Wayne State opened its 2026-27 season with an 83-70 loss to No. 14 Walsh, undone by turnovers, missed free throws and a major gap in bench scoring. The Warriors cut the deficit to five early in the second half, but Walsh pulled away and led by as many as 16.

By the Numbers
  • Walsh forced 19 turnovers, including 15 steals; Wayne State scored 12 points off turnovers.
  • Wayne State made 20 of 31 free throws; Walsh made 15 of 17.
  • Walsh’s bench outscored Wayne State’s, 46-18.
  • Marshall Thorn and Walsh’s Jadi Cunningham each scored 15 points.
What’s Next

Wayne State heads to Ohio for games against Malone on Friday at 1 p.m. and host Ashland on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Bottom Line

Wayne State’s shooting percentage nearly matched Walsh’s, but turnovers, free-throw misses and Walsh’s depth proved decisive in the opener.