The Wright State Raiders welcomed the Florida Atlantic Owls to the Nutter Center in Dayton for a mid-major battle on Friday night that folks expected to be competitive. Instead, the Raiders dominated on their home court, capturing a 97-71 victory.

Wright State, for the second straight game to open the 2026 season, never trailed its opponent. Before the Raiders embark on their first road trip of the year, let’s take a look at three things their triumphant victory over the Owls proved to any foes in their path:

Andrea Holden is a PROBLEM

Not a problem for Wright State, of course, but for anyone in a different colored jersey on the court. Holden had two double-doubles in his career entering the year. Now, he has four, with back-to-back double-doubles to open the season.

Holden scored or assisted nine of the Raiders’ first 19 points vs. Florida Atlantic. With so many players from the 2025-26 roster elsewhere, the third-year forward is taking advantage of every opportunity in his enhanced role.

Every team in the country could use a player that brings the energy Holden provides. FAU had the size advantage on Wright State, but he fought his way into 11 rebounds. He’s not letting his shift in offensive opportunities impact his mindset. His 20 points vs. Air Force and 19 against the Owls were the best scoring outputs of his career.

The best part about Holden’s success? It has come with Kellen Pickett as the primary focus for opposing frontcourts. If he continues to flourish, coaches will have to adjust their defensive strategy, which will free Pickett for more production.

CJ O’Hara and Chadlyn Traylor fit well together

Clint Sargent knew what Dominic Pangonis would provide him in his backcourt. He knew what to expect from Traylor and O’Hara after adding them in the transfer portal, but didn’t see it on full display in the season opener vs. Air Force. Against FAU, the duo delivered in much larger fashion.

Traylor and O’Hara combined for 44 points and eight rebounds on Friday night. If the Raider offense continues clicking in all facets, like it has been, they’re going to be tough for anyone, let alone Horizon League peers, to beat across 40 minutes.

Wright State doesn’t need to make threes to win

The Raiders connected on 43% of their three-pointers (10/23) vs. Air Force. Against Florida Atlantic, they hit only 35% (7/20). Pangonis only attempted three treys in the game. Yet, Wright State won by 26 because they owned the paint, outscoring the Owls 42-28 inside.

The best teams have multiple ways to beat you. Doubling the Falcons 52-26 in the paint on Monday is one thing, but outworking the Owls there, too, is a much better indication of the Raiders’ ability to do that consistently.

FAU shot 42% from three-point range (8/19) and couldn’t hang with the Raiders because of the performance in the paint. Other teams won’t be able to stick around long, either, if they maintain their presence down low.

Wright State Record: 2-0 (0-0 Horizon)

Next Up: at Toledo, Nov. 10 (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)