Raiders (10-12, 5-5 HL) defeat Flames (6-14, 2-8 HL) 69-63.

January 25, 2012

Mays returns with a vengeance

The Raiders had a phenomenal first half, scoring 42 points (more than many entire games this year). The 3378 in attendance saw a potent WSU offense rarely seen this year. In the first period WSU shot 54% from the field and 83% from the free throw line. The Raiders held on to the ball – only 6 turnovers in the first period. Julius scored 19 in the first half on his way to what would be a career night.

The Raiders lead by as much as 18 in the first half. UIC Coach Howard Moore picked up a frustration technical foul with 1:49 left in the first half. At the break, WSU led 42-28.

The Flames came out of the break a different team – as did the Raiders. UIC was hitting shots and WSU was not (21% FG in the 2nd). Halfway through the second period WSU had scored 8 points while UIC dropped in 15 and trailed by 7, 50-43.

UIC got the score to within 1 point (52-51) but were never able to get the lead. WSU played tough those last few minutes, hit their free throws and pulled out the win over UIC.

UIC dominated WSU in the paint, outscoring the Raiders 28-10 and outrebounding WSU 34-27 (Humes with 9 for UIC). Marc Brown led UIC in scoring with 17.

Julius Mays, back from an injury and still not 100%, had a career night, scoring 33 – and – shooting an incredible 19-20 free throws. The 19 free throws broke Bill Edwards’ record set in 1993, also against the Flames.

Next up for WSU will be the Ramblers of Loyola in a Friday night (7pm) Horizon League matchup. This will be Beavercreek night and the Black Out game for the 2011-12 season. The first 3000 in attendance get a t-shirt.

Also, it will be Cancer Awareness weekend as coaches across the country will wear tennis shoes with their suits.

Postgame Audio

Mays and Mpondo

Coach Donlon

Photos © and Courtesy of Tim G. Zechar