GREEN BAY, Wis - Wright State (25-8) attempted to defend its Horizon League Championship at the Kress Center on Sunday, but fell short in an 86-77 overtime loss to Wisconsin-Green Bay (28-4).
WSU’s season continues its season Friday night in a WNIT contest versus Toledo.
The Raiders failed to repeat as champions and return to the NCAA Tournament but set a tournament scoring record in their 99-87 victory over Cleveland State in the semifinal round last Friday. WSU also had three players make the Horizon League All-Tournament team.
“I’m proud of my girls,” said Wright State guard Tay’ler Mingo who was named the league’s regular season Player of the Year. “They played really, really good; it just wasn’t in our favor. I thought overall we did what we were supposed to.”
Horizon League All-Tournament Team
Mingo averaged 25.7 points per game in the tournament with 27 points in each of the last two games. She posted double-doubles in the first two games and averaged 9.33 assists per game for the tournament. She had 10 assists in the semifinals last Friday versus Cleveland State, which was enough to set a WSU single-season record with 185.
“I just look to attack, attack, attack,” said Mingo. ““Once I see the open player I kick it and they hit shots.”
WSU junior forward Symone Denham came into the tournament averaging 5.9 points per game for the season, but recorded career highs in points in the first two rounds. She scored 15 against Oakland in the quarterfinals and 19 against Cleveland State.
“I think I realized how important it is,” said Denham. “With Kim (Demmings) going out, we needed to fill that void. It happened kind of slow but I’d say everyone is pretty proud. It happened at the right time.”
Senior forward Breanna Stucke averaged 14.3 points per game in the Horizon League Championships along with 7.7 rebounds per game. In the quarterfinals, she was 4-5 from behind the arc with 14 points and against Cleveland State, she posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. In the finals, Stucke drained four 3-pointers leading to 18 points.
“We have a good bunch,” said WSU head coach Mike Bradbury. “They stick together and fight for each other. I told them that’s what I’m most proud of.”
Stanton sets rebounds record
Senior forward Tayler Stanton snagged her 347th rebound of the season during the finals against Green Bay setting a single-season school record. She ranked second in the conference with 10.8 rebounds per game in the regular season and averaged 8.7 in the tournament. She currently ranks fourth in career rebounds for WSU and is 46 away from the record set by Lori Collins in 1995.
Van der Keijl perfect
Sophomore center Richelle van der Keijl made all nine field goals she attempted in the conference tournament. She has shown efficiency all season long for the Raiders shooting 62.0, which would be enough to set a WSU single-season record.
