Wichita Shocks Western Kentucky in Thrilling Road Opener

Wichita Shocks Western Kentucky in Thrilling Road Opener

On a lively Monday evening, the city of Wichita held its breath as the Wichita State men’s basketball team took to the court against Western Kentucky in their first true road season opener since 1992. In a nail-biting encounter at the Diddle Arena, the Shockers showcased their grit and tenacity, edging past the Hilltoppers with a final score of 91-84.

1. Keeping Composure Under Pressure

With the home crowd buzzing, the pressure was undeniably on the Shockers to maintain their cool. As Western Kentucky fought back and began to close the gap, Wichita State proved their readiness to deliver when it mattered most. A pivotal moment came midway through the second half when senior point guard Bijan Cortes executed a perfectly timed pick-and-roll with Matej Bosnjak. Cortes lofted a beautiful pass, allowing the Croatian big man to score while drawing a foul, bringing the score to 78-69 with just over four minutes left on the clock.

Western Kentucky wasn’t done yet; they quickly responded with a basket. However, senior Justin Hill was there to match their intensity by hitting a stunning mid-range jumper after an ankle-breaking step-back move, extending the Shockers’ lead to 80-71 with just under four minutes remaining. As the clock wound down, Wichita found themselves ahead by 84-73, but a string of missed free throws momentarily rattled them, allowing the Hilltoppers to claw back within three points. Fortunately, Hill stepped up once again, and his cool demeanor at the free-throw line helped secure the victory.

2. Justin Hill’s Spectacular Showcase

When we talk about standout performances, one name definitely lights up the scoreboard: Justin Hill. The transfer from Georgia had a strong presence on the floor, especially in the first half when the Shockers were struggling. He single-handedly steadied the ship, knocking down crucial baskets when the Shockers found themselves trailing.

As Western Kentucky surged ahead, Hill stepped back and calmly sank a deep three-pointer, helping to shift the momentum back to Wichita State. He didn’t stop there; he finished the first half with an impressive 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. The Shockers rallied late in the half, closing out with an 8-0 run and heading into halftime with a 43-38 lead. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Hill had racked up a phenomenal 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, tying his career high with four three-pointers. What a debut!

3. Resilience is Key

Another exciting aspect of the game was the Shockers’ resilience. They faced some challenges early on, including a shaky start characterized by turnovers and some ill-timed fouls. Coach Paul Mills had to intervene with a timeout after Western Kentucky’s rapid scoring pushed the Shockers into a corner. But the spirit and determination of the team shone through as they found their rhythm once again.

Evidently, WSU’s tough mindset allowed them to regroup. They seized control by closing out the first half with an impressive 8-0 run, leaving the Diddle Arena crowd stunned. It was a sight to behold as Xavier Bell added a couple of crucial layups during a critical stretch, finishing with 17 points himself, joining Hill in lighting up the scoreboard.

All in all, this opening game has set the tone for what the fans can expect for the season. With their blend of poise and resilience, the Shockers not only claimed victory but also provided a preview of an exciting season ahead. Who knows what other thrilling moments are in store? Wichita State basketball is officially back!