Trip to Georgia Tech highlights WSU’s non-league schedule

Wright State announced its non-league men’s basketball schedule Tuesday, highlighted by the home opener Nov. 18 against Murray State and a Dec. 22 road game at Georgia Tech.

The Raiders will begin coach Scott Nagy’s second season with a home exhibition against Wayne State on Nov. 3. The regular season opener is Nov. 10 at Loyola (Ill.).

The non-league slate features seven home games and six on the road.

“This non-conference schedule will be competitive and entertaining for our fans,” Nagy said. “Along with the tournament again, we play formidable teams at home and on the road that will enable our fans to watch us prepare for a tough Horizon League slate in January and February.”

The Wright State Invitational will be Nov. 24-26 against Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville and Fairfield.
Here’s a rundown of the 2017-18 non-league opponents:

Loyola: A former Horizon League school, Loyola won 18 games last season and returns three of its top four scorers. The Raiders lead the overall series 24-16 but fell last year in Chicago 77-64.

Miami: The Raiders stay on the road as they travel to Oxford to play traditional rival Miami on Nov. 14. The RedHawks lead the series 19-13 as WSU won last year in Dayton 89-87.

Murray State: The Racers will be the home-opening opponent Nov. 18 after WSU won last year at MSU. Murray State posted 16 wins last season.

Tiffin: The Dragons will visit the Nutter Center on Nov. 20 as the official start to WSU's tournament. Tiffin returns its top scorer from an 11-17 season.

Gardner-Webb: GWU will be facing the Raiders for the first time after going 19-14 last year. Two of its three top scorers return in LaQuincy Rideau (14.2 points per game) and David Efianayi (12.6). GWU comes to town Nov. 24.

Jacksonville: Another first-time opponent, Jacksonville will play at the Nutter Center on Nov. 25. JU went 17-16 last season but returns only one of its four double-figure scorers.

Fairfield: After playing the CIT last year, Fairfield returns its top three scorers from a 16-15 team, including all-league performer Tyler Nelson (19.7 ppg). The MAAC opponent will be seeing the Raiders for the first time.

Western Kentucky: Also a first-time opponent, the Hilltoppers went 15-17 last year and return their top scorer in Justin Johnson (14.5 ppg). WKU will host the Raiders on Dec. 2.

Ohio Valley: From Vienna, West Virginia, the Fighting Scots will be facing the Raiders for the first time.

Kent State: This traditional power from the MAC won 22 games last season on its way to a conference tournament title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. KSU fell to UCLA in the first round and returns Jaylon Walker (15.8 ppg.). The teams have split four games, including a WSU win on the road 68-63 last year. The Flashes come to town Dec. 9.

Toledo: These teams have met off and on through the years with the Rockets winning six of the 11 games. Toledo won 82-78 last year. Toledo played in the CIT and returns Jaelon Sanford, who averaged 13.6 points. The Raiders travel to Toledo on Dec. 16.

Missouri State: The Bears won 17 game a year ago and bring back two of their top three scorers, including Alize Johnson (14.8 ppg.) and Ronnie Reusseau (11.6). Wright State travels to Springfield, Missouri on Dec. 19.

Georgia Tech: The Raiders end the non-conference slate with a trip to play at Georgia Tech of the ACC on Dec. 22. These teams have never met. GT won 21 games and advanced to the finals of the NIT before losing to TCU. The Yellow Jackets return two of their four double-figure scorers.

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