Early exit from HL Tournament

March 8, 2008
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In their 72-67 loss to Valpo on Friday night, the Raiders were just 7-16 from the free throw line. Valpo was 16-19 from the charity stripe.

"We didn't do good from the free-throw line," said senior Scottie Wilson. "I missed some myself including two big ones at the end of the game. I'm kicking myself for it right now."

After an easy 23 point win over Detroit in the first round, the second round was anything but easy. The game featured 16 lead changes and 14 ties. It was a typical game for both teams.

Heading into the game Wright State had six wins this season decided by a single point. Valpo's previous six games have all been decided by less than 10 points. The Crusaders won five of the six.

Now the crusaders have won six of seven of those games.

With the win Valpo completed a season sweep of the Raiders. They were the only team in the Horizon League to defeat Wright State multiple times. They did it three straight times.

"They are very talented offensively and have five guys on the court that can all score," said head coach Brad Brownell. "They've got all the pieces necessary to win as many games as they want."

Both teams battled back and forth in the first half. Wright State's biggest lead in the first half was five with 5:45 remaining in the half , 31-26. Valpo's was six early on. It was Wright State who had the 38-37 lead at the half thanks to a lay-up by Jordan Pleiman with 50 seconds left on the clock.

In the second half, the game was even tighter. Until the final minutes of the game neither team was able to get more than a four point lead.

With 2:55 remaining in the game Jordan Pleiman tied the game at 65-65 with a lay-up. But that was the last time Wright State showed much life. After that Wright State made just one field goal while Valpo was able to score seven to end the game.

Overall the Raiders had four players in double digits. Both senior Pleiman and Scottie Wilson led the team with 15 points each. Sophomores Todd Brown and Vaughn Duggins each finished the game with 13.

Now Wright State will wait to see what the future holds for them. At 21-10 overall making a repeat appearance in the NCAA Tournament doesn't look good with their strength of schedule. There's a good chance though that they will at least get a bid to the NIT.