Shockers beat Tulsa, continue AAC climb
Wichita State continues to climb the standings in the American Athletic Conference.
The Shockers beat Tulsa on Saturday, continuing their two-game winning streak, 79-68.
Shocker freshman Dexter Dennis put an exclamation point on the win, intercepting a pass, and flushing a dunk with 19 seconds left in play. The game was over. The Shockers had a nine-point lead. Dexter could have dribbled out the clock. But that when you’ve struggled in the ways that the Shockers have this season, freshmen like Dennis use every opportunity to savor the positive moments.
Markis McDuffie scored a game-high 27 points, scoring 14 in the first half. He added seven rebounds.
The Shockers let a four-point halftime lead slip away as Tulsa went on an early run. With under 11 minutes left in play, WSU trailed by nine points.
“I was going to do whatever it takes,” McDuffie said, telling his teammates “we aren’t losing this game.”
“He (McDuffie) grabbed them by the bootstraps and said ‘we aren’t going to lose this game,’” Marshall said of his lone four-year senior. “Then he made sure with some tremendous plays, offensive rebounds, and some defensive stops.”
In the midst of the Shockers’ comeback bid, sophomore 7-footer Asbjørn Midtgaard hit the deck. Clutching his head, Midtgaard was slow to get up. He was immediately taken to the locker room and did not return to the bench for the remainder of play.
Jaime Echenique scored 16 points in the front-court, breaking a six-game spell where he’s failed to post more than six points.
The Shockers held the Golden Hurricane scoreless for the final 2:10 of the game and forced Tulsa to 18 turnovers.
“We finally started to pursue the basketball like we have in the past around here,” Marshall said.
Dennis had a complete game for WSU, posting 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and an assist.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” Marshall said. “We are going to enjoy this victory.”
Up next, WSU will next travel to East Carolina on Wednesday in search of the team’s first road win.
Marshall Sunner was the sports editor for The Sunflower. Sunner majored in communications with a journalism emphasis. He was born and raised in Hutchinson,...
Joseph Barringhaus was the sports photo editor for The Sunflower. Joseph majored in marketing with a minor in communications. He was born in Michigan but...