MUNSTER — It was one of the best younger-brother combo moments in recent memory in Northwest Indiana basketball.
There was Kevin Schlotman, the younger sibling of Munster guard Mike Schlotman hitting a running right-hander at the buzzer to give the Mustangs junior varsity team a two-point win over Valparaiso before Saturday’s main event.
So, what you got, older bro?
Nothing as dramatic, but it wasn’t neccesary as the older Schlotman was part of a balanced scoring attack in Munster’s easy varsity 57-38 win over the Vikings, keeping the top-ranked team in the state coaches poll undefeated.
“It feels good to win, but I’m proud of my brother, too,” Mike Schlotman said. “We out-toughed (Valparaiso) tonight and we played harder and stayed focused.”
Mike Schlotman countered his brother’s heroics with an impressive resume stuffer: 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists with only one turnover on the night for Munster (17-0).
“Mike’s great penetration helped me get some open shots,” said guard Luke Wuchenich, who scored a team-high 14 points with all four of his field goals being 3-pointers. “Valpo’s a good team and we played well enough to beat them. “
Valparaiso’s downfall? Their coach said it was because they were barely good enough to win the night before.
“I think we were tired from our come-from-behind win over Crown Point last night,” said Vikings coach Joe Otis. “I’m just not sure we were mentally sharp in the early part of the game. But I think Munster is the best defensive team we’ve faced this year.”
John Mosser and Zach Meyer had 10 points each for the Vikings (12-3), who’s win streak ended at five. Nate Bubash added 12 for Munster.