Peterson hits 8 3-pointers, VMI beats Samford 83-76

LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) QJ Peterson hit a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 34 points to help VMI beat Samford 83-76 on Thursday night.

Peterson was 13 of 22 from the field, including 8 of 14 from distance.

Samford's final lead was at 37-36 before Peterson hit three straight 3-pointers to close the half to give VMI a 45-37 lead. The Keydets closed the half on a 16-3 run, including a 40-foot heave from Peterson just before the buzzer.

Samford pulled to 77-76 on Iman Johnson's dunk with 1:03 left. Julian Eleby answered with a layup and hit two free throws with 13 seconds remaining for an 81-76 lead.

Eleby added three 3-pointers and 29 points for VMI (6-11, 1-5 Southern), which made 13 of 31 from 3-point range.

Darius Jones-Gibson led Samford (11-9, 2-5) with 17 points, and Wyatt Walker had 13 points and seven rebounds.