Shockers beat Bradley, set Division 1 record with 30-0 streak
Freshman Derail Green drives into the basket for a lay-up against Bradley defenders during Tuesday nights game at Charles Koch Arena. Green shot eight points for the night as the Shockers remain undefeated by beating Bradely 72-50.
So many streaks. And the Wichita State Shockers (30-0, 17-0 MVC) made them all survive.
Ron Baker scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, Tekele Cotton added 13 points and the Shockers pulled away to beat the Bradley Braves 69-49 on Tuesday night — their ninth straight regular-season win over Bradley, their fourth straight win at Bradley and most importantly, their 30th straight victory.
“It’s what we talked about,” Marshall said. “These group of players, these group of young men, they love the challenge of being the first and the only and the best. And that was the mantra tonight, 30 equals one.”
The Shockers etched their place in history as the first team in Division I college basketball to start the regular season with 30 straight wins.
“It kind of gave them another ring to grab in this magical merry-go-round of a season,” WSU head coach Gregg Marshall said.
Fred VanVleet scored 11 points and Cleathony Early added 12.
For VanVleet, it was extra special as he celebrated his 20th birthday knowing he had a hand in a piece of history.
“It’s amazing when you really think about all the teams that’s played this game,” he said. “Some of the greatest teams, greatest players. For our name to be up there and have our name in the record books, it symbolizes who we are and what we are. 30 wins is special.”
WSU pulled away three minutes into the second half with three-consecutive three-pointers from VanVleet and Early to lead 44-30.
The Braves clogged the paint to prevent WSU from beating them inside and promptly responded by knocking down 10 three-pointers.
In addition to the historic overall regular season record, this is also the first Shocker team to win all of their road games.
The Shockers return home for their regular season finale to face the Missouri State Bears Saturday.