Preview: WSU vs. Youngstown State

Radio: WBZI-FM (100.3), WBZI-AM (1500)

Series record: WSU leads 35-7

Starting lineups

About Wright State

The Raiders played improved defense but dropped their league opener 45-43 Thursday against Cleveland State. Darling has produced mostly solid all-around performances since returning from a dislocated shoulder, and he had eight points, four rebounds and two steals Thursday. Mays, the team’s leading scorer, went scoreless in 35 minutes on 0-for-2 shooting against CSU. Vest played his first significant minutes of the season after recovering from a sprained ankle and produced seven points, three rebounds and two assists. The Raiders are shooting 33.1 percent as a team, but they are forcing 17 turnovers per game.

About Youngstown St.

The Penguins, considered the most improved team in the league, scored a 64-61 upset against Detroit on Thursday, an upset because Detroit was picked second and YSU was picked seventh in the preseason poll. YSU relies heavily on its starters, who all play at least 31 minutes. Only reserve Josh Chojnacki (12.3) plays more than 12 minutes per game off the bench. Perry is second in the league in scoring, and he scored 13 points against Detroit while Brooks added a career-high 24 points with four rebounds. YSU is 5-1 for the first time in 11 years, and the Penguins finished a combined 15-43 in the previous two seasons (including 4-32 in the Horizon League).

FYI

Wright State has won eight straight against YSU, including close victories of 66-62 and 74-70 last year.

Quote, unquote

“What I told them (Thursday) is if you stay as angry and as determined as you feel tonight in the locker room after the game, we can do special things.” — WSU coach Billy Donlon.