No. 25 one-upped No. 24.
Alec Peters became Valparaiso’s career scoring leader as the Crusaders dominated Illinois-Chicago 96-65 in a Horizon League game Sunday at the Athletics-Recreation Center. He passed Bryce Drew’s mark of 2,142 points that stood since 1998 and now has 2,166.
Needing seven points, Peters dazzled for 30 in just 23 minutes. The senior star secured the record with a left-handed scoop with 15:29 left in the first half, a shot he’ll “always remember,” as the crowd rose for a standing ovation.
Peters also had 10 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the season.
“I know it’s something special,” Peters said. “I know after this year, it’s going to be even more special because I’m trying to keep focused on the rest of the games that we have, especially at home.
“Anything I accomplish individually, like I told the guys in the locker room, I thank you — I couldn’t do it without the screens they set, the passes they give me, the trust in me. Every coach I’ve had has helped me at some point in my career. It’s just a number, but there are a lot of people behind it.”
The cheers continued during the official timeout with 15:10 left in the half. Valparaiso president Mark Heckler, athletic director Mark LaBarbera and coach Matt Lottich presented Peters with the game ball, which he tossed to his family in the stands.
Peters exited to another standing ovation with 8:40 left in the game, the 17th straight win for the first-place Crusaders (16-4, 6-1) against the Flames (11-9, 4-3).
“It’s been an honor to coach Alec and be here for every one of his baskets,” Lottich said. “You tell young people, it’s not a surprise. You see the work he’s put in and the mindset he has. If you want to be successful, you have to put in the time. You have to be blessed with a lot of talent, but it’s also harnessing that talent. He really sets the standard.”
Peters broke Valparaiso’s career rebounding record Monday against Green Bay after nabbing the field goals mark earlier this season. After shooting 5-for-5, he needs 15 free throws to add that one, dating to 1957.
Senior swingman Shane Hammink had a career-high 24 points, getting to the rim virtually at will, and matched his career high with five assists. Freshman center Jaume Sorolla matched his career high with 12 points.
The Crusaders posted season highs in points and field goal percentage (54.2), shooting 32-for-59, and limited the Flames to 32.8 percent (19-for-58)
Hammink was happy to contribute to history.
“He’s a great player,” Hammink said. “It’s fun to be part of it.”
Drew, in his first season as Vanderbilt’s coach after leaving Valparaiso, envisioned being on the sideline when Peters broke the record. But he was there “in spirit,” he said late in the week.
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Drew texted Peters after the rebounding record fell, offering congratulations, relaying his pride and that he would be “cheering” Sunday.
“He’s a special player,” Drew said. “We always wanted to recruit a player who’s going to break records at Valpo, and I couldn’t be more excited or proud he’s the one breaking it.
“He’s definitely deserving. He’s a great player and an even better person. He’s what Valpo athletics and college athletics are supposed to be about.”
Peters has been consistent throughout his career, also improving and adding elements to his game. He averaged 12.7 points as a freshman, 16.8 as a sophomore and 18.4 last season. He’s averaging 24.2, entering Sunday second nationally.
Drew set the record in 121 games; Peters broke it in 125 — all starts — playing about 300 fewer minutes.
“Everybody has a goal in mind coming into college they want to leave their mark in some way, individually and as a team,” Peters said. “As a team, we’ve hung a couple banners and I think we’re going to hang more. Individually, it became a goal freshman year when I realized I was going to step into a larger role. It’s one of those things I’ve taken and ran with it.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff