Wichita State’s primary contributors in scoring and rebounding weren’t as productive during its first round matchup in the National Invitation Tournament against Wyoming.
Senior guard Kenyon Giles, WSU’s leading scorer at 19 points per game, went 5-for-17 from the field for 15 points Tuesday night at Koch Arena and was smothered by the Cowboys’ defense most of the game. Junior center Will Berg, who finished fifth in rebounds in the American Conference with 8.2 per game, played through an ankle injury and only grabbed three rebounds.
If Wichita State hoped to move on in the NIT, the Shockers needed the scoring and rebounding voids filled. Freshman forward TJ Williams stepped up and did just that, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds, his second double-double of the season, in the Shockers’ 74-70 win.
In the post-game interview session, Williams wore the team’s “Migraine Chain,” the flashy necklace awarded by WSU coach Paul Mills to the player of the game. The necklace is an individual award, but Williams said he simply wants to “make the right play” for his teammates.
“We’re trying to chase a banner and ring,” Williams said.
Wichita State, which improved to 23-11, advances to play at Oklahoma State on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Mills was impressed with “TJ’s ability to rebound and then break out and make plays.”
It was Williams’ first double-double since a WSU victory over Prairie View A&M on Nov. 8.
“His assertiveness at the rim was terrific,” Mills said.
Williams especially shined in the last seven minutes of the battle against Wyoming (18-15). He scored 11 of Wichita State’s last 23 points and came down with eight rebounds in that time span.
“You can trust this guy down the stretch,” Giles said of Williams. “He can guard the ball and finish at the rim. It’s just a blessing, having a young guy like this that’s poised in these types of situations.”
Furthermore, Williams, a 6-foot-5 Wichita native, recorded 13 points and nine rebounds in the second half alone. Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks had high praise for Williams’ stellar performance.
“We have to go get a four-man (power forward) who can go be like TJ Williams,” Wicks said. “He was the difference tonight in my opinion.”
