The Wright State Raiders faced a tough challenge on their home court Wednesday night, as their three-game winning streak was halted in an intense overtime battle against Purdue Fort Wayne. The Raiders, who had been on an impressive run, fell short in a 79-77 defeat, bringing their season record to 17-13 and their Horizon League record to 12-7. This loss came as a significant blow to the Raiders, who now must regroup and focus on their regular season finale against Northern Kentucky.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams fighting tooth and nail to secure the win. The Raiders had a golden opportunity to clinch the victory in regulation, tied at 74, when Trey Calvin's deep three-point attempt at the buzzer narrowly missed, sending the game into overtime. The extra period was a defensive struggle, with a mere eight points scored between the two teams. Purdue Fort Wayne eventually took a late two-point lead, which they managed to hold onto despite a missed free throw that gave Wright State a chance to either tie or win the game in the final seconds. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Calvin's pull-up jumper was blocked, sealing the victory for the visitors.
Despite the loss, Wright State's starting lineup showed their quality, with all five starters scoring in double digits. Tanner Holden led the team with 19 points, showcasing his all-around game with six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. AJ Braun and Brandon Noel both recorded double-doubles, underlining the Raiders' strong frontcourt presence. However, despite these individual performances, the team fell short in the crucial moments.
Wright State's shooting from the field and the three-point line was not enough to overcome Purdue Fort Wayne's defense and clutch shooting. The visitors, who improved their record to 19-11 and 10-9 in the Horizon League, managed to edge out the Raiders with better three-point shooting, including the critical game-winner in overtime.
As the regular season winds down, Wright State looks to rebound from this tough loss in their upcoming game against Northern Kentucky. The Raiders will also take the opportunity to honor the careers of Trey Calvin and Tanner Holden in what promises to be an emotional night. With the postseason on the horizon, Wright State aims to finish strong and carry momentum into the Horizon League tournament, where they will seek redemption and aim for a deep run.
