Wichita State survived a close back-and-forth outing against the Davidson Wildcats on Sunday to win 81-70 and move into Missouri Valley Conference play with a perfect 13-0 record. Forward Cleanthony Early had an efficient game for the Shockers, hitting 8-of-15 shots and connecting on a trio three-pointers for a game-high 24 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds.
Wichita State vs. Davidson final score: Shockers move to 13-0 with win
Cleanthony Early led the No. 10 Wichita State Shockers past the Davidson Wildcats with 24 points.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Early got help from a balanced starting unit. Ron Baker scored 15 points to go with his five assists, Darius Carter scored 13 and Tekele Cotton added 10 points.
The Wildcats, who dropped to 4-9 on the year, made it a testy scene at Charles Koch Arena, never trailing by double-digits until Baker hit two free throws to give the Shockers an 11-point advantage with 1:44 left in the game. Guard Tyler Kalinoski led Davidson with 17 points and six assists to go with his six rebounds.
Davidson faces the Charleston Cougars out of the Colonial Athletic Association on Wednesday, while Wichita State opens its conference slate Thursday against the Southern Illinois Salukis. The Shockers could be a tough out in MVC play with powerhouse Creighton having left for the Big East. Missouri State, Drake and Indiana State are the challengers gunning for Wichita State.
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