|  Box Score (PDF) |  Postgame Press Conference

WICHITA, Kan. – Despite a fourth quarter comeback by the Aggies, the Shockers fought hard to the end to defeat North Carolina A&T State, 55-53 Saturday night in the final game of the Papa John's Shocker Winter Classic at Charles Koch Arena.

The Shockers continued their great shooting on the weekend, shooting 50% from the field and 38.5% from the three-point line and held the Aggies to 39.6% from the field. The Shockers also outrebounded the Aggies, 28-25.

Wichita State were led by TaQuandra Mike, scoring 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Mike also had four steals for the Shockers. Rangie Bessard also scored in double figures, scoring 16 points on 12 shots.

The Aggies were led by Christina Carter, scoring 16 points and also grabbing four rebounds. Dana Brown was the only other Aggie scoring in double figures with 11.

Wichita State opened the game strong as they jumped out to an early 14-7 lead, but a three-pointer by the Aggies cut the lead to four at the end of the first quarter, 14-10.

After both teams traded baskets throughout most of the second quarter, a three-pointer by Aundra Stovall near the end of the quarter pushed the Shocker lead back to four, 24-20.

After back-to-back three-pointers by Diamond Lockhart and Mike gave the Shockers their largest lead of the game, 37-25 halfway through the third quarter.

Although the Aggies cut the lead to eight, a strong 11 point third quarter for Mike helped the Shockers keep their lead over North Carolina A&T State, 46-38.

Even though the Aggies went on an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter, the Shockers held on to defeat the Aggies, 55-53.

In the first game of the day, North Dakota State defeated Prairie View A&M, 79-58 with Marena Whittle leading the way for the Bison, scoring 24 points and also grabbing 17 rebounds. The Panthers were led by Jeronia Allen and Lamaria Cole, both scoring 17 points.

The Shockers improved to 3-7 on the season, and will be in action again on Tuesday, Dec. 22, as they travel to Tennessee Tech to take on the Golden Eagles at 6:00 p.m.

Shocker Winter Classic All-Tournament Team
Marena Whittle - North Dakota State
Dana Brown – North Carolina A&T State
Aprill McRae – North Carolina A&T State
TaQuandra Mike – Wichita State
Rangie Bessard – Wichita State