Both teams have come out with a ridiculous level of intensity. Wichita State is clearly feeling the love from its raucous crowd, while UConn is definitely playing like a squad that has something to prove.
Connecticut Vs. Wichita State: Shockers Lead Early
The defense thus far has been suffocating from both squads. In fact, the game was scoreless until UConn’s Niels Giffey dropped in a layup at the 17:07 mark, and the Shockers didn’t score until Garrett Stutz found the hoop at the 16:22 mark.
What has surprised me so far is how athletic the Shockers are. They can hang with the incredibly talented Huskies in that department. On that note, the teams have combined for 12 fouls, most coming right off the bat as they have been so charged up by this early season atmosphere that they are guarding more with their hands than their feet, trying to make big plays.
Most of UConn’s baskets have come from fantastic one-on-one plays. As far as pure talent, they are loaded. But, obviously they all have to develop. Kemba Walker got two quick fouls and has been a non-factor thus far, obviously that hurts the Huskies big time.
As for the Shockers, Toure' Murry is showing why he was a preseason All-Missouri Valley pick, as he’s dropped in 7 points and looked assertive on both ends of the floor. J.T. Durley is also opening up his game a bit as he doesn’t look like he’s afraid to go up against UConn’s bigs at all.
Right now, the Shockers have a 21-16 lead with 7:39 left in the first half.
We’ve got a good one brewing at the Lahaina Civic Center.
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