Valparaiso, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - Alec Peters poured in 27 points to lead the Valparaiso Crusaders to a season-opening victory over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 90-76, at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Darien Walker scored 20 points off the bench on 5-of-7 from 3-point range while adding eight rebounds for Valpo (1-0). Tevonn Walker and David Skara netted 16 and 11 points, respectively.

For ETSU (0-1), Jalen Riley matched a game-high with 27 points, draining 4- of-6 from long distance. A.J. Merriweather tallied 12 points and six assists and Lester Wilson added 10 points.

Although ETSU outshot Valpo from the floor in the first half, 45.2 percent to 44.1 percent, the Crusaders held a 42-34 lead at halftime after draining 5- of-11 from 3-point range and 7-of-10 at the free-throw line in the opening 20 minutes.

The Buccaneers got to within two points of the lead with under seven minutes to play, but the Crusaders used a 13-6 run to separate themselves.

Valpo held a sizable rebounding advantage, 42-32. It also outscored ETSU at the foul line, 28-14.