The Wichita State Shockers, currently ranked 88th nationally in the NET rankings, edged out the Temple Owls, who sit 166th, by a 12-point margin, 69-57, in their matchup at Charles Koch Arena. The Shockers' victory, their second of the season over the Owls, was marked by a narrow separation at the half, with Wichita State holding a 33-27 lead.
The second half saw Wichita State pull away, ultimately outscoring Temple 36-30 to secure the win. The final margin of 12 points was a testament to the competitiveness of the game, with both teams trading baskets and struggling to gain a decisive advantage.
Kenyon Giles led Wichita State to a decisive victory over Temple, notching a game-high 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field, including a notable 5-of-10 performance from beyond the arc. Giles also contributed 5 rebounds and 1 assist, solidifying his presence on the court. His efficiency from three-point range proved pivotal in the Shockers' win.
Emmanuel Okorafor and TJ Williams also made significant contributions to the team's success. Okorafor posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, although he struggled from the field, shooting 3-of-10 from the floor. Williams added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, while also swatting a shot and making 4-of-6 free throws. The duo's complementary play helped Wichita State maintain its lead throughout the contest.
Aiden Tobiason's 18 points were a bright spot for Temple, but his shooting percentages were a concern. He made just 33.3% of his field goals and 33.3% of his three-point attempts, which limited the Owls' offense. Tobiason's 5 rebounds were a modest contribution, but his inability to create for his teammates with zero assists was notable.
Derrian Ford's 15 points were a decent effort, but his lack of rebounding and playmaking limited his overall impact. Ford's 5-13 shooting from the field and 1-2 from three-point range were not as efficient as he has been in other games. Gavin Griffiths' 9 points and 3 rebounds were solid, but his 1-4 shooting from the free-throw line and lack of assists were notable deficiencies.
The rest of the roster for both teams largely adhered to their established season averages.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The final score of 69-57 in favor of Wichita State validated the pre-game prediction of an 8.4-point margin of victory for the Shockers. While the margin of victory exceeded expectations, it was not a surprise given the stark contrast in team performance.
Wichita State's efficiency on offense, particularly from beyond the arc, played a significant role in their decisive win. The Shockers' 50.0% three-point shooting percentage was a substantial improvement from their season average, and it allowed them to maintain a high level of scoring throughout the game. Conversely, Temple's inability to capitalize on the defensive glass, with an OREB rate of 21.4% that fell short of their season average, limited their opportunities for second-chance points and ultimately hindered their scoring chances. The Owls' low eFG% of 40.9% also reflected their struggles in converting possessions into points.
Wichita State's victory has bolstered its NCAA Tournament resume, as the win over a Quad 2 opponent, combined with its existing 3-3 record against Quad 1 and 2 teams, should solidify its position as a likely 11-seed in the upcoming tournament. Meanwhile, Temple's loss to a Quad 2 team has left its resume in a precarious state, with a 2-3 record against Quad 1 and 2 opponents and a NET ranking that lags behind the bubble threshold. The Owls' best-case scenario would likely result in a 12-seed or lower, but their NET and Quad 1-2 record now leave them vulnerable to being left out of the tournament altogether, a stark contrast to their aspirations just a few weeks ago.