Peter Aiken-USA Today Sports
The credit goes to Colt Ryan and Evansville, but to no fault of Wichita State‘s shot selection on the road.
The No. 23 ranked team in the land, who will probably fall from the rankings on Monday, despite Sunday’s loss to Evansville marking just their second defeat of the season, was prolific on offense and finished right around their season average from a statistical standpoint.
The Shockers entered the contest averaging 71.0 points per game, but the 71-67 loss now leaves them a game behind league-leading Creighton in the conference standings. The Aces on the other hand, have now pulled themselves within the mix as both squads currently boast 4-1 records within the Missouri Valley Conference.
The eye-popping number from Wichita State’s loss however, was their shooting percentage. The Shockers shot 54.3% from the field, but managed to succumb to the Aces in a game that they were favored in. It was not to be however, so that’s why the credit goes to Evansville, who at 11-6 overall is looking to make a case within league play.
Malcolm Armstead led the way in the win with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Cleanthony Early added 16 points of his own on 4-of-7 from the field. Aside from their overall percentage offensively, the Shockers were also 11-of-13 as a team from the line and 6-of-14 (42.9%) from distance.
The numbers are more than efficient to win a basketball game, but the Aces’ ability to force turnovers was the story. In addition, Wichita State also out-rebounded Evansville 33-19 in the game, but it was their sloppy play that ended up costing them. The Aces won the turnover battle, 22-9.
Wichita State will look to clean things up and get back on track when Illinois State comes to town on Wednesday.
Paul Seaver is the College Basketball Network Manager at Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
