Wichita State improved to 10-0 for the first time in school history after the Shockers toppled Tennessee 70-61.

The team was led by junior Tekele Cotton. Tekele scored 19 points, all in the second half, and had 5 rebounds.

The Shockers also played in front of a record crowd of 14,356 fans at INTRUST Bank Arena, which were the most fans to attend a home game ever.

“Great crowd, great energy, the atmosphere was awesome, and we move to 10-0 on the season,” said head coach Gregg Marshall.

The Shockers broke the mold and started off hot from the field behind two three pointers from sophomore Fred VanVleet.

“Early in the game, the crowd showed up in a way for the biggest game this season,” VanVleet said.

After that the Shockers and Volunteers traded baskets until halftime. Tennessee was up by one when the teams hit the lockers.

When the Shockers hit the floor after the break, it wasn’t immediately a blowout. Tennessee fought hard and stuck around for awhile.

Then Cotton had a monstrous block when Tennessee was on a fast break. This led to Cotton getting three points on the other end of the floor to score three points the old fashion way.                      

A minute later, junior Darius Carter tipped in a missed free throw to give the Shockers a 49-44 lead.

Senior Cleanthony Early knocked down a huge three pointer with 2:46 left in the game, and Tennessee could never recover.

Carter also posted the second double-double by a Shocker this season. With 11 points and 14 rebounds and was named player of the game.

“Darius had 9 rebounds at the half and this was a breakout game for him,” Marshall said. “Cotton came ready to practice yesterday so I expected him to have a huge game today, and he showed up in the second half.”

Wichita State battles the Crimson Tide in Alabama on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Coleman Coliseum for their next game.