Sigh of Relief

(St. Louis, MO) – Shocker fans are breathing easier after Saturday’s win at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. Wichita State had lost three straight games for the first time in over two years and were staring at a negative scenario at a critical time of the season.

But a solid road victory (68-53) against an Atlantic-10 Conference team was the shot in the arm Gregg Marshall’s team needed. Facing a Saint Louis U team (4-3) that desperately needed a win and big partisan crowd (8,459), the Shockers played their game. They ‘played angry’.

AND they had all-American guard Fred VanVleet back in the lineup. VanVleet played just 18 minutes, but added his quiet confidence and precision passing to a team in need of a quarterback. VanVleet finished with 11 points (all in the second half), seven assists and three steals and yielded just one turnover.

Head Coah Gregg Marshall knew his team would come around and they are starting to get healthier.

 

With VanVleet’s return, the Wichita State post players made their presence felt as Shaq Morris and Rauno Nurger combined for 18 points and eight rebounds. Marshall sees his team developing some depth and the maturing of his post players. WSU’s coach says Morris needs to bring a consistent effort every game.

 

There is a murderous schedule ahead. The last five games before the league season include home games with UNLV, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico State. The middle game of the set is at Seton Hall.

Marshall told me his team has struggled in many ways and that injuries have made it hard to develop their 2015-16 identity. Having VanVleet back will help as will the presence of Kansas transfer Conner Frankamp. The Wichita native becomes eligible this week and will add a fresh and dangerous weapon to the Shocker arsenal.

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