Three Wright State students win full year of tuition during Horizon League Championship game

Three Wright State University students received the surprise of a lifetime Wednesday night at the Nutter Center, each walking away with a full year of undergraduate tuition worth approximately $13,000.

The students — Anna Cowley, a junior crime and justice major; Lavell Lyles, a sophomore media studies major; and Austin Smith, a finance major — were randomly selected to participate in the Half-Court Shot Tuition Scholarship promotion at halftime of the Raiders’ Horizon League tournament game against Cleveland State.

None of the three made a half-court shot. But their night wasn’t over.

Wright State University President Sue Edwards stepped onto the court and surprised the students by giving each of them additional attempts from closer range.

After several tries, every student sank a layup when they learned they had won a full year of tuition, sending the Nutter Center crowd into a frenzy.

“It was amazing,” Lyles said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, thankful to be a Raider.”

Wright State students Austin Smith, second from left, Lavell Lyles, second from right, and Anna Cowley, far right, pose with Director of Athletics Joylynn Brown, far left, and President Sue Edwards, center, after winning a full year of tuition during the men’s basketball game at the Nutter Center. (Video by Kris Sproles / photos by Erin Pence)

Crowley said it was a surreal experience.

“I love Wright State. I love the environment, the community,” she said.

Additional prizes were awarded during Wednesday’s game, including three iPads, a book scholarship, Wright State dining dollars and Raiders merchandise.

“This promotion is about more than the thrill of a half-court shot — it reflects Wright State’s commitment to fostering a campus culture where students feel connected and engaged. When students feel like they belong, they stay, they succeed and they graduate on time,” said Susan Schaurer, vice president for enrollment, marketing and career development.

The scholarship promotion was held during the Raiders’ 90–61 win over Cleveland State in the first round of the 2026 Horizon League Men’s Basketball Championship.

The top-seeded Raiders advanced to the semifinals on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis.

Sophomore Lavell Lyles reacts in disbelief after winning a full year of tuition during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game.