Men's Basketball | 11/14/2026 9:54:00 AM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
The influence of Sunday's loss to No. 21 Southern Cal might not fully reveal itself for weeks as Wichita State's non-conference schedule plays out.
 
The immediate lesson that Wichita State is hearing from that frustratingly close call is that smart, physical defense matters on each possession. The Shockers spent much of the week sharpening defensive skills after that 93-86 loss to the Trojans in Nevada.
 
"Learning that we've got to get stops, be more disciplined," guard Kenyon Giles said. "We were really good on the offensive end. We can really show off our skill set when we rebound the ball and get stops."
 
The Shockers (2-1) play Austin Peay (2-1) at 6 p.m., tonight (Saturday, ESPN+) at Koch Arena. Austin Peay won the Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season title last season and is picked second in the United Athletic Conference (formerly known as the Western Athletic Conference) after moving to that nine-team conference in July.
 
Wichita State's list of defensive upgrades ranges from technical aspects on pick and roll coverage to playing with force and not fouling three-point shooters.
 
"Fouls," center Emmanuel Okorafor said. "We have to be more careful. Every possession is important. Every possession."
 
The Shockers twice fouled three-point shooters in the Southern Cal game, which tops coach Paul Mills' list of defensive teaching points. The Trojans made 37 of 42 foul shots to outscore WSU by 12 points at the line.
 
"I can't tell you how often we talk about 'Fouling three-pointers is the most moronic play in basketball,'" Mills said. "We have managed to do it every single game."
 
A technical foul on the WSU bench added two points to USC's total late in the first half and, combined with three turnovers, helped the Trojans cut an 11-point deficit to two at halftime. Foul trouble also limited center Will Berg to 20 minutes in a game in which he made 5 of 7 shots and scored 17 points.
 
The Shockers, Mills said, didn't need a close game vs. the Trojans to boost their confidence. Several Shockers, he said, texted him to express regret at the loss. They know they are capable of big things, and the early season returns on offense offer a reason for that belief.
 
The Shockers are shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 47.9 percent from three-point range. Mills wants the Shockers, who average 23.6 a game, to shoot more threes. WSU made a school-record 17 three-pointers (on 25 shots) in Wednesday's 113-60 win over Friends.
 
The dribble drives and passing by guards Jordan Frison, Jahari Long and Giles are creating open shots, especially in the corners. Frison has 18 assists and four turnovers. Giles is at 14 and three.

"What I'm most impressed with is that we're actually getting paint touches and spraying out," Mills said. "That puts a great deal of stress on the defense. We need to be able to hunt corner threes."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.