Wright State University (WSU) took down Indiana University Indy’s men’s basketball team on Thursday, Feb. 19, powered with connection and team focus.
WSU, still holding the first-place spot in the Horizon League, was able to take down IU Indy, currently ranked last. WSU was able to keep the lead for majority of the game, but it was not an easy fight as IU Indy was persistent with staying close behind.
WSU needed to focus on communication offensively and defensively this game and are still working on playing toward a full 40 minutes to be a 100% team. The head coach for the Raiders, Clint Sargent, said previously that this team is at about 70%.
Coach Sargent talked about how the team’s capability and how the percentage has improved over the previous games.
“I’d say probably 10%. My job is finding everybody opportunity, finding rhythm and then having good discernment on when maybe it’s just not their night. So, I think for all those reasons, we still have some growth, and I know we’re going to get there,” Sargent said.
While the Raiders season is close to over, they still have time to get to 100% before the Horizon League Championship.
Graduate student and forward for WSU, Michael Imariagbe, talked about what the Raiders' focus is.
“We’re focusing on every game; we got 3 games left we’re trying to finish as hard as we can and focus on the main goal,” Imariagbe said.
WSU has been able to show their skills on the court, but behind the gameplay connection is a huge aspect to the success of this team. While practices, games and training go into a great team, communication and connection are also key attributes. WSU does not lack this.
Sophomore guard, TJ Burch, talked about the importance of connection for this season’s success.
“I feel with us being able to connect off the floor allowed us to be able to connect on the floor. And I feel like that’s the reason we’ve been having success throughout the season," Burch said. “I know we’ve been saying the same thing over and over again the whole year but like, we really are connected.”
WSU has three regular season games left in the season all against Horizon League competitors. After this, the Raiders will head into the 2026 Barbasol Horizon League Men’s Basketball Championships in Indianapolis.
