Wright State would once again start the weekend out on national television, playing against new Horizon League team, Robert Morris.
To the surprise of everyone, Colonial star AJ Bramah did not travel with the team due to a pause in team activities for the weekend.
It seemed like his absence made little difference early, as the Colonials got out to an early 12-0 start.
Wright State would slowly chip at it for the first twelve minutes of the first half, before a Tanner Holden layup at the under-8 media timeout tied it up. That basket was part of an 18-5 Raider run, where they never looked back.
The Raiders would take a 31-28 lead at the half without Loudon Love being on his A-game. Love began 0-8 from the field, making his first basket at the 1:57 mark in the first half. Grant Basile would pick up Love’s struggles, scoring 10 by the break and becoming a force on defense.
“In the first half they (Robert Morris) were desperate, and we were confident,” said Scott Nagy.
That confidence would seem to continue as Wright State began the second half on a 7-0 run. Love began to show a little life, getting a big putback, as the Raiders made six of their first eight shots.
Robert Morris would continue to clip away but could never get it within less than three.
At the 6:32 mark, Basile would reel in a double-double, in possibly the most impressive game of his young career. Along with his double-double, he scored a career-high 29 points.
“It’s somebodies’ night every game, we have a ton of talented players,” stated Basile postgame.
As he balled out, Loudon Love did not play the final 10:39 of the game. He was getting double teamed for most of the game but had a nice three assists.
Wright State would win Friday’s game by a score of 79-70. Their first single-digit win of the season.
Along with Grant Basile, Tanner Holden and Jaylon Hall both scored double digits.
On Saturday, Wright State would look for their fourth sweep of the season. They would have to do it without Jaylon Hall who sat out in concussion protocol.
Loads of turnovers early would make it close at the first media timeout, but an 8-0 Raider run stretched it out to double digits at the second media timeout.
They would continue to run away with it, leading by as much as 21 in the first half, leading 42-23 at the break.
Love would already surpass his total points that he scored on Friday, scoring 15 through 20 on Saturday. He reflected with Nagy about his play this year, not all that enthralled.
“He’s been frustrated with his play most of the year, and to see the way he played today, I’m happy for him,” stated Nagy on Saturday.
Robert Morris would get hot out of the half, cutting the Raiders lead down to 11, but never down to single digits.
Wright State would stretch that lead back out 28, as Love reeled in a double-double at the 9:15 mark. He would finish with a career-high 34 points, along with 11 rebounds. Love also set the Wright State career rebounding record, surpassing Symone Simmons at 1,053.
“The offense is just coming so easy for everyone,” said Love postgame.
A 19-2 run would give the Raiders a 32-point lead, as they ultimately won by a score of 86-56. Holden, Tim Finke, and Basile each scored double digits along with Love.
For the sixth year in a row, the Raiders picked up double digit Horizon League wins. The weekend also doubled their career wins against Robert Morris, moving to a record of 4-0.
The Raiders will return to action on Friday at UIC. Tip-off is at 8:00 and it will be streamed on ESPN+.
