Shockers tough one out vs. Evansville

February 15, 2011|By GRANT MEECH | KWCH 12 Eyewitness Sports

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Ben Smith came off the bench and scored 17 points to help Wichita State hold off Evansville 80-74 on Tuesday night.

The Shockers (22-5, 13-3), who registered their school-record eighth straight conference road victory, retained a share of the Missouri Valley lead with Missouri State.

Joe Ragland scored 13 for the Shockers, Garrett Stutz 12 and Graham Hatch 10. J.T. Durley's 11 rebounds helped give Wichita State a 46-22 edge on the boards.

Colt Ryan paced the Purple Aces (14-12, 8-8) with 22 points, including three 3-pointers. Denver Holmes scored 12 and Ned Cox 10.

Wichita State led 54-45, but Evansville regained the advantage 58-57. The Purple Aces' last edge came at 64-62 with 6:53 to go before the Shockers used a 6-0 run to break a 68-68 tie and seal the victory.

Wichita State swept the season series from Evansville, which fell to 11-3 at home.

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Graham Hatch hit a three-point shot with three seconds left in the first half to give the Shockers a one point 38-37 lead over Evansville going into the locker rooms.

It has been a back and forth battle between the Shockers and Purple Aces. Neither team has led by more than four points in the first half.

WSU Head Coach Gregg Marshall has never won in Roberts Arena but has a big chance to do so tonight.

Tune into Eyewitness Sports at 10 p.m. for highlights from Grant Meech and reaction from Bruce Haertl on the Shockers game.

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