Wichita State came out tonight with one goal in mind, to win. WSU wanted to knock off at least one of the other teams tied for first place at 3-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The tie was between WSU, Creighton, Missouri State, and Illinois State. The Shockers looked strong in the first four minutes of the game, scoring 11 points and not allowing the Redbirds even one good look at the basket. Wichita State was really going after the ball. This was seen at about the 12 minute mark, where there was 6 offensive rebounds that finally ended with a 2 point layup from Ben Smith. ILST was not even able to break 10 points until the 11 minute mark. WSU was confident, making good decisions, and giving the Redbirds a strong look at an excellent zone defense. The Shockers were so confident that Raglin passed, what I thought would be the delivery of the game, to David Kyles for an alley oop. This strong showing allowed for the Shockers to go into the half up by 15.
At the half, the Shockers led 38-22. During halftime, one could overhear chuckles about Bryant Allen, who air balled at the twelve minute mark and was unable to make a basket after that, and girls saying, "I am bored." The crowd was confident and relaxed as the WSU dance team performed their routine and children raced their Kdot fords. The halftime statistics showed the Shockers were 2 for 8 in 3 pointers, had 23 rebounds, 3 steals and were shooting 43.3%. The Redbirds were 4 for 13 in 3 pointers, had 13 rebounds, 2 steals and were shooting 30.8% Going on the locker rooms, no one knew what to expect.
The second half started and the Shockers looked relax. They were able to make it to a 19 point lead before the Redbirds came back. It was a slow pick at WSU, who seemed to have no answer for Moore. The Shockers lost the lead as Bryant Allen, who did not score much in the second half either, was able to assist Moore at least three times. Moore made four consecutive shots, three of which where from three point arch, to cut the WSU's lead to only 8. Allen was able to score finally at the five minute mark, shortly after, a lay up from Moore brought ILST within one point. During this time, WSU was unable to make a shot fall. The Shockers had two long stretches of inability to make a basket. This time also consisted of the team forcing the three. The seven minutes of not scoring gave the Redbirds the chance to get back into the game. In the stands, the Shocker fans were having difficulty breathing, getting dizzy, and astonished at the fact that the team blew a 19 point lead. In what felt like eternity, the five minutes ended with two key free throws from Toure to seal a five point lead with 19 seconds left. The Shockers had luck on their side in the game again as the take home the win.
The Shockers won 65-62 and remain tied for first with Missouri State and #21 ranked Creighton. The Shockers' motto for the rest of the season really needs to be Mental Toughness Xtra Effort. WSU needs to remain focused and not relax in games, no matter how big the lead is. The Shockers need to use the arsenal that was so perfectly put together by Coach Gregg Marshall. The depth, the defense, and the skill need to be displayed for all to see. If the team can show the skill and maturity that the Shocker fans know they have, no other team has a chance in the Valley or in the NCAA tournament. Finally to the fans, remember to rally and as always, Go Shox!
No comments:
Post a Comment