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NCAA Tournament: Day 4 Recap, Review and Analysis

By Nathan Giese

Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Shaquille Morris (24) and guard Fred VanVleet (23) react as they head into a timeout against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Shaquille Morris (24) and guard Fred VanVleet (23) react as they head into a timeout against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Shaquille Morris (24) and guard Fred VanVleet (23) react as they head into a timeout against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Shaquille Morris (24) and guard Fred VanVleet (23) react as they head into a timeout against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Not So Shocking Final

#7 Wichita State Shockers upend state ‘rival’ #2 Kansas Jayhawks, 78-65

Wichita State became the aggressor in the second half and rode the hot shooting touch of Evan Wessel and determination of Tekele Cotton to shut down Kansas, earning state superiority (at least for a few months).

Frank Mason III and Perry Ellis did all they could to get the Jayhawks over their slumps during the game, but no-show performances from Wayne Selden and Kelly Oubre were the difference as the Shockers’ “other guys,” if you will, stepped up in a major way.

Four players finished with double figure scoring games for Wichita State, led by Cotton’s 19-point, three-assist, two-steal performance. Fred VanVleet contributed 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals, being a pest on defense and level headed on offense. Ron Baker went 5-for-10 from the field for 12 points and Wessel went 4-for-6 from three for 12 points.

Mason went for 16 points and six rebounds while Ellis led Kansas with 17 points and eight rebounds. That Cliff Alexander guy played pretty well, too.

Normally, because of the seeding, this would be labeled an upset. However, I’m here to make a statement, to stand up for the little guy.

All season long, I have heard time and time again that “Wichita State has never beaten anybody” to explain why they have such a great record over the last two years. Most of this is from irrational people, but it’s still irritating to see a team get labeled “overrated” just because they’re in a mid-major conference.

Wichita State is not a mid-major program, but the Missouri Valley is a mid-major conference. Sort of like how Gonzaga is not a mid-major program but the West Coast Conference is a mid-major conference.

So, now that I have rambled a bit, I have one question. Has Wichita State still “never beaten anyone” noteworthy? Or is Kansas just another nobody?

Kansas finishes the season with a 27-8 record.

Wichita State advances to its second Sweet 16 in three years.

Next: Flyers Have Their Wings Clipped