Seattle, WA -- (Sports Network) - Bryan Bouchie scored a team-best 20 points as the Valparaiso Crusaders held on to defeat the Washington Huskies, 72-71, in the first round of the inaugural College Basketball Invitational at Bank of America Arena.

Bouchie converted 9-of-12 shots from the field for the Crusaders (22-13), while Brandon McPherson chipped in 18 points and a team-high four assists off the bench. Before fouling out Urule Igbavboa tacked on 17 points and six boards as well.

The Huskies (16-17) were paced by Jon Brockman who registered yet another double-double with game highs of 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Justin Dentmon and Quincy Pondexter contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Washington made good on just 2-of-10 shots behind the three-point line in the first half, yet the squad still managed to post a 36-33 lead at the break.

In the second half the Huskies allowed Valpo to forge a comeback with 53.3 percent shooting from the floor. Down the stretch Washington was held scoreless for more than three minutes and with a chance to take the lead with 4.7 seconds remaining, Brockman missed a pair of free throws, resulting in the one-point decision for the visitors.

In a game that saw 14 ties and 12 lead changes, the Huskies shot just 4-of-16 behind the three-point line and an abysmal 11-of-24 at the charity stripe.

With the victory the Crusaders now move on to the quarterfinals of the tournament on Monday and will face the Houston Cougars.