Jan. 8, 2004

Box Score| Quotes| Notes

CLEVELAND - Omari Westley scored 21 points and had nine rebounds and Jermaine Robinson added 20 points, but it wasn't enough as the Cleveland State men's basketball team dropped its eighth-straight game, falling to Wright State, 78-73, Thursday night at the CSU Convocation Center. The Vikings fall to 4-10 on the season and 0-3 in the Horizon League, while Wright State moves to 5-8 on the year, 3-1 in the league.

"I love the effort our guys gave tonight," head coach Mike Garland said. "I was looking for another gut-wrenching effort, and it was there. This team is just snakebit. There's guys making shots against us that don't score any other time all season."

Vernard Hollins scored 18 points for the Raiders and got a surprise 17 points from Drew Burleson, who entered the game averaging just over four points per game.

Down 77-72 with 57 seconds remaining, the Vikings had several chances to close the gap, but couldn't find the bottom of the basket. Robinson missed a three-pointer, but the rebound was grabbed by Patrick Tatham, who got the ball to Percell Coles, who missed a three of his own. Seth Doliboa grabbed the rebound for the Raiders, and was fouled by Westley. Doliboa left the door open for the Vikings by making one of his two free throws with 31 seconds to play. Coles was fouled on the other end of the floor, but made just one of his two free throws. Wright State promptly turned the ball over, and Robinson got off another three that missed. Luke Murphy grabbed the rebound with 14 seconds left, but the Vikings couldn't get off another shot before time expired.

Cleveland State returns to play with a Saturday afternoon game at Youngstown State. Game time is 2 p.m., and will be televised by Fox Sports Ohio.