WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State battled to the final possession, but Middle Tennessee edged the Shockers, 46-45, Saturday afternoon at Charles Koch Arena.
In a game defined by grit and defensive effort on both sides, Wichita State (3-10) erased multiple deficits and made it a one-point game late in the fourth quarter, but the Blue Raiders (5-7) held on in the closing seconds in a contest featuring 10 lead changes and four ties.
The Shockers trailed 35-27 after three quarters before turning up the pressure defensively and pushing the tempo in the final 10 minutes. Wichita State outscored Middle Tennessee 18-11 in the fourth quarter, fueled by a seven-point spark from
Bre'Yon White. A late run cut a 12-point deficit to one, and the Shockers had a chance in the final seconds, but the comeback fell just short.
Treasure Thompson led Wichita State on the glass with eight rebounds, adding key defensive plays, including a blocked three pointer with 11 seconds remaining, her 100
th career block.
Without
Abby Cater, who scored 47 points over the last two games and missed the game with a hand injury,
Jaila Harding was the lone Shocker to finish in double figures, scoring a game-high 11 points. The Blue Raiders held Harding to just five three-point attempts after averaging 8.2 per game entering the contest.
Defensively, Wichita State forced 16 turnovers and held Middle Tennessee to 30.9 percent shooting from the field. The Shockers held a 13-2 advantage in fast-break points, repeatedly converting defense into offense.
Middle Tennessee recorded 16 offensive rebounds, scoring 12 second-chance points and was led by Savannah Davis with 10 points and six rebounds, while Blair Baugus chipped in eight points and 12 rebounds.
Wichita State has concluded its non-conference schedule and will open American Conference play on Dec. 30 at Tulsa.
