Grant Basile scored 29 points as Wright State pulled away from Robert Morris late for a 79-70 victory at Nutter Center in Fairborn, Ohio on Friday.
Basile, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, used his size advantage over a Colonials lineup that was without senior forward AJ Bramah, who did not travel with the team this weekend. Basile scored his 29 on 13 of 20 shooting, while the Raiders as a team assist on 17 of 30 made baskets.
RMU did not announce a reason for Bramah’s absence. Freshman Khaliel Spear drew into the starting lineup to replace him and performed well, leading the Colonials with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Colonials (3-8, 2-6 in Horizon League) got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the first five minutes, but Wright State (12-4, 10-3 HL) charged back with an 11-2 run and the teams went into the half separated by three points.
In the second period, the game was tied at 42 before a Basile dunk sparked 10-2 Raiders run and RMU never closed to within two possessions again.
Kam Farris scored 16 points and was 4 of 6 from 3-point range, while Jon Williams scored 14 and handed out six assists.
Though one game behind Cleveland State for first place in the Horizon League standings, Wright State entered Friday at No. 71 in the nation in adjusted efficiency according to KenPom.com, by far the best in the league.
The Colonials and Raiders will square off once again on Saturday. That game from Nutter Center will tip off at 5 p.m. and be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
