Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Sports

A record crowd of 10,827 people filled the Nutter Center stands Saturday night in what seems to be the year's biggest game against the No. 10 team nationally and number one team in the Horizon League, the Butler Bulldogs.

"The seniors deserved to play in front of a crowd like this," said head coach Brad Brownell. "It gives the guys an extra boost and it is nice to know that people are behind you."

The Raiders defeated the Bulldogs, 77-65. When asked about the crowd, player Drew Burleson stated, "The crowd was electric and hats off to everyone who came tonight."

After defeating Butler, the Wright State men's basketball team is now at the top of the Horizon League. DaShaun Wood scored 30 points for the night, 23 of which were scored in the second half.

Wood was also able to contain Butler's star player A.J. Graves, who is one of the top scorers in the country. Wood only allowed Graves to score 10 points.

Burleson added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Green and Gold, and Jordan Pleiman scored 10 points. Freshman Vaughn Duggins chipped in nine points for WSU. The Raiders shot 55 percent from the floor for the night.

"We are starting to play the style of basketball we want," said Burleson.

Butler, with ball still in play during the final seconds of the game, was forced off the court to avoid the stampede of students and fans rushing to congratulate the WSU players.

WSU's star has never shown brighter. Even Butler Coach Todd Lickliter commented on the teams triumphant success, "This team built a résumé that is second to none."

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