Women’s Basketball: James, Raiders use defense to smother RedHawks in blowout win

During the offseason, Wright State head coach Mike Bradbury installed a new defense- the goal of which was to attack the ball and challenge passing lanes. Tuesday night, against Miami (Ohio), that plan came to fruition with noticeable results.

The Raiders’ aggressive defense forced the RedHawks to commit 29 turnovers – resulting in 28 Raider points – and WSU cruised to an easy 90-63 victory in the team's home opener at the Nutter Center.

WSU’s active hands on both sides of the ball kept Miami frustrated. When the RedHawks possessed the ball, one, sometimes two, Raider defenders were waiting to pounce. When the Raiders took over on offense, WSU was able to generate plenty of open looks from behind the arc.

Aside from the noticeable difference on the scoreboard, Bradbury said his team’s defensive effort stood out to him as the Raiders’ biggest improvement from Friday's three-point win over Southern Illinois.

“Defensively, we were really good and that’s where we had to make some improvements,” Bradbury said. “We were disciplined defensively and we did what we talked about doing. That’s what I’m most pleased about.”

Bradbury said the pressure WSU exerted on Miami is stark change from a year ago, but added that the new defensive style can make up for his team’s lack of size, especially in the post.

The Raiders' win on Tuesday avenged a 72-54 loss to Miami in 2012 and snapped a three-game losing streak to the RedHawks. WSU (2-0) returns home Friday night against Memphis, who blasted the Raiders last season, 109-68.

Pacing WSU’s offense was senior guard Ivory James, who finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and six steals. James led the Raiders in points both at the half and for the game. She was offensively efficient on a night when fellow starter Kim Demmings (19 points on 5 of 15 shooting) struggled early.

Afterwards, James, whose scoring output marked a new career high, characterized her performance as one of the best overall games she has ever played at WSU.

“I think I did what I had to do on every part I was supposed to play,” James said. “I not only scored, but rebounded, made plays and that’s why it would be my best game.”

“She’s a very capable scorer and was very good, defensively, tonight,” Bradbury said.

WSU’s guard play and athletic advantages proved to be the difference. James, Demmings and Tay’ler Mingo combined for 58 points. The Raiders also improved at the foul line- a place they struggled at against Southern Illinois- shooting 73 percent against the RedHawks.

Backup guard Abby Jump played 18 minutes and scored 12 points on four of six shooting from three. When asked about the possibility of her expanded role, Bradbury said Jump will continue to be used on a game-by-game basis and when he feels she can be successful. Tonight was such an occasion.

"She's a situational player and tonight it was a good situation for her. To her credit, she capitalized on it," Bradbury said.

The 90 points WSU scored Tuesday marked the highest offensive output the Raiders have had in over a full season. James said the final box score came as little surprise to her and added that final score could have been more lopsided than it was.

“I can’t explain the feeling…I think it could have been more than 90 points,” James said. “This doesn’t come as a surprise to me because I had these expectations for this team. I knew what this team could do.”