The Wright State University (WSU) men’s basketball team defeated Wayne State College (WSC) on Friday, Nov. 3. It was WSU’s first exhibition game of the season.
Wayne State is a Division ll college from the state of Nebraska.
The first half saw the two teams exchange the lead multiple times, with WSC even taking a four point lead with 10 minutes to go. Wright State would eventually grab a slim lead going into halftime, 40-39.
Wayne State’s ability to shoot three pointers helped them stay in the game. They shot an impressive 7-15 (46 percent) in the first half.
The Raiders were helped by Justin Mitchell scoring a team high 14 points and five assists.
WSC would continue to battle into the second half. They took a 46-45 lead with 15 minutes left in the game.
The turning point for Wright State came with 11 minutes left in the game. Loudon Love and Justin Mitchell had back to back and-one baskets, which seemed to spark a fire for the team. In the next six minutes of play Wright State’s lead would grow 10 points, sealing the victory. Wright State outscored Wayne State 33-19 in the second half.
Mitchell was outstanding, finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Mark Hughes also added 21 points.
Several players were making their Wright State debut on the court. Loudon Love and Everett Winchester sat out last year as redshirts, and Jaylon Hall played his first game as a true freshman
Love’s first game was a success as he finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, shot 55 percent from the floor, and got to the free throw line 10 times, making seven of them.
Grant Benzinger, WSU’s lead returning scorer from last year, did not play due to injury.
WSU’s next game is at Loyola on Friday, Nov. 10. Their next home game is on Saturday, Nov. 18 against Murray State.
