Duggins rejoins WSU's all-tourney backcourt

With Brown, Tabler starring in Seattle, role of junior Duggins has yet to be determined by coach Brad Brownell.

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 1:18 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

FAIRBORN — Todd Brown was happy, but he tried not to act too happy.

“We won two games,” Brown said. “Our plan was to win three.”

He stopped into the Setzer Pavilion late Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, the day after he and his Wright State teammates returned from Seattle, where they beat Portland State and Belmont in the Athletes in Action Classic after losing by only five points to No. 14 and tournament host Washington.

Brown and teammate Troy Tabler were named to the all-tournament team, and Brown was named the Horizon League’s player of the week.

Tabler scored 36 points in the three games. After making none of his five field goal tries — all from 3-point range — in the game against Washington, Tabler scored 16 points in the next two games each, while making 10-of-15 shots, including 4-of-7 3s.

Brown was even more spectacular, scoring 57 points while making 22-of-35 shots. He also was 7-of-10 from the free-throw line.

“I’m getting off more shots now instead of just jump shots and 3-pointers,” Brown said. “I’m stronger and know how to roll my body near the basket.”

All the Raiders appeared stronger than in the past, and they should only get better on Nov. 24 when Central Michigan visits for WSU’s only home game this month.

Vaughn Duggins will return for that game, leaving coach Brad Brownell the dilemma of where to put the guy who once was his star player.

Duggins was an All-Horizon League guard as a sophomore, but played in only four games last season due to a broken finger. He was suspended by Brownell for the first three games of this season after a drunken driving incident, although, “he’s been practicing with us,” Brownell said. “I’m certainly glad that we have him. He deserves to be out there. He’s waited a long time. But I don’t know what I’m doing with the lineup yet.”

At the very least, Duggins will allow Brown, Tabler and point guard N’Gai Evans a few more breathers. Brown played nearly 38 minutes a game in Seattle, Evans averaged 36 and Tabler 31.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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