LEXINGTON, Va. -- QJ Peterson poured in 37 points and VMI broke open a close game after halftime to defeat The Citadel 101-78 in a runaway on Saturday.

Peterson was 13-of-23 shooting with five 3-pointers, leading four Keydets into double-digit scoring. VMI led 43-42 at halftime, but opened the second frame with a 9-0 run, held The Citadel scoreless for nearly 3 1/2 minutes and outscored the Bulldogs 58-36 in the half.

Adrian Rich added 16 points for VMI (6-17, 3-9 Southern Conference), Julian Eleby and Armani Branch scored 15 each. Eleby grabbed 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

Branch opened the second half with a steal, Peterson connected with a jump shot, two free throws and a 3-pointer in the getaway 9-0 run.

Rich hit a jumper and a trey back-to-back that made the lead 64-50 and The Citadel (9-18, 2-12) didn't threaten after that. Preston Parks led the Bulldogs with a career-best 33 points.