Wichita State Shockers Hold Off East Carolina Pirates 92-89 Behind TJ Williams' 27 Points

The Wichita State Shockers held off the East Carolina Pirates 92-89 in a thrilling matchup at Minges Coliseum, with TJ Williams leading the charge with 27 points and 8 rebounds. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage until the final minutes. East Carolina's Jordan Riley had a monster game, scoring 40 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Shockers. Wichita State's Kenyon Giles added 24 points and 5 rebounds, while Karon Boyd chipped in with 13 points and 8 rebounds. The Shockers' win was their 17th of the season, and it kept them in the hunt for a postseason berth.

The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for 181 points. East Carolina shot 51.7% from the field, including 37.5% from three-point range, but Wichita State was able to counter with 50% shooting from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. The Pirates' trend of averaging 79.8 points per game over their last 5 contests continued, but their defense was unable to slow down the Shockers. Wichita State, on the other hand, had been averaging 74.2 points per game over their last 5 games, and their offense was clicking on all cylinders. The Shockers' 92 points were their highest total in 7 games, and it was a much-needed boost to their offense.

The star performers in this game were undoubtedly TJ Williams and Jordan Riley. Williams hit several big shots late, including a clutch three-pointer with 2:15 remaining to give the Shockers a 5-point lead. Riley, on the other hand, was unstoppable at times, scoring 23 of his 40 points in the second half. He also grabbed 7 of his 10 rebounds in the final 20 minutes, and his presence in the paint was a major factor in the Pirates' ability to stay in the game. Giles and Boyd were also key contributors for the Shockers, with Giles hitting 4 three-pointers and Boyd grabbing 5 rebounds in the second half. For East Carolina, Giovanni Emejuru added 16 points, but he was just 2-7 from three-point range, and Demitri Gardner chipped in with 14 points, but he was just 1-4 from beyond the arc.

The CHD Scout prediction of a 10.9-point win for Wichita State was correct, although the actual margin was much closer.

The reason for the correct prediction was the Shockers' ability to exploit the Pirates' defensive weaknesses. East Carolina has struggled to defend the three-point line all season, and Wichita State was able to take advantage of that, hitting 10 three-pointers in the game. The Pirates also struggled to contain the Shockers' big men, with Williams and Boyd combining for 21 rebounds. The Shockers' defense was also able to limit the Pirates' scoring opportunities, holding them to just 36 points in the second half. The Pirates' trend of allowing 77.2 points per game over their last 5 contests continued, and it was a major factor in their loss.

The win was a big one for Wichita State, as it kept them in the hunt for a postseason berth. The Shockers are now 17-10 on the season, and they have a crucial stretch of games coming up. They will face several teams that are also battling for a tournament spot, and their ability to win games like this one matters. For East Carolina, the loss was a tough one, as it dropped them to 9-17 on the season. The Pirates have struggled to find consistency all season, and this loss was a prime example of that. They must regroup and refocus if they want to make a push for a postseason berth.

The win was a significant one for Wichita State's tournament resume, as it gave them a much-needed Quad 4 win. The Shockers' NET ranking of 85 is still a bit low, but this win will help to boost that number. They must continue to win games like this one if they want to make a push for a tournament berth. For East Carolina, the loss was a damaging one, as it dropped them to a Quad 3 loss. The Pirates' NET ranking of 272 is still a long way from tournament consideration, and they must win several games in a row to get back in the conversation. The Pirates' trend of being outscored by 2.6 points per game over their last 5 contests continued, and it will be a major challenge for them to overcome that deficit.

The game was a thrilling one, with both teams giving it their all. In the end, the Shockers' balanced attack and clutch shooting were too much for the Pirates to overcome. The 92-89 final score was a reflection of the high level of play from both teams, and it was a game that will be remembered for a long time. Wichita State's 17 wins are their most since the 2019-2020 season, and they want to build on that momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. East Carolina's 9 wins are their fewest since the 2017-2018 season, and they must regroup and refocus if they want to make a push for a postseason berth. The Shockers' 50% shooting from the field was their highest since January 15th, and it was a major factor in their win. The Pirates' 51.7% shooting from the field was their highest since February 1st, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Shockers' balanced attack.

HEADLINE: Wichita State Shockers Hold Off East Carolina Pirates 92-89 Behind TJ Williams' 27 Points SUBHEADLINE: Wichita State's win over East Carolina gives them a much-needed Quad 4 victory and boosts their tournament resume, with 17 wins on the season and a 85 NET ranking.