Valparaiso freshman forward Alec Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington) has been named the Horizon League Freshman of the Week following his first weekend of collegiate play.

Peters became the first freshman to start a season opener for the Crusaders since 2008 and made an immediate impact, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds in Valpo's victory over Murray State. His biggest play came after the Racers had cut the Crusader lead to one possession with under five minutes to play, as he converted an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Crusaders breathing room. Peters added nine points, four rebounds and three assists on Sunday in the win over North Park.

Peters and the rest of the Crusaders return to action on Wednesday at Illinois. The game, scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff, will be televised live nationally on the Big Ten Network.