Back in Black: Raiders set for blackout game against UIC

Sophomore guard Reggie Arcenaux and the rest of the Raiders will be defending an undefeated home record Jan. 26 when they don the black jerseys for the annual blackout game.

Undefeated at home this season, the men’s basketball team is prepping for its annual blackout game Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Wright State University Nutter Center. Donning special black jerseys, the Raiders will play host to the University of Illinois–Chicago (21-8, 3-4 Horizon) in the teams’ first meeting this year.

“The players, students and fans really like the blackout game. It’s a great atmosphere and it’s been growing in intensity each year,” said Assistant Athletic Director Bob Noss.

Having won six of their last eight games, the Raiders (14-6, 5-2 Horizon) are enjoying their best start since the ’89–’90 season and hope to add another tally to their win column in front of a raucous crowd.

“We’ve had great success here at the Wright State Nutter Center, starting the season undefeated at home, and our fans have been a big part of that. We want to try to continue that this weekend,” said Noss.

More than 200 student-athletes with grade point averages of 3.0 or better from all the sports will be honored at halftime.  The first 5,000 fans into the arena will receive a “blackout” T-shirt courtesy of Miami Valley Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Care.  Also, 2,000 black rally towels will be distributed to the WSU students from the Raider Rowdies.

“At 5-2 we’re in the hunt for a regular season championship,” said Noss. “So, we really just hope to make this a fun weekend for everybody and we hope to continue that streak with our great fans.”

Special weekend events include Alumni Reunion Weekend, Parents and Family Weekend, Wright State University Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, and partnership with the Provost’s Office as Wright State will recognize Faculty and Staff Presidential Awards winners.

Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com and at the Nutter Center Ticket Office. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and purchase tickets in advance (though tickets will be available at the game). Doors to the arena open at 6 p.m. The game can be seen live on Dayton CW and heard on WBZI, 100.3 FM.