The Raiders, who squandered an 11-point halftime lead, are only 7-7 overall but certainly could be much better. They’ve lost four games by a combined 10 points, including an 86-82 defeat at EMU.
They’re just 1-2 in the Horizon League, while Youngstown State, Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky are all off to unbeaten starts. They begin a string of 17 straight conference games with a trip to Cleveland State on Sunday.
But while the Raiders haven’t even reached the halfway point of the season and can still achieve their goals, Sargent is quick to point out that their effort isn’t close to being sufficient.
“Our team is playing right now with no competitive spirit. You’ve heard me talk about the connectivity piece — it’s not the same team we saw at Myrtle Beach,” he said, meaning their three games against top-tier mid-majors that ended with an easy win and two narrow defeats.
“Obviously, it’s my job not only to figure it out in the game, but to see where we are in the season. We’re 7-7 — very average. I felt like we were on the right track, but now I feel like our identity is shaken up.”
As dissatisfied as Sargent is with the Raiders’ mental approach, they might have had a different outcome against EMU if they’d been at full strength.
Starting point guard Keaton Norris, who is second in the league in assists with a 4.7 average, suffered what Sargent described as a “lower-leg injury” in the team’s previous game and had to sit.
His status for Cleveland State won’t be determined until he’s evaluated once the players return after Christmas.
“He connects all us. He’s a leader on the floor, and I thought it showed up for sure in that second half, just defensively,” Sargent said.
“He probably drives our will to win — I’ve said this before — more than anybody on our team. I thought it was a good day for some other guys to step up, and we didn’t quite get the job done.”
Redshirt freshman Solomon Callaghan made the first start of his career and scored seven points without committing a turnover in 36 minutes, but he missed his first five shots and finished 2 of 9.
“I love these guys. I’m praying this is a low point for us. Certain lessons, I wish I could help our team avoid — it’s kind of like your kids,” said Sargent, who has four children under age 10.
“You wish they could avoid some of these pitfalls, but sometimes you just have to learn from embarrassment and failure.”
Having eight days between games means Sargent has been able to give his players an extended break to go home for Christmas, returning after the holiday.
“They get four days off, which will be the longest we’ve ever had,” he said.
“It’s just kind of how the schedule works out. But I also think it could be coming at a great time for them.”
SUNDAY’S GAME
Wright State at Cleveland State, 3 p.m., ESPN+, 101.5, 1410
About the Author