By Raymond Rolak I CNBNews Sports
DETROIT-- It was a very special night in historic Calihan Hall as the University of Detroit Mercy Titans rolled over Wright State University, 79-58. Freshman Antoine Davis hit for 48 points including 10-three’s, as he led the Titans to a Horizon League victory.
Davis leads the country (NCAA D-I) in 3’s made with 81 and in scoring at 26.9 points per game. (AS A TRUE FRESHMAN at 6’1” and 170 pounds.) And he plays defense.
It was his first Horizon League home game on the historic court. Detroit Mercy was picked to finish 10th in the Horizon League preseason poll, but nobody expected Davis, originally from Houston, to have such an enormous start.
Wright State got off to a fast start and led early until Detroit Mercy went on a 16-2 run, taking the lead before halftime. Derrien King made the field goal with 1:30 to go and the Titans never relinquished the lead. At the break they led 34-27. King chipped in 11 points and Gerald Blackshear grabbed eight rebounds.
For the Raiders, three players had double figures; Loudon Love had 15 points, Mark Hughes 13 and Bill Wampler 11. Hughes also came up with three steals.
It was the electric performance by Davis who was 15-24 from the field that kept the Detroit Mercy faithful cheering. Even with a WSU defensive hand in his face, with his quick release, he stayed hot and consistent. It was a spirited game of “SWISH.” His performance was exceptional. .
First year coach, Mike Davis, is the father of Antoine Davis. Detroit Mercy used an eight man rotation. Coach Davis said after the game, “They earn their playing time.”
NOTE: Raymond Rolak is an award winning broadcaster and journalist who files sports stories of timely interest.
