Raider Roundball is finally back as the Wright State Men’s team welcomes the Central State Marauders to the Nutter Center tonight in the lone exhibition on the Raiders schedule.
The Raiders plan on treating this like as a regular season game although the game will not count towards their overall record.
“As a team we expect to win,” said junior guard Matt Vest. “Anytime you get the chance to compete regardless if it is an exhibition or regular season game we play to win.”
The starting lineup will consist of Reggie Arceneaux, freshman Miles Dixon, and juniors Matt Vest, Cole Darling, and AJ Pacher but expect to see the entire Raider team at some point in the first half.
“We’re going to get everyone some playing time in the first half,” said Donlon. “It’ll give us a chance to rotate guys and see what works.”
The Raiders were upset by the Marauders in an exhibition last season, and while the Marauders have much of that team returning hungry for another upset, WSU Head Coach Billy Donlon is not letting that enter the team’s mind.
“I may have brought it up once a few days ago in practice,” said Donlon.
Vest sees that loss as motivation to start this year off on the right foot.
“There is definitely a chip on our shoulder from the game last year,” said Vest. “The returning guys remember that loss and have used it as motivation.”
The Marauders will be led by point guard Phillip Gates who scored 11 points while also pulling down six rebounds and dishing out six assists against the Raiders a season ago. But also look for an inside presence by CSU as the frontcourt is led by 6’9 Lee Tabb and 6’6 George Harper.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and students can pick up a free ticket with their Wright1 card at Gate 9 of the Nutter Center before the game.
