Shockers roll the Redbirds

Darius Carter goes for a floater over a defender during Wednesday night’s game at Charles Koch Arena. The Shockers beat Illinois State 66-47.

Fred VanVleet led the Shockers during this game, but not in points. The Shockers rolled the Redbirds 66-47.

Despite being taken out for about 6 minutes in the second half because of an apparent injury, VanVleet hauled in 7 rebounds (a season high) and 10 assists.

The Shockers held Illinois State to a 28 percent shooting mark, which shows how much this team focused on defense tonight. 

The Shockers started off on a 7-3 run behind back-to-back threes by Cleanthony Early and a free throw by Darius Carter.

Illinois State bounced back, bringing the Shocker lead to a mere two 14-12.

Wichita State responded with a 12-1 run of their own to bring the lead up to 26-13 with 5:52 left in the first half.

As the first half wound down, Ron Baker shot a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer and missed, but Carter flew into the play and tipped the ball. He beat the clock.

This put the score at 37-24 going into the break, and the Shockers often led by as many as 20 points.

Baker set up the defining play of the second half. He threw a lob from half-court to Nick Wiggins, who threw the ball in from a solid 9 inches above the rim.

The play shocked the Illinois State defense, allowing Shocker defense to take the game.

With a final score of 66-47, the Shockers added another win into their win column on the year.

Wichita State next visits Missouri State with a 7 p.m. tip off in JHQ Arena. The game can be seen on Kansas 22.