Less than 48 hours after playing an emotional season opener, Wright State hosts Ohio Dominican from the NCAA Division II level Sunday in the Nutter Center.
There are a ton of question marks going into Sunday’s game. Will the suspensions of JT Yoho and Mark Howell be lifted? Will Kendall Griffin be healthy and able to return to the lineup? How much will be left in the tank after a bruising win over Belmont Friday?
The good news for WSU is Ohio Dominican should not pose much of a challenge. The Panthers lost an 11 p.m. tip at Cedarville Friday. Going back to last year, ODU has lost eight games. Had he been allowed to live scout, Billy Donlon said would have attended.
Donlon said he has never been more proud of his team than in Friday’s tight 73-70 win over Belmont. He compared Friday’s game as a rugby match between two teams that battled before a crowd of over 5,400.
“I don’t care who we play Sunday at 5 o’clock,” Donon said. “If those kids don’t deserve a similar crowd on Sunday, no body does. The Nutter was great, the way it looked, the way it appeared.”
Chrishawn Hopkins set his WSU scoring high with 21 points Friday. Hopkins had stretches where he looked like the best player on the court. Donlon said he saw Hopkins’ improvement since the Findlay game when he struggled in the first half.
“He made plays and he defended,” Donlon said. “He did a much better job defending in the second.”
A player to watch for ODU is Trent Weaver. Weaver scored 24 points in just 23 minutes played Friday.
Projected starters:
Wright State (1-0):
Center - Michael Karena
Forward - Steven Davis
Guards - Joe Thomasson, Reggie Arceneaux, Chrishawn Hopkins
Ohio Dominican (0-1) (ODU plays Saturday night):
Center - Trent Weaver
Forward - Mark Minch
Guards - Chad Nelson, Shemar Waugh, Jesse Ward
All-time series:
First ever matchup between ODU and Wright State
Last time out:
Wright State came from behind late in the second half to beat Belmont 73-70 to start the season 1-0.
Predictions:
Justin Boggs, The Guardian Sports Editor: Wright State 83 - Ohio Dominican 49. This game is just what the doctor ordered. No worry about a let down after Friday's game. I would expect Donlon to try some different sets in preparation for a tough nonconference battle at Charleston Southern next week who beat Ole Miss on the road.
Michael Tyler, Radio Personality: Wright State 75 - Ohio Dominican 67. After the come from behind win, the momentum will be carried over. Look for Wright State to rectify the second half struggles against ODU.
Justin Kinner, WWSU Sports Director: Wright State 86 - Ohio Dominican 54: I have confidence my score will be more accurate. Their offense will open up more against a team that is less defensively disciplined and I think their offense will also be more fluent with having the bigs hopefully stay out of foul trouble.
