The RoundHouse | 2/9/2023 8:57:00 PM
By Paul Suellentrop
Wichita State reversed almost everything from a dispiriting loss at Tulane in early January and it started with a good week of practice.
"It's just like a different vibe in the gym," center
Trajata Colbert said. "We just come in with a focus."
The Shockers exhibited nothing but good vibes in Thursday's 69-61 win over Tulane at Koch Arena. They led from early in the second quarter, built a 13-point halftime edge and didn't allow Tulane closer than six points in the fourth quarter.
"We wanted this win very much," forward
Jane Asinde said. "We played together. We played with confidence."
In New Orleans, the Shockers lost 76-53 and were outrebounded (42-33), committed 19 turnovers and scored seven points at the line.
"We didn't show up in New Orleans," coach
Keitha Adams said.
The Shockers (14-10, 4-7 American Athletic Conference) went to school on those issues and emphasized defense in practice. The results showed up in the box score – a 42-33 edge rebounding, 10 on offense. WSU outscored Tulane by 16 points at the foul line by making 24 of 27.
Asinde made 5 of 7 shots and 12 of 13 free throws to finish with 22 points – 16 in the second half - and 11 rebounds. Colbert scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
"We got the ball inside," Adams said. "We got transition points when we needed it. We had a good week of practice – very serious, very focused."
The Shockers limited opportunities for Tulane (13-11, 3-8) to make a run because they handled the ball effectively – a season-low seven turnovers.
"Coach always says treat the ball like your phone," Asinde said. "We took care of the ball."
Colbert took over in the decisive second quarter. She scored eight points and grabbed three rebounds to help WSU outscore Tulane 22-11 and lead 38-25 at halftime. The Shockers held the Green Wave to 4-of-13 shooting and forced five turnovers in the quarter.
Tulane cut the lead to 38-32 and the Shockers responded by punching the ball into Colbert for a basket. When the Green Wave went on a 7-2 run to get within 44-39, Colbert drew a double team and hit Asinde cutting to the basket for a score to start a run that extended the lead to 56-45.
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
