The RoundHouse | 11/16/2021 10:18:00 PM

 
That second-half box score. Look at that. Those numbers look more like what Wichita State needs.
 
Second-half Morris Udeze definitely looks more like what Wichita State needs.
 
Udeze got the ball near the basket and made decisive moves, including two of his familiar bank shots. He went four for four from the field – no three-pointers attempted – and scored 11 second-half points.
 
If you're starting to build a case for needed offensive improvement, getting Udeze the ball close to the basket is a good place to start. He shot five free throws on Tuesday after shooting two in the first two games.
 
"It felt like I was forcing it the first two games," he said. "I kind of calmed down in the second half and let the game come to me. It felt like a little break-through."
 
Wichita State defeated Tarleton State 65-51 on Tuesday at Koch Arena. It wasn't the dominant performance that forcing 20 turnovers and allowing 18 baskets usually produces. The Shockers did play without guard Tyson Etienne, benched by an illness. Wichita State's poor first-half shooting and turnovers also helped Tarleton State stay close.
 
 

Monzy will not be denied.

Two offensive boards for @cash9_ and a beautiful feed to @MorrisUdeze24 for the and-1!

📺: https://t.co/VMBEcoG8bM @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/cRtqbcSGsL

— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) November 17, 2021

A solid second-half extended the lead and the Shockers didn't need any last-second logo shots or last-minute stops on this night.
 
Udeze's second-half performance is one big reason.
 
Shockers coach Isaac Brown challenged Udeze and other bigs to take advantage of their size in the second half.
 
"We can't play on the perimeter all night," Brown said. "I told those guys we've got to start scoring in the paint."
 
That balance opened up shots on the perimeter. The Shocker offense looked the most complete and functional it has this season, and without Etienne.
 
"If we can score in the paint, it will allow our guys on the three-point line to get wide-open shots," Brown said. "We got a couple sets we ran towards Morris and he was able to score on the block. That started to free us up outside."
 
The Shockers (3-0) didn't shoot well in the first half. They hope that second-half box score is the start of a trend as they enter the tough part of the non-conference schedule. The second half might be something to build on.
 
Dexter Dennis made two of three three-pointer and the Shockers shot 52.2 percent from the field, 45.5 percent from three in the second half.
 
Monzy Jackson grabbed two offensive rebounds and handed out three assists in the second half. As usual, his energy plays – offensive rebounds that led to a Udeze basket – helped turn the game. Qua Grant recorded three assists and no turnovers in the second half.
 
Wichita State committed seven turnovers, still more than ideal, but better than the nine in the first half. They made 7 of 9 foul shots to continue a superb start to the season at the line.
 
Wichita State's defense looked like it is close to ready for a stretch that starts Friday vs. Arizona in Las Vegas. The Shockers forced an amazing five shot-clock violations in the first half. They held the Texans (0-3) to 38.3 percent shooting (18 of 47) and 3 of 16 from three.
 
A three-quarters court press helped the Shockers start to open a lead late in the first half. They trailed 20-19 and forced four straight turnovers to go up 23-20. Three more Texans turnovers allowed the Shockers to go up 29-20.
 
Recent Shocker teams often pressed as a potent weapon, a weapon employed judiciously to force turnovers, wear down opponents and change the tempo. This Shocker team – with a number of fast, rangy athletes – might be well-suited to press often as a way to juice up the offense.
 
"We know we're very athletic," Jackson said. "Steals turn into buckets. Steals turn into dunks."

The Shockers are a team breaking in a new point guard in Grant and one who played little last season in Craig Porter IV. Illness slowed Etienne in one game and kept him out Tuesday. Wichita State had enough talent to handle its first three opponents with some ugly stats in the box scores. Starting Friday in Vegas, it needs more of those second-half numbers.
 
 

Qua making it happen!

Two steals in the blink of an eye for @YesssirQua, leading to a @Rickythe4th reverse flush

📺: https://t.co/VMBEcoG8bM pic.twitter.com/Ogrtv9uXxn

— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) November 17, 2021

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.