Gameday Central – Northern Kentucky
Spencer Haywood Video
DETROIT (1/28/2015) -- It will be a festive atmosphere at Calihan Hall as the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team welcomes Northern Kentucky to the Motor City on Spencer Haywood night on Friday, Jan. 29.
The game will be televised locally on WADL as well as on ESPN3, with
Denny Kapp and Earl Cureton on the call. The Voice of the Titans
Dan Leach will have all the action on the radio on CBS Sports Radio 1270 AM. Live stats will also be available.
Before the Titans game against Northern Kentucky, Detroit will have a ceremony to retire the jersey of one of the greatest collegiate players ever to play the game. The jersey ceremony will begin at 6:38 p.m. The Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame will also give a presentation during the game as they showcase Haywood's Hall of Fame plaque.
Haywood will be the sixth men's basketball player to have his jersey retired following Bob Calihan, Dave DeBusschere, John Long, Rashad Phillips and Terry Tyler.
The ceremony will not be streamed online so all fans will have to make it down to Dick Vitale Court to be a part of this special day.
After that, the Titans (9-10, 3-5 HL) will play Horizon League newcomer Northern Kentucky (7-12, 3-5 HL).
The Titan coaching staff is participating in
Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week, a nationwide event where basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause. Coaches and their staff will wear sneakers with their suits while coaching games to raise awareness, share the importance of nutrition and physical activity, and to promote the American Cancer Society as a place for people facing cancer to turn to for free information, help, and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tickets start at just $10. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit
Detroittitans.com/tix.DETROIT VS. NORTHERN KENTUCKYThis will be the first career meeting between Detroit and Northern Kentucky.
NKU became the 10th member of the Horizon League this year and will be allowed to play in the Horizon League Championship, but is still fulfilling its NCAA requirements in moving to Division I and will not be eligible for the NCAA Tournament.
ABOUT THE NORSENKU enters the game at 7-12, 3-5 in the Horizon League. The Norse have home wins over Youngstown State and UIC as well as a road victory at Oakland.
Northern Kentucky is led by Jalen Billups, who tops the team in scoring (13.6) and rebounding (5.6). Lavone Holland II is tallying 11.9 points. 5.3 rebounds and a team-high 4.2 assists, while Tyler White is averaging 11.1 points and 3.9 assists.
The Norse are seventh in the Horizon League in scoring with 70.3 points and fifth in scoring defense allowing 72.7.
John Brannen is in his first year as head coach of NKU. He was interim head coach for two games at Alabama last season going 1-1.
LOOKING AHEADThe two-game homestand ends with a visit from Wright State as the Raiders come to town on Sunday, Jan. 31. Tip will be at 1:00 p.m., on Dick Vitale Court in Calihan Hall.
POINTS, POINTS, POINTSThe Titans have had great offense all year as they are ninth in the nation - and third in the HL - in scoring averaging 85.0 points per game. UDM trails only Green Bay (86.2) and Oakland (86.1) in the HL.
The 85.0 points through 19 games is the best offensive numbers since Detroit averaged 92.6 points during the 1977-78 season under head coach Dick Vitale.
The Titans have also scored 90 or more points six times this year, the most since registering 90 or more seven times during the 1987-88 campaign.
OFFENSIVE ATTACKDetroit has scored at least 75 points in 15 of its 19 games, including 88 or more eight times and 90 or more on six occasions.
UDM has also made at least 30 field goals eight times this season and has posted 39 twice on the year.
The Titans are currently leading the Horizon League in shooting at 46.2 percent, as they have posted 50% or higher five times, and 47% or higher 11 times.
The Titans have shot over 50% from the field in two of its last four games and over 47% in its last four contests.
Against Oakland, UDM was at 52.4 percent (33-of-63) - including 58.1 percent (18-of-31) in the second half - while at Wright State, Detroit shot 50.0 % (25-of-50). At Milwaukee, UDM shot 47.2 % (25-of-53), but 54.2 percent in the second half and at Green Bay, the Titans were 48.7% (38-of-78), including 50% (25-of-50) in the second half and overtime.
Earlier in the season against UM-Dearborn, the Titans were 39-of-68 from the field (57.4%), including 15-of-27 (55.6%) from behind the arc.
In the wins over Toledo and Bowling Green, Detroit shot 49.1 and 47.1 % respectively, with 13 triples in each game. In the victory over UCF, the Titans shot 51.7 % (30-of-58).
WHO WILL SCORE?Detroit has had six different Titans lead the team in scoring this season.
UDM has also had seven different players net 20 or more in a contest and four or more players in double figures 12 times.
WE LOVE THE 80'SDid you know that Detroit is a remarkable 54-8 overall when scoring 80 or more points under head coach
Ray McCallum, including 27-6 against Horizon League foes.
BLOCK PARTYThe Titans have recorded four or more blocks 14 times this year, and they are second in the Horizon League and 71st in the nation with 4.5 blocks per game.
Detroit is coming off a game in which it had eight blocks at Green Bay, the second time this season it has had eight rejections and one away from the season high of nine against Central State.
That is all without a single athlete on the roster taller than 6-8.
STRONG AT HOMEDetroit is 9-2 on Dick Vitale Court this year and winners of 12 of its last 14 home games.
On the year, Detroit is averaging 88.9 points at home and allowing 78.5, all while shooting 49.0 percent from the field.
On the road, Detroit is 0-8 this season and 1-14 in its last 15 away from Calihan Hall.
The lone victory was at Youngstown State last season, and the nine losses include a neutral site setback to Cleveland State in last year's Horizon League tournament.
On the road this season, Detroit is averaging 79.6 points (allowing 92.4).
BOMBS AWAYDetroit was 15-of-27 from three against UM-Dearborn on Nov. 23, the most since knocking down 15 against DePaul in 2007.
UDM has tallied double-digit triples seven times this season after accomplishing it just three times all of last year.
Detroit is 25th in the nation - and second in the HL - in three-point field-goal percentage (39.2%) and 47th in three-point field goals per game (8.7), third in the HL.
CLEANING THE GLASSDetroit totaled a season-high 53 rebounds in the win over Youngstown State, outrebounding the Penguins by 33 (53-20).
The 53 boards were the most since grabbing 55 against Niagara in a 96-77 win in 2010.
It was the third time this season Detroit has recorded 45 or more boards as it had 52 against Central State and 45 at Oral Roberts.
The Titans are 7-2 on the season when outrebounding their counterpart.
THE EXTRA PASSThe Titans totaled 18 assists in their win over Youngstown State, tied for the second most on the season with the 18 against Central State and behind the 22 versus UM-Dearborn.
UDM is 7-2 on the season when it records more assists than its opponent.
MAKING THEM COUNTThe Titans are attacking the rim and getting a chance at some easy points.
Detroit has visited the free throw line 254 times in HL play, connecting on 181 (71.3%).
During this span Detroit was 31-of-39 (79.5%) at the line in the win over UIC, setting a season high in made free throws. That was after going 25-of-29 (86.2%) in the win over Youngstown State and 28-of-42 (66.7%) in the triumph over Cleveland State.
The 42 free throws were the most since attempting 43 against Stony Brook in 2013.
J-WILL NETS SEASON HIGH, TWICEJunior
Jarod Williams has found his offense as of late tying his season high with 12 points in each of his last two games. He tied the season high with the 12 he had at nationally-ranked Vanderbilt back in December.
He started his scoring with seven points at Wright State hitting 3-of-6 from the field. He then had 12 points at Milwaukee (4-8 FG, 3-4 FT) and Green Bay (4-6 FG, 4-8 FT) along with two assists and a steal in each game.
In the last three games, he is shooting 55.0 percent (11-of-20).
TAKE THAT ELSEWHERESophomore
Paris Bass posted a career-high six blocks at Green Bay, the third time this year he has had three or more blocks in a game.
The six blocks were the most by a Titan since Marc Mazur had seven against Green Bay on Feb. 11, 2002.
BACK-TO-BACK 20'SJunior
Chris Jenkins tallied back-to-back 20-point games for the first time in his career as he registered a team-high 20 at Milwaukee and a team-best 25 at Green Bay.
He now has five career 20-point games - four this season - and the 25 points was one shy of his career-high 26 against UCF this season.
In the last two games, he is 13-of-26 from the field, 9-of-18 from three and 10-of-13 (76.9%) along with 6.5 rebounds.
Against Green Bay, he knocked in a career-best five triples.
ONE BIG FISHSophomore
Paris Bass - who missed the first seven games due to a suspension for violation of team rules - has been a force on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
He tied his career high for the third time with 28 points at Wright State, which also included six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals.
That came after he posted 20 points, eight rebounds, a career-high six assists, three blocks and a steal against Oakland and his latest game of 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and six blocks at Green Bay.
He registered his second double-double of the season and sixth of his career with 16 points and 10 rebounds against Valparaiso with his first double-double against Cleveland State with 28 points - 20 in the second half - 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The 13 boards and four steals were one shy of his career high.
LURKING IN THE WATERSophomore
Paris Bass returned to action in a big way against Bowling Green as the reigning HL Freshman of the Year posted a team-high 25 points, while tallying eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. In his second game, he tallied 23 points in a win over UCF.
It was the first time he recorded back-to-back 20-point games in his career, and he just tied that mark with 20 points against Oakland and 28 at Wright State.
Since he returned to the court, he has recorded double figures in 11 of his 12 contests, pulled down seven rebounds in nine games and has had three assists or more eight times, not to mention six 20-point outings and two double-doubles.
He is averaging 19.3 ppg., 6.9 rpg., and 2.9 apg., and would rank second in the HL in scoring and sixth in rebounding if he had enough games to qualify.
WHAT A SENIOR YEARSenior
Anton Wilson now has 18 double-digit scoring games on the year with three 20-point efforts.
He is second on the team in scoring at 15.4 ppg., - sixth in the HL. His 55 treys lead UDM and his 2.9 three-point field goals per game are second in the HL and 42nd in the nation.
WILSON!, OH WILSON!Senior
Anton Wilson was a man on a mission in the HL opening win over Youngstown State as he posted a career-high 34 points – including 26 in the second half.
Wilson was a career-best 10-of-18 shooting and 11-of-11 at the line with three treys.
Wilson tied his career high of 21 before he even hit his first three of the game.
The 34 points were the most by a Titan since
Juwan Howard Jr. had 34 against Valpo in 2014.
He is one of eight HL players to net 30 or more in a game this season with his 34 markers tying for the fifth most in the HL.
DOUBLE-UP CHRISJunior
Chris Jenkins has scored in double figures 12 times already, which includes four 20-point games, a career high in points and three double-doubles.
He is coming off a great weekend where he averaged 22.5 points with 20 at Milwaukee and 25 at Green Bay, team highs in both games.
He netted his career-high 26 points with 10 rebounds and three steals in the win over UCF.
He has also tallied 17 points and 11 rebounds against Toledo - where he also has a career-best four blocks, and that came after tallying 14 points and six rebounds in the win over Northeastern.
At No. 16/13 Vanderbilt, he netted 11 points hitting three 3-pointers and registered a career-high four steals. At Oral Roberts, Jenkins had 16 points and a career-tying 13 rebounds, and he started the streak with a then career-high 25 points against UM-Dearborn.
On the year, the do-it-all Titan has:
- 12 games in double figures
- 15 games with five or more rebounds
- 9 games with two or more assists
- 4 games with two or more steals.
He is currently third on the team and 10th in the HL in scoring (13.5), while standing second on the team and 11th in the league in field-goal percentage (49.4%).
He is also among the team leaders and the top 15 in the Horizon League in:
Free throw percentage (82.7%) - 6th
Rebounding (6.4) - 8th
3-Point Field Goal Percentage (43.8%) - 8th
Steals (1.1) - 14tth
NATIONAL DUNK FOR CJJunior
Chris Jenkins provided some highlights for the nation to see against UIC on Jan. 8 as his put back dunk was rated No. 5 by Fox Sports Live and No. 8 by Sportscenter on their top 10 plays of the day.
#1 SHOOTING 3'SSharpshooting senior
Anton Wilson continues to make his name show up in the Titan record books.
He shot 41.8 percent from behind the arc last season, a number that ranks sixth in school history as he was 56-of-134 from long distance.
This season, he is hitting the three at 44.7 percent (55-of-123), which is currently second in school history behind the 48.1 percent by Archie Tullos in 1987 as well as 27th in the country.
His 55, 3-pointers on the season is just one behind his career-high of 56 last year.
With his four triples in the season opener, he passed Titan legend and 12-year NBA veteran Willie Green and is now fifth in school history with 174 career 3-pointers.
He is also currently third in UDM history with a 41.3 three-point field goal percentage.
Titan Career 3-Point Field Goal Leaders1. Rashad Phillips, 1998-01 - 348
2. Desmond Ferguson, 1998-00 - 235
3. Dwayne Kelley, 1990-93 - 224
4. Jon Goode, 2005-08 - 202
5. Anton Wilson, 2012-pre. - 174Titan Career 3-Point Field Goal Percentage Leaders1. Archie Tullos, 1985-88 - .433
2. Bill Wood, 1987-90 - .415
3. Anton Wilson, 2012-pre. - .413TRIPLE 3 SPECIALITYAnton Wilson started the season with back-to-back games hitting four 3-pointers, and he added another game with four treys at #16/13 Vanderbilt. He also hit a season-high five treys vs. Bowling Green, one off his career best.
Wilson has now made a triple in all 19 games this season.
He also has 16 career game with four or more treys, 81 career games with at least two 3-pointers and 29 games knocking down at least three treys.
EASY POINTSSenior
Anton Wilson is a career 84.7 percent shooter at the free throw line connecting on 122-of-144 career attempts.
He does not have enough free throw attempts to qualify for the school record book, or his career percentage would rank fourth.
He is also 55-of-63 (87.3%) this season - second in the HL - at the free-throw line, the most makes and attempts he has ever had at the charity stripe in his career.
GERALD'S CASEFreshman
Gerald Blackshear had back-to-back double-digit scoring games for the first time this season as he tallied 10 points and five boards versus Cleveland State and 11 points with six caroms in the win over UIC.
In his Horizon League debut, he posted six points with eight rebounds, a block and a steal in just 17 minutes against Youngstown State. He had a career night posting 12 points and five rebounds with a block in the win over Northeastern back in December.
In his collegiate debut, he posted a game-high 10 rebounds to go with six points, three assists and three steals against Central State and tied his career high with 10 boards at EMU.
Blackshear has now recorded seven or more rebounds six times this year and is second on the team and 18th in the Horizon League in rebounding at 5.1 per game.
JA-LETHALSophomore
Jaleel Hogan has been in double figures nine times on the year and is coming off two great games where he was a force in the paint.
He was 6-of-6 shooting scoring 13 points at Wright State in 15 minutes of action and that was after tallying a career-high 20 points with eight rebounds in just 25 minutes against Oakland.
He had his first career double-double with 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Bowling Green.
He recently had 17 points against Youngstown State, where he was 7-of-7 from the field with five boards, and recorded a then-career-high 16 points at Pittsburgh.
He is tied for fourth on the team with 4.1 rebounds and fourth netting 9.5 points per game, all while shooting 55.3 percent, second in the HL.
PAINT MANWith his strength, sophomore
Jaleel Hogan is uncanny in the paint showcased by his career 58.1 (136-of-234) field-goal percentage.
Last season, he ended the year with a blistering 62.0 field goal percentage (62-of-100), which would rank third in school history for a single season, but was 25 shot attempts shy from qualifying for that mark.
CB'S FINAL STANDCarlton Brundidge has had a career year so far in his final season of eligibility.
He is currently tied for second on the team with 2.2 assists and is sixth on the team in scoring (8.7) and sixth in rebounding (3.4).
Brundidge is coming off a game that saw him record 15 points, six rebounds and three assists at Green Bay, all in 24 minutes.He had 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals against Cleveland State and 15 points, three caroms and three assists versus UIC.
Earlier in the year, he posted a career-best 23 points at Oral Roberts - 17 in the second half - where he was a career-high 10-of-19 from the field with five boards and two assists.
He also had 12 points at Pittsburgh, and against UM-Dearborn, he scored 10 points and handed out a career-high nine helpers.
A HELPING HANDSophomore
Paris Bass tallied his career high with six assists against Oakland, while junior
Chris Jenkins had career-high five assists against Youngstown State and freshman
Josh McFolley handed out a season-high six against Cleveland State.
HIGH-SCORING ROOKIEFreshman
Josh McFolley has scored in double figures eight times this year, including a season-high 20-points in the victory over Northeastern, 19 at Eastern Michigan and 16 in the win versus Toledo.
He was 8-of-15 against the Huskies and 6-of-11 against the Rockets. He also had three steals versus UT, including a steal with 21 seconds left that led to a layup to help seal the win.
He handed out a season-high six assists in the win over Cleveland State.
He is currently fifth on the team with 9.4 ppg. - third among HL rookies.
He leads all HL freshmen in three-point field goals per game (1.8) - 13th in the HL - and is second among rookies in three-point field goal percentage (38.8%).
