Losing A Classic Game

(St. Louis, MO) –  The dream season has come to an end. Wichita State fell to Kentucky 78 to 76 ending their season and 35-1. The mercurial rise to number two in the national polls and a record setting win total came to a screeching halt as the longer and more athletic Cats escaped Scottrade Center with the narrow win.

Gregg Marshall’s team played a near perfect first half leading 37-31 at the break, and were nearly as good in the second half losing what some were calling a ‘classic college basketball game.’

Both teams shot 55% or better from the field and 44% or better from beyond the arc. There were great individual performances like Cleanthony Early’s 31 point and seven rebound master piece and the brilliant shooting performances of Aaron (19) and Andrew (20) Harrison.

Early said he was just trying to do all he could to help his team win the game.

 

The difference in this game came down to rebounding and second chance points. As discussed before the game here at Valley Hoops Insider and other forums, the huge size differential between these teams came into play in a major way.

Kentucky out rebounded the Shockers 32 to 23 and outscored them 16 to 3 in second chance points. In a two point game, that is a massive difference.

The resilient Shockers answered every hay maker thrown by the NBA bound performers of John Calipari. Ron Baker’s four, three point baskets all came in clutch situations. In a game of inches Fred VanVleet’s three point attempt at the buzzer was just off and the perfect season was over.

Baker said he thought his team played well, and of that last shot attempt by VanVleet, he said he wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to take it.

 

To a man, the Shocker locker room was heart broken, but unbowed. To a man, they realize they can play with any team in the nation and they put on a show before a national CBS audience, but that didn’t heal the pain.

Chadrack Lufile,and Darius Carter,  two of the three WSU big men both said they gave it there all and believe they can play with anyone in the country. 

 

35 and 1. An amazing achievement for the this Missouri Valley Conference school. They have won their last 39 games not against teams from Kentucky. Ron Baker said that part really stunk. This dynamic team will be strong again next year, but that is a story for another day.

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