The Wright State Raiders men’s basketball squad extended its flawless start to the 2026‑27 season with a convincing 84‑64 victory over the Samford Bulldogs on Friday night at the University’s Nutter Center. The win marks the team’s fourth straight triumph and showcases a balanced attack that should excite fans across the Dayton community.
Early back‑and‑forth
Samford drew first blood, taking a 7‑4 lead before Kellen Pickett answered with a three‑pointer to knot the game at 7‑7. The Bulldogs then surged ahead, establishing a nine‑point cushion at 22‑13 with just over nine minutes left in the first half.
Raider comeback gains momentum
Terrence Hayes sparked the Raiders’ rally, sinking a three‑pointer to tie the contest at 30‑30 with 3:31 remaining in the opening period. CJ O’Hara’s perimeter shooting, combined with Isaiah Williams’ free throws, pushed Wright State ahead 40‑34 at the break.
Second‑half dominance
Coming out of halftime, the Raiders seized control. Andrea Holden opened the half with a jumper, and Ilija Milijasevic followed with a three‑pointer, extending the lead to 45‑34. Pickett’s continued accuracy from deep further widened the gap, and by the midway point the Raiders led 54‑37.
The momentum proved unstoppable. Wright State built a 30‑point advantage in the second half and never looked back, ultimately sealing a 24‑point victory.
Key performances
Milijasevic topped the box score with 17 points, 15 of which came from beyond the arc, and added eight rebounds and three steals. The Raiders shot an efficient 57% from the field, 50% from three‑point range, and an impressive 90% from the free‑throw line.
Rebounding favored Wright State 39‑28, while the team dished out 17 assists and contributed 39 bench points. Defensively, the Raiders recorded four blocks and eight steals, and they dominated the paint with 52 points.
Looking ahead
Buoyed by the strong start, the Raiders will travel to face the Malone University Pioneers on November 18. Coach insert name if known emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and building on the early‑season chemistry that has already produced a perfect record.
Local fans are encouraged to attend the upcoming matchup and continue supporting the Raiders as they aim to sustain their winning ways throughout the season.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
