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UD’s Johnson finds solace on the court
Marcus Johnson went through an agonizing time being sidelined with a rib injury last week and watching his Dayton teammates dice up Ferris State in an exhibition game.
“I hate sitting out,” he said. “Sitting out practices or sitting out games, it’s hard.”
But something that pained Johnson even more than those sore ribs and the seat on the bench was saying good-bye to his great grandmother, Virginia Morrow, who passed away a couple of weeks ago at age 90.
Johnson, a Cleveland native, said he drew emotional support from her.
“It’s always tough losing a loved one, but she’s in a better place,” he said.
The most therapuetic thing for the senior guard was to get back on the court, and he had a solid game in the Flyers’ 71-61 exhibition win over Northern Kentucky tonight, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting and four assists with one turnover in 22 minutes.
The Flyers had six dunks, and Johnson and Chris Wright had two each.
“Me and Chris bring a lot of athleticism to the team,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting, him getting slams and me getting fastbreak dunks.”
Wright, who also missed the first exhibition because of an ankle injury, had 11 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes.
“I was happy to be out there playing with my team, my brothers,” Wright said. “We were just having fun. We wanted to see where we were after the first exhibition and a solid week of practice.”
The Flyers made some progress, despite a so-so night from the field (44.6 percent). They hit 15-of-18 free throws and had just six turnovers.
London Warren was nearly flawless at point guard with four points, nine assists, two steals and just one turnover.
The Flyers started two post players, Kurt Huelsman and Devin Searcy, who had six points apiece, but they also utilized their speed lineup with a single post and the 6-foot-8 Wright at the 4 spot. Playing Wright inside allows UD coach Brian Gregory to get Chris Johnson on the floor at the 3, and the sophomore from Columbus is clearly one of UD’s best players.
“We went ‘small’ some out there, which we’re going to have to do sometimes — maybe more than others just due to the fact of match-ups,” Gregory said. “But I like the progress of our big guys. Devin played aggressively and is doing a good job, and Kurt played well tonight, too.”
The Flyers begin the regular-season Saturday against Creighton, which was picked to finish second behind Northern Iowa in the brutally tough Missouri Valley Conference. The Bluejays, though, lost a key player in their final exhibition Sunday. Justin Carter, who is the team’s top rebounder, reportedly will be out two to four weeks with a knee injury.
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Comments
By hank
November 9, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
UD grad you dont know what you are talking about. Northern Kentucky gave Louisville all they could handle last year. They have 3 former D-Is in their starting lineup. One of their players put up 30 in that Louisville game. Most top 20 D II teams are as good or better than most mid to low level D I programs.
By joel
November 9, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
I was at the game and the officials kept it close. Also UD was playing a lot of different player combos, and resting the starters often.
By wsurules
November 9, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
The Raiders would beat that team by 20 easy
By SinclairRules
November 9, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
And Sinclair would kill the Raiders by 50.
By Michael doyle
November 10, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this
Hey wsu grad… we are not talking wheelchair basketball..grow up
By barryUD67
November 10, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
Maybe that WSU Sinclair game would draw 30 fans. We really won’t see how good UD is until the Creighton game.
By Sinclair_AGreatPlaceToStart
November 10, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
Why does WSU keep ducking us. Are you afraid?
By Thad Matta
November 10, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
That Wright State vs Sinclair game would be great for the area and the city on an annual basis. I sure hope it happens.
By paul
November 13, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
Saying WSU v. Sinclair would be great for the city sounds like the “tired”…”UD keeps ducking WSU!” Forget it - WSU alum “duck” their own team, so why should anyone decent want to play in an empty arena. Show some support by actually buying tickets, WSU, and perhaps you’ll get the game you covet.