Wright State Raiders vs Detroit Mercy Titans Pick and Prediction for Friday January 9 2025
The Wright State Raiders travel to Calihan Hall to take on the Detroit Mercy Titans on Friday, January 9, 2026. This 7:00 PM EST matchup on ESPN+ features two of the Horizon League's top teams in the early conference standings, with the Raiders (9-7, 4-1) looking to stay atop the league against a significantly improved Titans (6-8, 3-2) squad. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the Horizon League and all college hoops action, be sure to check out the latest free college basketball picks over at Winners and Whiners.
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Wright State Raiders: Poise in the Paint
The Raiders enter Friday on a three-game winning streak, recently securing a gritty 81-77 road win at IU Indy. Wright State boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the Horizon League, averaging 78.4 points per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field. Their success is rooted in interior dominance and a high-pressure defense that averages 8.7 steals per game.
The big story for Wright State is the status of leading scorer Michael Cooper (15.4 PPG). Cooper has missed the last two games with a hand injury and remains questionable for tonight's contest. In his absence, Michael Imariagbe (15.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG) and TJ Burch (3.0 APG) have stepped up, with Imariagbe coming off a 19-point performance in their latest victory.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,494.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +1,859.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +1,788.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,428.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,400.00 |
Detroit Mercy Titans: Calihan Hall Advantage
Under head coach Mark Montgomery, Detroit Mercy has already tripled their win total from the previous season. The Titans feature a balanced attack led by sophomore TJ Nadeau (13.4 PPG) and veteran guard Orlando Lovejoy (12.2 PPG). They are particularly effective on the glass, averaging 39.0 rebounds per game, which ranks near the top of the conference.
Detroit Mercy has a few injury concerns of their own. Senior forward Jared Lary is currently OUT with an undisclosed injury. However, the Titans have relied heavily on their bench depth, which recently produced a season-high 59 points in a win over IU Indy. Guard Tyler Spratt has also found his rhythm lately, shooting over 42% from three-point range in his last six outings.
Wright State Raiders vs. Detroit Mercy Prediction
This is a classic matchup of Wright State’s offensive efficiency versus Detroit Mercy’s rebounding and newfound bench depth. While Wright State is the statistical favorite, the potential absence of Michael Cooper makes this a much tighter contest in a hostile road environment.
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy ATS Pick
- Pick: Detroit Mercy +5.5 (-105)
Detroit Mercy has been a different team at Calihan Hall this season, and their ability to dominate the glass (+4.0 rebound margin over WSU) will limit the Raiders' second-chance opportunities. If Michael Cooper is sidelined or limited by his hand injury, Wright State loses a significant chunk of their perimeter scoring. Expect the Titans to keep this within two possessions or pull off the outright upset.
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy Total Pick
- Pick: Over 147.5 (-108)
Both teams have shown they can put up points in bunches when they get into Horizon League play. Wright State’s defense allows nearly 69 points per game, but they play at a high tempo that often forces opponents into a track meet. Detroit Mercy has scored 75+ in three of their last five games. Look for a final score in the 78-74 range.
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