It seems like it was just last weekend that the men’s team played Wichita State. Oh yeah, they did play Wichita last week, and it was a game I’m still trying to forget. The Bluejays and Shockers hook up again this weekend.
Creighton got a nice emotional win against Southern Illinois Wednesday night, while Wichita State kept plugging along with a nice road victory over Indiana State. Toure’ Murry and Clevin Hannah were en fuego from the field, going a combined 16-of-22. WSU’s guard play has been outstanding.
I was perusing some Wichita State videos and when I saw this one, I am almost sure there was some OSHA or Food Service violations going on here:
How would Billy Bluejay look playing with cats? I don’t know. What I do know is that Paul Suellentrop from the Wichita Eagle and Kansas.com was able to join us again like he did last week with a little Q & A about the Shockers and the game against the Bluejays Saturday at the Phone Booth. Here is what he had to say:
White & Blue Review: Last week, the Shockers looked pretty dominant over the Bluejays. Will the same thing happen this week in Omaha?
Paul Suellentrop: The big question. I would think it would be more difficult for WSU in Omaha and with the Bluejays coming off the win over SIU. The Shockers are playing well, so I won’t rule out a repeat. They will need to play better than they did a week ago.
WBR: The last time Wichita State won in Omaha was in 1992 during “The Big Show” days. Is that a big deal to the fan base: 1) That they had a pro wrestler play for the team, and 2) That they haven’t won in Omaha for so many years?
PS: 1) I think people are aware of Paul Wight from his days at WSU. I wouldn’t call it a big deal. For example, his singlet is not hanging from the rafters at Koch Arena. 2) That’s a huge deal. It’s a major irritant. This season, ending that streak takes on more importance because the Shockers are in the MVC race.
WBR: The Shocker guard play has just been really solid. Hannah and Murry were just sick shooting from the field and Graham Hatch had a solid contribution against Indiana State on Wednesday night. Which one of those players are most important to this team down the stretch? Which one is in the running for all-conference honors so far?
PS: All three are important for different reasons. Hannah is the one player WSU can’t replace. He does everything for the Shockers. I think Hannah and Murry are All-MVC-type players. Murry is a good defender and rebounder. If he shoots well, he is as valuable as Hannah. Earning All-MVC honors at guard will be difficult. Hannah, Ahelegbe, and Harry Marshall are all excellent. Lloyd Phillips is pretty good. Who do you leave off? I may be giving Hatch the short end here. If he continues to shoot this well, he may be worthy of all-conference mention. He is key for WSU because he plays hard and rebounds well.
WBR: Will Hannah ever miss a free throw? Creighton has struggled all season with free throw shooting. What makes him such a good free throw shooter?
PS: He keeps saying it’s nothing magical, just hard work. It starts because he is a good shooter, no matter the distance. This season, he is locked in and confident in all aspects of his game, including free throws. I don’t think he can give Blake Ahearn’s record of 60 a run, but you never know.
WBR: On your Shockwaves blog, you broke down pretty nicely how in Wichita State’s four road wins, they pretty much put away the competition by taking the lead early in the second half and not relinquishing it to the opponent. How could that change in Omaha?
PS: The Shockers got away with subpar defense at Indiana State because they shot 58 percent. They can’t count on that happening again. I would expect Creighton, and the crowd, to be energized after Wednesday’s win. As those four wins suggest, WSU hasn’t had to come back on the road. It fell behind in the second half at Illinois State and didn’t rally much. WSU has played better since, with the advantage of always playing with the wind at its back. If it gets down eight at Creighton, how will it react?
WBR: Creighton had some success with the inside game down in Wichita. Which is more important — for the Shockers to stop Creighton’s inside game or keep them from shooting 3-pointers?
PS: If you can stop the inside game, it’s easier to guard the shooters. I think it all starts with Kenny Lawson. If you don’t need to double-team him, Creighton’s shooters are easier to handle.
WBR: Are the Shockers playing well enough right now that they can get a road win in Omaha? What is your final prediction?
PS: They are playing well enough to win in Omaha. I think WSU is a better team than Creighton and I think the 18-game MVC schedule will bear that out. Of course, playing on the road could render all that meaningless. Based on what I’ve seen this season, the Shockers will win. Based on the history, I’m not betting the house on it. This is another big test for the Shockers and I don’t think it will be easy.
WBR: When you come to Omaha, what are the places you like to go eat and other things you enjoy seeing?
PS: The best time I’ve in Omaha recently was at the Bruce Springsteen concert. For basketball, I usually don’t spend much time there because it’s a driving trip. Most years, I drive in before the game and leave after. The Old Market area has some nice places. I don’t have a favorite. I’ve been to the zoo several times and it’s fantastic.