Series: Kent State leads 2-1
Coaches: Scott Nagy is 7-4 at Wright State and 417-244 in 22 seasons overall. Rob Senderoff, a former Indiana assistant, is 107-70 in his sixth season with Kent State.
Probable Wright State starters
Steven Davis 6-8; Sr.; F; 15.0
Mark Alstork 6-5; Jr.; G; 19.4
Justin Mitchell 6-4; Jr.; G; 11.3
Grant Benzinger 6-3; Jr.; G; 12.3
Mike La Tulip 6-1; Sr.; G; 8.7
Probable Kent State starters
Jimmy Hall 6-8; Sr.; F; 19.4
Adonis De La Rosa 7-0; So.; C; 5.8
Mitch Peterson 6-5; Fr.; G; 5.6
Jaylin Walker 6-1; So.; G; 13.8
Kevin Zabo 6-2; Jr.; G; 5.2
About Wright State: The Raiders had a much-needed confidence-builder in walloping Division II Urbana, 83-34, and ending a three-game losing streak. They allowed the second-fewest points in program history. … They went 21 of 26 from the foul line and are shooting 76.6 percent, which ranked 27th in the nation going into the weekend. They haven't topped 70 percent since hitting 73.8 in 2013-14. The program record is 75.0 in 1975-76. … Davis tied his career high with 26 points after scoring six and nine in the previous two games. … The Raiders are shooting 39.7 percent on 3-pointers, which is 42nd in the country and easily the top rate in the Horizon League. La Tulip leads the Raiders at 49 percent with Davis next at 43.2.
About Kent State: The Golden Flashes are on a three-game winning streak, beating NJIT, Niagara and Grambling. Walker scored a career-high 29 points in the team's last outing, while Hall had a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Hall was a first-team All-MAC selection last season after averaging 16.4 points and 7.9 rebounds. … Deon Edwin, a 6-3 senior guard, has averaged 10.8 points off the bench. … The Golden Flashes were picked to finish fourth in the six-team MAC East Division. … They have a plus-9.5 rebound margin, which is 11th nationally, and opponents are shooting just 39.2 percent, putting them 53rd in field-goal percentage defense. …They've averaged 2,219 fans in five home games.
Horizon League update: Valparaiso, which has beaten Alabama, Rhode Island and BYU, is the only team ranked in the top 100 in the RPI at 39th going into the weekend. Green Bay is next at 149th and Wright State third at 165th. The league is ranked 20th in the conference standings.
Coming up: The Raiders play at Murray State at 8 p.m. Thursday. They open Horizon League play with road games against Oakland on Dec. 29 and Detroit Mercy on Dec. 31.
About the Author