Valparaiso coasts to 71-46 win over Northern Kentucky

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) Keith Carter hit four 3-pointers and scored 16 points to help Valparaiso to a 71-46 win over Northern Kentucky on Sunday.

Shane Hammink added 14 points, Alec Peters had 12 and Tevonn Walker 10 for Valparaiso (17-4, 7-1 Horizon), which controlled the glass 42-28 and held Northern Kentucky to 15-of-50 shooting from the field. Vashil Fernandez hauled in 11 rebounds.

The Crusaders took the lead for good midway through the first half during a 17-4 run that included two of Carter's 3-pointers and made it 28-19 with 4:18 to go before the break. They continued to pull away in the second half, holding the Norse (7-12, 3-5) to just two points during the final six minutes while getting a layup from Darien Walker and going 4 of 6 from the line.

Jalen Billups led Northern Kentucky with 17 points and eight rebounds, and Lavone Holland II had 10 points.