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WSU rebounds from big loss, gains confidence

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 1:41 AM Thursday, January 26, 2012

FAIRBORN — The frustration from Wright State basketball coach Billy Donlon was almost palpable five days ago in a hallway of Calihan Hall after a 69-53 loss against Detroit.

When asked for his thoughts on the team’s main issue in the thumping, he turned immediately to offense. He didn’t think his team was moving enough or playing with enough confidence.

The opening half against Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday was a much different showing.

With junior guard Julius Mays starting after missing the Detroit game with an Achilles tendon injury, the Raiders scored 18 points in the game’s first 7:23 and led 42-28 at halftime while beating UIC 69-63.

Wright State’s 42 points in the first half matched its best output in any half this season. Its 54.2 percent shooting in the opening frame was its fourth-best performance in any half this season.

“For 16 minutes in the first half, I told our team at the end of the game, we played like a top-50 team,” Donlon said.

Brown aggressive: Marc Brown, a 6-4 UIC freshman guard, showed aggressiveness he hasn’t yet displayed this season in finishing with 17 points and four rebounds.

Brown set season highs in both free-throw attempts (seven) and makes (eight) while frequently going to the basket. It was the fifth time this season he scored in double figures, and his season high remains 24 points against Evansville.

Sledge returns: Tavares Sledge, a WSU freshman forward, was back in uniform after sitting out Saturday’s game against Detroit for what was termed a coach’s decision. He played three minutes while being called for three fouls and grabbed one rebound.

Vance Hall, a WSU sophomore guard, missed his second straight game after suffering a concussion in practice Jan. 19. He has not been ruled out for Friday’s game against Loyola.

Around the Horizon League: Loyola, WSU’s Friday opponent, dropped to 0-10 in league play with a 67-52 loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Freshman Joe Crisman led Loyola with 16 points.

Valparaiso, tied for first place in the league with Cleveland State at 7-2, will travel to Wisconsin-Green Bay (eighth place) tonight. Butler will visit UW-Milwaukee in a game between two of the three teams tied for third place at 6-3.

Stats: UIC made 18-of-19 free throws. ... WSU shot 54.2 percent from the field in the first half and 21.1 percent in the second. ... WSU freshman guard Reggie Arceneaux scored 10 points to reach double figures for the ninth time this season and fourth time in the past six games.

Etc.: Chris Wampler, a WSU player from 1987-90 who has served as a color commentator on Raiders radio broadcasts for about six seasons, appeared on the radio for the last time Wednesday. He is relocating to California for work.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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