ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands – Wichita State dropped its opening game of the Paradise Jam with a 56-39 defeat to Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday afternoon at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center.

The loss dropped the Shockers to 2-2 overall this season in the first ever meeting between the two programs. Florida Gulf Coast improved to 3-1 with the win.

Alex Harden and Alie Decker led Wichita State with eight points apiece, while Harden added a game-high seven rebounds on a day when baskets were hard to come by.

Stephanie Haas tallied a game-high 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting and 6-of-8 from the free throw line for the Eagles. Haas was one of three Florida Gulf Coast players to reach double-figures.

The Shockers were just 15-of-45 (33 percent) from the field overall and 3-of-18 (17 percent) from 3-point range. FGCU shot 46 percent (18-for-39) overall, while also going 16-of-25 from the charity stripe.

WSU trailed 26-13 at the half after shooting just 19 percent (5-for-26) from the field.  After the break, WSU had a better time scoring the basketball, as the Shockers were 10-for-19 (52 percent) from the field.

Wichita State takes on Ohio State tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. CT at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. Ohio State defeated Clemson in the first game of the day Thursday, 86-77. It will mark the first meeting between the two programs. Fans can watch the matchup here.

Purchase all your Shocker merchandise at the official Wichita State Team Store.

- WICHITA STATE -