The status of Alec Peters is uncertain.
But Valparaiso knows it has clinched at least a share of a fifth Horizon League regular-season title in six seasons, including its third straight.
With the star senior injured, the Crusaders pulled out an 84-74 win Friday night at Wright State.
Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich expressed pride in the collective performance.
“You talk a lot about being resilient, being that group that when you get knocked down, you get back up,” Lottich said. “It’s tough with Alec being out. But our guys never made excuses. We came out and competed. I’m just very happy to get this win.”
Junior guard Lexus Williams, who missed the better part of two seasons with two left knee injuries, appreciated the circumstances.
“This was a great team win — it’s probably one of the best I’ve been a part of,” Williams said. “Everyone contributed, everyone did their part. It was beautiful.
“This team has dealt with a lot this year. This was another test, and we passed it.”
Valparaiso (24-6, 14-3) remained a game ahead of second-place Oakland (23-7, 13-4), which won at Green Bay on Friday night. Shane Hammink, Williams and Tevonn Walker led the charge for the Crusaders against Wright State (19-11, 10-7)
Hammink had a career-high 25 points and five rebounds. Williams had a season-high 19 points, shooting 4-for-5 from 3-point range, and five steals. Walker added 17 points and six rebounds.
Peters was ruled out against the Raiders with a lower leg injury, according to the school. The Crusaders listed him as day-to-day.
Peters was on crutches with a walking boot on his right foot on Valparaiso’s bench at Wright State.
The 6-foot-9 forward is the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He had started all 134 games of his career. He’s averaging 23.0 points, eighth nationally, and 10.1 rebounds, 16th nationally.
“It’s just day-to-day,” Lottich said when asked about Peters after the game. “It takes a lot for Alec to be off, but the best thing is for him to get a little rest. We’ll see how he feels (Saturday).”
Valparaiso trailed 42-34 at halftime, with Lottich challenging the Crusaders defensively. They responded with 10 of their 14 steals, although they did fall behind by as much as 46-36 early into the second half.
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But Valparaiso rallied, taking a 67-60 lead on Hammink’s free throws with 7:35 left.
After Wright State drew to 74-73, Williams scored with 3:13 left.
“I was just being the vocal leader, being energetic at all times,” Williams said. “I didn’t have to step out of my role; I just had to do it better.”
Hammink’s three-point play off Walker’s steal pushed the Crusaders’ lead to 82-74 with 1:52 left.
“The whole team had to step up their game, including me,” Hammink said. “I was trying to be aggressive and get the team going.
“We’re a great team. We’re always going to be better with our superstar, but we can always play with who we have on the court.”
Valparaiso can secure the outright league title by winning their regular-season finale at noon Sunday at Northern Kentucky (20-10, 11-6).
“The regular-season title is nice, but it’s not the end goal,” Hammink said “We’re trying to get to the NCAA Tournament and do well there.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff