MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Alec Peters scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Valparaiso defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 59-46 on Friday in the four-team Central Michigan tournament opener.
Vashil Fernandez had 11 points, seven boards and five blocks while Keith Carter chipped in seven points with seven assists. Valparaiso shot 46.9 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Lions 37-20.
Valparaiso (3-1) held a four-point lead midway through the first half, but Peters had three layups, a 3-pointer and a jumper to help move out to a 35-26 lead at half. A quick run to open the second half put Valparaiso up 46-26 after Tevonn Walker's 3-pointer.
The Lions were held to 17-of-45 shooting and got just six points from their bench. Marcel Mosley had 10 points for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-3).
Valparaiso's next game in the tournament will be against Maine on Sunday, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff will take on tournament-host Central Michigan afterwards.
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