Alec Peters broke Valparaiso’s all-time scoring record early in the first half Sunday, and the scoring did not stop there. Peters finished with 30 points, pacing Valparaiso in a 96-65 victory against UIC at the ARC.
Peters broke the record on a layup with 15:29 remaining in the first half, surpassing his former coach and NCAA Tournament hero Bryce Drew. (Drew had himself a big weekend, too, as his Vanderbilt Commodores upset No. 19 Florida on the road.)
ICYMI, Alec Peters broke Valpo's career scoring record during today's game. He was given the game ball and passed it off to his family! pic.twitter.com/KO42frKDHw
— Valpo Basketball (@ValpoBasketball) January 22, 2017
UIC (11-9, 4-3 Horizon) entered Sunday’s game with a three-game winning streak, but the best win in that stretch was at Cleveland State, which is tied for last place in the league. The Flames competed well in a 70-59 loss to Valparaiso (16-4, 6-1) at home in December, but they were completely outmatched on the road.
UIC shot 32.8% from the field and committed 16 turnovers. Freshman guard Tarkus Ferguson and redshirt freshman guard Dominique Matthews each had 12 points to lead the Flames. Ferguson also recorded 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
While Peters had 30 points and 10 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the season, senior guard Shane Hammink added 24 points and 5 assists.
Barring a Horizon League Tournament loss to the Flames, Peters will finish his career undefeated against UIC.
Valparaiso extends winning streak to 17 over UIC. Peters has never lost to the Flames. #HLMBB
— Paul Oren (@NWIOren) January 22, 2017
With 2,166 points, Peters is 5th on the Horizon League’s all-time scoring list. Next up is former Detroit guard Rashad Phillips with 2,319 points.
Sunday’s defeat dropped UIC to fifth place in the Horizon League, but the Flames are only a half-game out of third and one game out of second. Their next three games say a lot about how good this team really is. UIC faces sixth place Northern Kentucky on Friday, third place Wright State on Sunday, and second place Green Bay the following Thursday.
