Shockers blowout Nebraska in NIT

March 16, 2011|By Grant Meech & Megan Strader | KWCH 12 Eyewitness Sports

(WICHITA, Kan.) — A stunning 20-point lead at halftime led to a larger 26-point lead in the second half as Wichita State destroys Nebraska, 76-49, in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament.

David Kyles led the way for the Shockers with 13 points, Graham Hatch and JT Durley followed with 12 apiece.

Nebraska (19-13) tied their lowest point total of the season with 49. WSU shot 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range.

WSU (25-8) opened the game on a 10-0 run that included three straight 3-pointers and led 22-7 mid way thru the first half against the Huskers and had 10 players score in the game.

With the Shockers win, they will play the winner of the Virginia Tech/Bethune Cookman game.

Long before the game even started, Wednesday had all the makings of busy night at Koch Arena.

"Even though its not the NCAA Tournament its still a home game. So, we're going to get everyone out here, get them pumped up, it's going to be a big game and great time," explains Shocker fan Danny Backes.

The NIT game against Nebraska was the first game for the Shockers since heartbreak in the Missouri Valley Tournament, falling short of an automatic bid into the "Big Dance."

"We were like, 'yeah we're gonna win, we're gonna make it,' and then we didn't," describes Elisa Acosta.

But fans say it doesn't matter what tournament the Shockers are in.

Maggi Dieker tells Eyewitness News, "If you're not supporting them now you're a fairweather fan!"

"Its so fun, just come out every game and cheer and go crazy,"' adds Preston Maus.

The amount of support Wednesday night appeared to be more than enough.

"I'm just really excited to shove it into my sister-in-law's face because she likes Nebraska," says Acosta.

Backes adds, "We just have to show everyone that we're the real deal and we can play with the best in the country. Just prove that we belong in the NCAA next year."

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