2011 Missouri Valley Conference Basketball |
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Wichita State Shockers vs Creighton Bluejays Basketball Recap Wichita State 67, Creighton 65 Thanks to an electric, euphoric and exhilarating ending, the fun is only just beginning – if you can possibly believe it – in a place called The Valley. Aaron Ellis hit a short jumper with 1.5 seconds left, getting Wichita State a much needed win over Creighton at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday night. With the win, the Shockers – after three and a half months of labor, two of them in their own conference – have only just begun to fight for their season-long goals. WSU used this white-knuckle triumph on home hardwood to remain even with the Missouri State Bears in the Valley standings. The two teams who have ruled the roost in this mid-major conference over the past several weeks have not been able to separate from each other. The Shockers and Bears have just one MVC game left to play in the regular season, and it’s a Saturday showdown in Springfield, Missouri. Yes, the Shockers will venture to Missouri State to decide the Missouri Valley champion for 2011. The Missouri Valley Tournament is obviously the big prize, but a regular-season championship carries its own considerable degree of prestige. Now Wichita State is in position to fight for it on even terms. In this clash with Creighton, neither the Shockers nor the visiting Bluejays led by more than two points over the final eleven minutes, setting up the last-minute heroics. Creighton's Doug McDermott missed the front end of a one-and-one, leaving the game tied. The Shockers got the ball and held for the last shot, which came with Joe Ragland managed to drive the baseline and find Ellis near the hoop for the game winner. The Bluejays did get off one last shot, but McDermott's jumper fell short.
The Bluejays have now lost two straight games, and seven straight on the road. Coach Greg McDermott's team shot the ball extremely well, but struggled in its attempt to limit turnovers. Creighton’s crew also saw its defense fall apart at the worst possible times, punctuated by the final sequence that sent Wichita into the winner’s circle. Four Bluejays hit double digits in scoring, led by Antoine Young's 15 points and Gregory Echenique's 14. Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall has seen his team struggle at home this season, as the Shockers have absorbed four home losses after going undefeated at home last season. While they were plagued by an off night from the field, the Shockers limited the Bluejays on the boards and picked up 10 steals to escape with the victory. J.T. Durley posted 16 points to lead the Shockers, and Ragland added 14 points in support.
By: Matt Zemek |