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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 1:11 AM Friday, December 4, 2009

FAIRBORN — To Wright State basketball coach Brad Brownell, the game Thursday, Dec. 3, against Cleveland State was more than just the beginning of this season’s Horizon League schedule.

It was more than just another game on ESPNU and more than a way to excite a bigger-than-usual crowd that gorged itself on free pregame pizza.

“We’ve begun to develop a little rivalry with them,” Brownell said of the Vikings.

For a few years, CSU was one of the HL bottom-feeders, but under the direction of coach Gary Waters, that has changed.

Although Waters was 3-5 against WSU since he has been with the Vikings, and Brownell beat him the first two times they met, they split their meetings the past two seasons, each team winning on the other’s court.

It is no longer an easy game.

Pizza and more pizza

That free pizza fed a long line of hungry-looking participants in the McLin Gym. Originally, 100 pizzas were ordered, but a call went out for 100 more, all of which were devoured.

There were also pop-a-shot games, a pep talk by WSU assistants Billy Donlon and Victor Ebong (and ESPN’s Mark Adams), and raffle prizes, including a flat-screen television.

Koch healing

Freshman Tyler Koch did not suit up for the game because of a sprained left ankle suffered in practice Tuesday. The sprain was not considered extreme, but at this point in the season, Koch has not been playing much, and it was decided to give him an extra day of rest. Koch could be ready for Youngstown State on Saturday.

Vaughn Duggins, who also hurt his left knee Tuesday, did not start, and had his knee wrapped, but he played his usual minutes.

McCoy honored

Retired Daily News staffer Hal McCoy, who covered the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years, was honored at halftime with a letter-jacket presentation. Recently, another retired staffer, Chick Ludwig, was afforded a similar honor.

Short ceremony

Cleveland State raised the 2009 Horizon League championship banner at a home game last week. However, last season’s five seniors missed the ceremony because all of them are playing pro ball.

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

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