The Wright State men’s basketball team crushed the Detroit Mercy Titans (UDM) on Friday, Jan 26 with an 87-55 victory. It was the largest margin of victory for WSU in conference play this season.
The Raiders were red hot throughout, improving their record to 16-6. They also improve to eight wins in the Horizon League.
Grant Benzinger led the hot start, scoring all of his 17 points in the first half. A huge part of his scoring came behind the arc, as he dropped in four three-pointers as well.
Grant was limited in the second half, not scoring any points, but he still contributed with hustle, passing, and defense.
“They play an up and down game, which allows people to get open and open shots and the whole team shot well,” he said. “Their team told McFolley no touches, so when we got the ball he was in my shorts basically and that’s fine, I don’t care about the scoring. Whatever role I have to embrace, I’ll embrace it.”
Benzinger was one of five Wright State players in double figures. Loudon Love and Everett Winchester each supplied 15 points, while Cole Gentry added 12 and Jaylon Hall had 10.
Wright State not only knocked down the three-pointers, but they also were a force inside the paint. They totaled 46 points in the paint, compared to only six from the Titans. Overall from the field, the Raiders shot 56.1 percent, while the Titans converted on 33.3 percent of their shots.
Scott Nagy credits the win to the team staying focused on what needed to be done. “Our kids did a great job of staying focused all night. There was so much going on with Wright-Patt night and new uniforms and I’m doing my shoeless thing and a good crowd. There were so many things that could’ve taken their attention away from what they needed to do and if that happens, Detroit beats us.”
Wright State is back at the Nutter Center on Sunday, Jan 28 against Oakland.
