Quick start leads Valparaiso past Western Kentucky 64-52

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) Keith Carter scored 16 points and Valparaiso opened a big lead early en route to a 64-52 win over Northern Kentucky.

Valparaiso has won has won five straight to stretch its lead in the Horizon League to three games.

Shane Hammink and Darien Walker added 12 points apiece for the Crusaders (21-4, 11-1), who led 38-20 at the half. Alec Peters had nine points and nine rebounds as Valparaiso had a 37-28 advantage on the boards. The difference on the offensive end was 11-5, which led to a 14-4 difference in second-chance points.

Todd Johnson had nine points for the Norse (9-15, 5-8), who shot 32 percent in the first half.

Five different plays scored as Valparaiso broke away from an 8-8 tie with 10 straight points. After WKU crawled back within eight with five minutes left in the half, the Crusaders closed with a 13-1.