WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State put together one of its most complete performances of conference play Saturday afternoon, using a blistering first half and balanced scoring effort to defeat Memphis, 74-59, in front of 6,226 fans on a frigid, snowy day at Charles Koch Arena.

With the 15-point win, Wichita State (13-8, 5-3) recorded its largest victory over the Tigers since 2018. 

Karon Boyd and Kenyon Giles scored 14 points apiece to lead four Shockers in double figures. Dillon Battie put together his best game to date, behind 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Will Berg recorded his fifth double-double of the season behind 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Wichita State forced 17 Memphis turnovers and held the Tigers to 3-of-19 shooting from beyond the arc.

Wichita State set the tone early with its defense and rebounding, forcing Memphis into early turnovers and converting them into points on the offensive end. After Memphis scored the first four points of the game, the Shockers responded with a decisive 12-0 run to seize control. Michael Gray Jr. knocked down an early three, while Battie repeatedly attacked the rim to spark the surge. Memphis managed just one made field goal over the next six minutes.

The Shockers dominated the paint throughout the opening half, outscoring Memphis 20-10 inside while holding the Tigers to just 31 percent shooting before the break. Brian Amuneke provided a major lift off the bench, drilling three triples in the first half as Wichita State ballooned the lead to 21 with 5:46 remaining. Giles capped the half with a three in the final minute, sending the Shockers into the locker room up 18.

Memphis opened the second half with renewed energy, trimming the deficit to 16 on several occasions behind Aaron Bradshaw's inside scoring. The Tigers got as close as 59-48 with just under 6 minutes remaining, but every push was answered. Wichita State responded with timely baskets from Boyd and Battie, followed by another strong interior finish from Emmanuel Okorafor to reestablish control.

The Shockers' defense again proved decisive down the stretch, forcing Memphis into rushed shots and turnovers while protecting the glass.

Up Next
Wichita State has the week off before traveling to Tulsa next Sunday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.