Message Sent By Shockers

(St. Lous, MO) – Just when we thought there might be a brewing rivalry in the Missouri Valley Conference, Wichita State slapped Illinois State around like the neighborhood bully they have often proven to be.

Saturday’s 86-45 throttling was over early. Just over 12 minutes into the game, the score was tied at 18 on a Deontae Hawkins triple, but Wichita State finished the first half with a 17-4 run, and it was over.

Shaq Morris was intimidating (11 points & 11 rebounds). Markis McDuffie was a high-light reel performer (16 points, five rebounds & three steals) and Conner Frankamp recorded a career high 18 points, knocking down four bombs with drone-like accuracy.

Illinois State’s (19-5, 11-1) 12 game winning streak came to a screeching halt and the Redbirds were clearly not the same team that defeated WSU in mid January. They missed the physical presence and production of junior MiKyle McIntosh. The team’s second leading scorer and rebounder is out until at least the final week of the season after this week’s knee surgery.

Wichita State (21-4, 11-1) forged a tie for the top spot in the Valley with a dominating defensive effort. They held ISU to a 33.3% shooting night. Hawkins, the team’s leading scorer made just two of ten field goal attempts. Paris Lee was two of 11 and finished with four points.

Meanwhile, the Shocker offense roared through the Redbird defense that came into the game with the nation’s fourth best defensive field goal percentage. WSU made over 56% of their shots and out rebounded ISU 37 to 29.

With six games left, there is no time to rest for the two title contenders. Illinois State plays at Drake on Tuesday, while the Shockers are off until a Thursday night home contest with Missouri State.

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