The RoundHouse | 11/8/2023 2:57:00 PM
By Paul Suellentrop
Terry Nooner's first win as a head coach came with a celebratory water bath in the locker room. Guard
DJ McCarty declined to identify the person who organized the dousing with water bottles.
"Sisterhood," she said. "No names."
That provided a fitting description for Wednesday's 60-41 win over Presbyterian College at Koch Arena. The Shockers (1-1) relied on all those team-first assets that don't lend themselves to standouts. Defense and balanced scoring controlled the game from the first quarter.
Wichita State won every effort and physical category from rebounding to foul shots. They committed a mere 10 turnovers, three in the first half to help build a 31-17 lead.
"It was tough, but I think we followed the gameplan," Nooner said. "To be able to celebrate with these young ladies, who work so hard. We really push them to the limit. I know a lot of days they hate us, but just understanding that the fruits of our labor is to be able to receive wins like we did today."
The Shockers shot 39.1 percent and made one of their 13 three-point attempts. Those scoring struggles didn't matter much because Wichita State held the Blue Hose (0-2) to 17 baskets and forced 17 turnovers. Presbyterian, a member of the Southern Conference, shot 27.4 percent from the field.
Tre'Zure Jobe led WSU with 13 points.
Daniela Abies added 12 and
Salese Blow nine.
McCarty pointed to the full-court press as a decisive factor. The Shockers started the second half with pressure that produced a steal by McCarty and layup by Jobe on Presbyterian's second possession.
"A lot of teams can't really handle the pressure," McCarty said. "That's our bread and butter."
Wichita State held the Blue Hose to single digits in each of the first three quarters to lead 44-26 entering the final period. Nooner prioritized keeping the ball away from guard Aubrie Kierscht, who scored 10 points in Monday's 69-35 loss at Kansas State. Kierscht went 1 for 8 from the field, missing all six of her threes, to score two points against the Shockers.
"We try to pride ourselves on not allowing people to run the stuff that they practice every single day," Nooner said. "The way we guarded the post and pressured the ball, it made it hard for them to get the ball it to their best player."
The Shockers outscored the Blue Hose 17-2 on second-chance points after grabbing 13 offensive rebounds.
Jeniah Thompson snagged nine rebounds with
Jayla Murray and McCarty both finishing with eight.
Murray grabbed three offensive rebounds, two of those in the first quarter to help the Shockers set the tone. Coaches, she said, offer frequent reminders that rebounding is her job.
"Rebounding is what I need to take pride in," Murray said. "First thing is boxing out and pushing them in. Boxing out, boxing out, boxing out. Then going for the rebound. That's the main thing."
On Wednesday, getting Nooner his first win was the main thing. The Shockers also saw more evidence that defense and rebounding can cover up when shooting isn't the main thing.
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
