Malcom Armstead's Career Game a Bright Spot For Wichita State Heading Into NCAA Tournament

On Sunday evening, the Creighton Bluejays completed their Missouri Valley Conference sweep by claiming the MVC Tournament title.

Despite a late rally from Wichita State, the Bluejays were able to hold off the Shockers after a potential game-tying three rimmed off. Although the Shockers failed to grab either the regular season or tournament title from Creighton, Wichita State is still bound for the NCAA Tournament.

At 26-8, the Shockers have had another tremendous season, thanks to head coach Gregg Marshall who has been able to keep Wichita State in contention despite some losses from a season ago. Cleanthony Early and Carl Hall have been the team’s go-to-guys, but on Sunday, the Shockers saw their third option offensively explode for a career high.

Malcolm Armstead, a senior guard who is averaging 10.4 points per game, put up 28 in the Shockers’ loss to Creighton on Sunday. Armstead’s career day could really be a bright spot for Wichita State heading into the NCAA Tournament. No, Marshall and the Shockers can’t expect Armstead to put up even close to 28 points a game, but his production may be crucial in their attempts to make some noise within the Big Dance.

If Armstead can produce at a higher rate than the numbers he has averaged all season, then watch out, the Shockers just got that much more dangerous. In addition to that, Armstead is certainly sky-high from the game on Sunday and should be entering the Shockers’ Round of 64 match-up with all the confidence in the world.

Wichita State will await their NCAA Tournament match-up on Sunday when they bracket is released.

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS