Valparaiso holds off Wright State 68-61

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Kevin Van Wijk scored 20 points with nine rebounds as Horizon League leader Valparaiso held off Wright State 68-61 Tuesday night, sweeping the season series and becoming the first conference team to reach 20 wins.

The Crusaders (20-6, 10-2), who have won four straight and 10 of their last 11, also defeated the Raiders 69-63 on Jan. 19.

Valparaiso never trailed, leading by 13 in the first half. Wright State climbed back, closing to 51-49 with 10:24 left. The Raiders got within two twice more, but could not pull ahead.

Leading 57-55 with 5:58 left, the Crusaders made 7 of 8 free throws and two baskets compared to Wright State's 3-of-12 shooting from the field.

Matt Kenney added 15 points and Ryan Broekhoff 10.

A.J. Pacher scored a career-high 23 points off the bench for the Raiders (17-9, 8-5), surpassing his previous season high of 10 points in the opener.

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