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Posted: 7:36 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012

Donlon changes starting lineup

By David Jablonski

Staff Writer

FAIRBORN —

Wright State’s starting lineup has changed in almost every game this season, mostly because of injuries. Until Saturday, one of the constants in the lineup — and in 27 of 32 games last season — was sophomore guard Reggie Arceneaux.

Freshman Joe Bramanti moved into the starting lineup in the 66-57 victory over Morehead State at the Nutter Center, joining Cole Darling, Kendall Griffin, Matt Vest and Tavares Sledge.

Coach Billy Donlon didn’t like the way the offense was run in the three games at the Utah Thanksgiving Tournament and made the switch. Arceneaux still ended up playing 29 minutes. He had 7 points, 3 assists and 6 turnovers.

“I thought we were over-dribbling with some players,” Donlon said. “For Reggie to play well through that kind of adversity, that’s not an easy thing, and he’s only a sophomore. I just wanted to play the guys who facilitate and move the ball the best, and that was Joe, Kendall, Matt, Cole and Tavares. I think we’re really hard to guard when we play through the air. When we stand and dribble, we’re easily guarded.”

Morehead memories: Wright State assistant coach Chris Moore spent four seasons at Morehead before coming to Wright State in 2010. It was his first experience at the Division I level in men’s basketball, and he helped lead the team to the NCAA tournament in 2009, its first appearance since 1984.

Most of the players Moore remembers are gone, but he had fun catching up with Morehead athletic director Brian Hutchinson and some of the fans. The Eagles (4-4) are now coached by former Kentucky Wildcat Sean Woods.

“Sean’s doing a tremendous job,” Moore said. “He’s in his first year. He’s going to get his stamp on the program. You can tell the foundation we were able to build is still there. We watched them play Kentucky and Marshall. They’ve got a good program, and they’re going to get a lot better.”

Vest shines: Vest’s 10-point effort was overshadowed by Darling’s career-high 29 points, but he hit some big shots in the second half, including a layup with 9:11 left after Morehead had cut the lead to 7.

“He’s such a hard worker,” Donlon said. “I remember when he was at Chaminade Julienne, we went to watch him in an individual workout. Coach (Joe) Staley just watched, and Matt ran the workout with one other player. He’s got a great IQ, a great passion for the game.”

Defensive effort: Morehead’s top scorer this season, senior forward Milton Chavis, was held to 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting. He was held scoreless in the first half and didn’t even attempt a shot.

“The job Kendall and Matt did against Chavis tonight was incredible,” Donlon said. “Chavis gets 18 a game, and they’ve played Kentucky, Maryland and Marshall on the road. They beat Norfolk State, who beat Missouri in the (2012 NCAA) tournament. To hold an 18-point-a-game scorer to three field-goal attempts, that’s incredible.”

Injury update: Junior forward AJ Pacher played two minutes against Morehead. He’s recovering from a foot injury and has not been practicing. Donlon said he would be available to play in Monday’s 7 p.m. game at Bowling Green.

The Falcons (3-4) lost 58-49 to Youngstown State on Saturday. That was their third game against a Horizon League team. They lost 79-73 in overtime to Cleveland State and beat Detroit 70-65.

Sledge solid: Sledge had just 2 points and 3 rebounds, but Donlon said he played better than ever as a Raider.

“We always tell the players this, ‘The stats don’t tell the truth, but the video never lies,’ ” Donlon said. “The stats for Sledge don’t tell the truth tonight. He took three or four charges. He rebounded. He kept the ball out of the post. I was proud of Tavares.”

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