Scheduled Game: WICHITA STATE @MEI

92

GAME RESULTS 1 2 T Wichita State 52 40 92 « FINAL Trinity Western 30 33 63

63

Game Recap

Men’s Basketball (Pre-season, NCAA Div I) 
Saturday, September 2, 2006
TWU Spartans (63) vs Wichita State Shockers (92)

Shockers Stop Spartans
Missouri Valley’s Wichita State tops TWU to open 2006 preseason

Wichita Eagle Notes -link

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – The Wichita State University Shockers defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans 92-63 in an NCAA Division I preseason match-up Saturday night at the Mennonite Education Institute (MEI) in Abbotsford, B.C. The Shockers, who play in the Missouri Valley Conference, are coming off a great season where they made it all the way to the NCAA Sweet 16 beating Seton Hall and Tennessee before losing to Cinderella George Mason.  The Shockers were ranked 21st in the final ESPN Coaches poll.

The Spartans had a good start to the contest and led the Shockers 5-4 three minutes into the game. Wichita’s Drew Slate hit the next basket for the Shockers to give them a 6-5 lead, a lead that the Shockers never relinquished.

With eight minutes to go in the first half Wichita had built their lead to ten points, 23-13. But led by Luke Robinson (Ahousat, B.C.) and Brian Banman (Kelowna, B.C.) the Spartans responded and used an 11-5 run to close to within four points, 28-24 with 5:30 remaining. It was as close as TWU would get.

Wichita finished the half with a dunk by PJ Couisnard (Houston, TX/Yates HS) to give the Shockers a 52-30 lead.

The Spartans started to find their grove in the second half. They kept the pace of play up and were able to match the Shockers for the first 18 minutes of the second half. Then just over two minutes remaining and the Shockers up 85-61, Wichita closed out the game with a 7-2 run to make the final 92-63.

“I was pleased with what we did in the second half,” said TWU Head Coach Stan Peters. “With 12 minutes remaining we started to get in a real flow both offensively and defensively. Wichita’s point guards did a great job handling our pressure. Most teams that we play would have turned the ball over a lot more.”

Brian Banman led the Spartans with 15 points and three rebounds, while Kyle Wilson (Plano, TX/Illinois) led the Shockers with 20 points. Sean Ogirri (Denver, Colo./East HS) had seven rebounds for Wichita, while Joe Vroom (Abbotsford, B.C.) led the Spartans with six boards.

The Spartans have now played 11 games against NCAA Division I competition.  They have yet to post a W but they have come close. Last year they dropped their preseason opener 88-86 to Cal State Northridge. In October of 2004 they lost in overtime 75-63 to the University of Georgia and in October of 2003 they lost 82-79 to Creighton.

Next up for the Spartans is Sunday evening against the Fresno State Bulldogs. Tip off at MEI is scheduled for 5 p.m.
 
Tickets are available online or at the door. Current rates are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors/students. Go to http://www.twu.ca/athletics/ticket-prices.aspx to order online tickets

Game Notes: Wichita shot 56.9% (37-65) from the field to TWU’s 36% (22-61)...both teams had trouble from the foul line. The Shockers shot 47.6% (10-21), while the Spartans were slightly better at 54.2% (13-24)...Wichita had the edge on the boards, out-rebounding TWU 39-30...

-TW-

Play-by-Play

Photo Gallery