In a highly anticipated game on Wednesday, the Wichita State Shockers are set to face the Saint Mary’s Gaels in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. This matchup marks a critical early-season test for the Shockers, who hold a 4-1 record. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m. Central time.
Challenge Ahead for the Shockers
The Shockers are up against what many consider their toughest opponent this season. The Gaels, who have made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, boast a 6-0 record and a dynamic offense. Last season, Saint Mary’s achieved 29 victories and currently leads the nation in 3-point shooting, hitting 45.6% of their attempts.
Saint Mary’s Efficiency
- Top 3-point shooting percentage: 45.6%
- Points scored in the last six games: 80+
- Opponents’ 3-point shooting against them: 28.8%
Wichita State’s head coach, Paul Mills, emphasized the importance of these types of games. He stated, “These are the tests you want. You want to be able to play in these games.” The Shockers aim to leverage their shooting success, which has seen them make 38.8% from beyond the arc.
Lessons from Previous Adversity
Before this game, the Shockers suffered a narrow loss, 62-59, against Boise State. Mills recognized that their response to adversity in that match would be crucial for their performance against the Gaels. Guard Mike Gray Jr. expressed confidence, saying, “We’ve had adversity hit already. So anything that happens in this game, we’ll be ready for it.”
Rebounding Battle
The game promises to be a clash of elite rebounding teams. The Gaels are known for their strong defensive rebounding, while Wichita State relies on offensive rebounds for additional scoring opportunities. The Shockers currently secure 41% of their missed shots, a critical statistic as they face a disciplined Saint Mary’s frontcourt.
Key Players to Watch
- Andrew McKeever: 7-foot-3, averaging 10.5 rebounds
- Harry Wessel: 7-foot-1, averaging 5.4 rebounds
- Paulius Murauskas: 6-foot-8, scoring 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds
The Shockers must elevate their physical play to match the size and discipline of Saint Mary’s roster. Mills challenged his team to improve their resilience and habits as they embark on this tournament. He stated, “The most important team is yours. We need to focus on us and make sure we’re doing all the things necessary to win the tournament.”
As the Shockers prepare for this significant showdown, both teams will look to establish their dominance and gain early momentum this season. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications for their respective campaigns in college basketball.
