Raiders prepare to “Blackout” Crusaders

The Wright State men's basketball team will wear special black jerseys for the "Blackout" game with Valparaiso Friday night.

This Friday’s game against Valparaiso will be available on ESPN3.  Here is a direct link to the feed: http://es.pn/eYZBmP

Black paw prints in the tunnels.

The rock is getting a fresh coat of black paint.

Campus statues will go black—and only after the game, will they go back.

The men’s basketball team will don special black jerseys.

Something dark is spreading across the Wright State University campus.

A “Blackout.”

“This is the first time we’ve done this and we’re really getting a great response from our fans,” said Assistant Athletic Director Bob Noss.

The plan is to “Blackout” Wright State’s Nutter Center when the basketball team plays host to Valparaiso on Friday, January 14, at 7 p.m. The game will be televised live on ESPN3.

The Raiders are currently 11-6, 4-1 and have won eight of their last nine games. Friday the team hopes to take advantage of what’s become a real home court advantage.

“We’ve had great success here at the Wright State Nutter Center, winning the last 13 games, and our fans have been a big part of that. We want to try to continue that this weekend,” said Noss.

Wright State will also play host to Butler on Sunday, but first things first. There is no doubt the match-up with Valparaiso will again be pivotal for the Raiders.

“Valparaiso’s tied with us for first place in the Horizon League at 4-1. And actually, Butler is also tied with us,” 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.”

The first 5,000 fans to arrive will be given black t-shirts to help the cause.

Friday night is also Beavercreek Night, where Beavercreek residents will receive a $17 ticket for just $10.

For ticket information, call the box office at (937) 775-4789.