Wright State Holds Off Northern Kentucky 88-80 Behind Imariagbe's Double-Double

Wright State's Michael Imariagbe stole the show at the Nutter Center, leading his team to an 88-80 win over Northern Kentucky. Imariagbe's impressive double-double, consisting of 24 points and 11 rebounds, was the driving force behind the Raiders' victory. The home team's strong first-half performance, where they scored 48 points, set the tone for the rest of the game. Northern Kentucky struggled to keep up, scoring only 36 points in the first half.

Dan Gherezgher, Northern Kentucky's top performer, did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 30 points. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Raiders' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. Michael Cooper added 21 points, while TJ Burch chipped in with 16 points. The Raiders' ability to distribute the ball effectively and capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately was the difference-maker.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Wright State winning by 3.9 points, and although the actual margin was slightly larger at 8 points, the prediction held true. The Raiders' victory was a reflection of their strength and depth, as they were able to withstand Northern Kentucky's second-half surge. The Norse scored 44 points in the second half, but Wright State's lead, built in the first half, proved insurmountable.

This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Wright State, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not as valuable as a win against a top opponent, still helps to bolster their tournament chances. The Raiders' current net ranking of 136 will likely see a slight improvement following this win. On the other hand, Northern Kentucky's loss was a Quadrant 3 defeat, which won't significantly harm their tournament hopes but does highlight the need for the Norse to perform well against tougher opponents.

As the season progresses, Wright State want to build on this momentum, using Imariagbe's dominant performance as a catalyst for future success. With their record now standing at 13-8, the Raiders are poised to make a push for a stronger tournament seeding. Northern Kentucky, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from this loss, using Gherezgher's impressive outing as a foundation for their upcoming games. The Norse's current record of 14-8 still leaves them in a decent position, but they'll need to string together some wins to strengthen their tournament resume.