The Lakers traveled up the road to take on NCAA III Defiance College in their 43rd Annual Purple and Gold Tournament. The Wright State Lakers opened up the game slow offensively only managing 11 points through the first ten minutes, but the Lakers defense held strong and kept the Defiance Yellow jackets in check. Zakarius Milhouse carried the Lakers offense in the first half with 10 points. The Yellow jackets took a slim 28-27 lead into the half. The Yellow jackets had 13 offensive rebounds in the first half which allowed them to stay with the Lakers who forced 14 first half turnovers. In the second half the Lakers size, length and athleticism started to wear on the Yellow jackets. Milhouse continued his strong play adding 12 more points to give him 22 points for the game. Isaac Clay hit timely shots again for the Lakers, while Jalen Huff was able to do a good job disrupting the Defiance offense which propelled the Lakers to a 67-61 win. Lakers forced 26 turnovers 17 offensive rebounds in the win.

Inside the Box Score:

• The Lakers won the turnover battle agains Defiance 17-26
• Lakers shot slightly better shooting 36.8% compared to Defiance College 36.4%
• Charity Stripe: WSU-LC shot season best 85.7% from the free throw line.
• Jordan Gorman finished game with 10 points 3 rebounds and 2 assist. Gorman has been in double figures in 10 out of 15 games for the Lakers.

What Coach Says:

Coach Richard said this about team win, "I'm very proud of our guys getting this win. It is a big win for our program to beat a respected program like Defiance College. We weren't particularly sharp offensively but we found a way to get enough stops tonight. We had moments where we were undisciplined defensively, which they made us pay, but when we stay disciplined we controlled the pace. In the second half we did a better job rebounding which is our identity. We need to own the glass." On Milhouse's performance, "Zeke was sensational tonight. I am very proud of him. He was efficient and was big spark to our offense. We are a tough team to beat when Zeke has it going." On playing in the championship, "Our program has not ever won a championship, and tomorrow we have that opportunity. It's exciting for our guys to be able to have an opportunity to get some hardware. We will be focused on getting the job done, Waynesburg is a quality team we will have to be sharp tomorrow night."

Who's Next:

Purple and Gold Championship Game versus Waynesburg University 7p at Defiance College