If Wright State loses Saturday, the Raiders will almost certainly not play another game this season in the Nutter Center. For seniors Reggie Arceneaux and Chrishawn Hopkins, the opportunity to play one more time in front of the home crowd is a motivator going into Saturday’s road game at Illinois-Chicago.
“I think we have the chance to win the tournament,” Arceneaux said. “With even guys being out, teams are struggling against us. The word around us is no one wants to play Wright State. We can sneak up on teams like Wright State did last year.”
The Raiders honored Hopkins, Arceneaux and injured guard Kendall Griffin Thursday night for senior night festivities.
Arceneaux scored eight points, and Hopkins had nine points in WSU’s 61-58 loss. WSU will need to win at least one game in the Horizon League Tournament for Arceneaux to match AJ Pacher for most games played by a WSU player. Arceneaux is three behind Pacher who played in 133 contests.
Griffin announced
Griffin dressed for Thursday’s senior night, and was sacking dunks during the pregame warm-up line. But due to a career-ending concussion last month, he was unable to participate in Thursday’s ballgame.
He was, however, announced as one of the five starters before Thursday’s game, but his appearance was unofficial as guard Justin Mitchell got the start instead.
Not repeating
Milwaukee will be unable to repeat its Horizon League title this year due to an academics violation. But that has not stopped Milwaukee from playing good basketball this season.
The Panthers improved to 8-7 in conference play this year with their win over Wright State.
“We’re the defending the Horizon League champs, we can’t defend it but we can play like champions,” UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. “You have to give those guys a lot of credit… These guys go to class. They do everything right, it is unfortunate for them but they are a tough group.
“What are they playing for? They are playing for each other and playing for the seniors. That is all you can ask for.”
Coaches frustrated
Both head coaches had words about the referees after Thursday’s game. Donlon was called for a technical foul late in Thursday’s contest.
“Enough was enough to be honest for me,” Donlon said. “I feel like I will be vindicated upon further review.”
Arceneaux agree with his coach’s anger.
“He had the right to get on them and I think after that, calls started going our way a little bit,” Arceneaux said. “I think everyone in the gym realized it was a bad call; several in a row.”
After Michael Karena fouled Milwaukee’s Matt Tiby, Tiby was later called for his fifth and final foul.
“It was hard for anyone to stay in that game tonight,” Jeter said. “The way the whistle was blowing. The last one there on a moving screen; boy, that is a tough one.”
Milwaukee went to the line 34 times Thursday compared to 15 for Wright State.
