GAME NOTES: The Wright State Raiders will try to enter the Horizon League Tournament on a winning note when they collide with the Valparaiso Crusaders this evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center. After winning 11 consecutive games, the Raiders have stumbled in their last two matchups, falling to Illinois State (54-46) and Butler (66-61). The back-to-back losses dropped Wright State's league ledger to 12-5, which is still good enough for second place in the Horizon League. As for the Crusaders, they have won four of their last five games, including three in a row. The last time Valpo was on the court the team grabbed a slim, 59-56 victory over Detroit. With the current streak, the Crusaders are now 8-9 in conference play. The Crusaders have had success at the Athletics-Recreation Center this season, winning 11 of their 15 games on their home court. With regards to the all-time series between the two schools, the Raiders have a slim 5-3 edge over Valpo. However, the Crusaders grabbed a 71-66 victory over Wright State earlier this season.

The Raiders were shut down this past Thursday, as the squad fell to Butler, 66-61. In the loss, Wright State shot 45.7 percent from the floor, but made just 12-of-21 free throw attempts and forced only six turnovers. Wright State has struggled at the offensive end of the floor this season, netting just 62.3 ppg. Vaughn Duggins, who is leading the team with 14.2 ppg, scored 17 points in the loss and grabbed four rebounds. Todd Brown and Will Graham were the only two players in double figures in the loss, netting 13 points apiece. Brown has made solid contributions on the year, chipping in 12.9 ppg, while also pulling down 4.2 rpg.

Four players are currently averaging double figures for Valpo, beginning with Shawn Huff, who is netting 12.3 ppg to go along with 4.5 rpg. Jarryd Loyd has been tremendous off the bench, contributing 11.7 ppg to go along with 4.1 apg. Urule Igbavboa has been the best option in the paint, posting 10.1 ppg to go along with a team-best 7.3 rpg. Samuel Haanpaa, who is shooting 43.0 percent from long range, is chipping in 10.0 ppg. The Crusaders only scored 59 points the last time they were on the floor, but the team still grabbed a three-point win over Detroit. In the victory, the Crusaders shot just 40.4 percent from the floor, and connected on just 10-of-30 three-point attempts. Loyd led the way with 15 points off the bench, while Huff tallied 14 points and Jake Diebler chipped in 11.

The Raiders might have the second best ledger in the conference, but the team is struggling and could have trouble this afternoon against a red-hot Valpo squad.