2 run, ending with three baskets by Wood, two of them 3-pointers.

A 3-pointer and a jumper by Sulskis cut an eight-point Valparaiso lead in the second half to 38-35 with 16:24 left, and it stayed close after that.

Cory Johnson added 19 points for Valparaiso.

Kelvin Bright scored 18 and DeAndre Mays 16 for Youngstown State.