LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Wichita State (9-1) suffered its first loss of the season, 71-68, to New Mexico (9-2) Friday night in a semifinal game of the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Classic. The Shockers will take on Southern California tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 23, for third place in the tournament at 7:05 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev.
Wichita State's previous 9-0 record put the 2006-07 team in a three-way tie for the best start to a season in school history. The loss leaves four undefeated teams in Division I: No. 1 UCLA (10-0), No. 14 Connecticut (10-0), No. 21 Oregon (10-0) and Clemson (11-0).
Kyle Wilson had a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds for the Shockers. Sean Ogirri added 18 points for Wichita State, which played without P.J. Couisnard, who was battling an illness before the game. The junior forward, who is averaging 12 points and six rebounds a game, ended a streak of 31 straight starts. His last absence occurred during the seventh game of the 2005-06 season due to a concussion.
Tony Dandridge scored 17 points and J.R. Giddens, who did not play the final 15:39 after injuring his left foot, added 14 points for the Lobos, while Jamal Smith added 13 points and five assists.
``It's a road game and it's a huge victory,'' said Smith, who is from Las Vegas. ``We came out and showed them we're a high-caliber team. It was a great experience against a great opponent.''
The Lobos held a 33-19 halftime lead after Wichita State shot just 29 percent from the field (8-of-28), including going 1-of-10 from 3-point range. New Mexico, which did not go to the free throw line in the first half, went 7-of-17 from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes.
After trailing 40-27, Wichita State went on a 17-5 run, which included two 3-pointers by Ogirri, to get within 45-44 with 11:00 left. New Mexico then went on an 8-2 run. The Shockers cut the New Mexico lead to three points on three occasions down the stretch but got no closer.
``They totally dominated us,'' Head Coach Mark Turgeon said. ``They got some confidence and we couldn't get over the hump in the second half. They were making three-point plays. It's (New Mexico's) night.''
``We didn't come out ready to play,'' said Wichita State's Matt Braeur, who had seven points. ``In the second half, we played with more intensity and heart. We don't like to lose. We'll learn from it and come back tomorrow.''
The Shockers finished 27-of-60 from the field (45 percent), while the Lobos were 24-of-55 (44 percent). New Mexico was 14-of-18 from the free throw line while Wichita State was 4-of-9.
