Some Creighton fans are feeling blue after the Bluejays fell to Missouri State on Wednesday night. Holding serve at home is definitely important during conference season and if the Bluejays are going to win the Missouri Valley Conference, they need to get started on the right foot.
Now, instead of sitting at 1-0 with a lot of confidence, they now face the possibility of starting 0-2 as they face Wichita State on the road in the always rowdy Koch Arena. The Shockers on the other hand are full of confidence and riding an eight game winning streak coming into Saturday evening’s contest.
A lot of people will be keeping their eyes on this one. Many of us already know a lot about the Shockers, but for those who need to catch up, Paul Suellentrop of the Wichita Eagle and Kansas.com shares with us some of his insight into Saturday’s 5:00 p.m. game.
White & Blue Review: Wichita State has sort of been flying under the radar this season. After their missed opportunities at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, how has the team evolved since then?
Paul Suellentrop: The losses in Puerto Rico woke up the Shockers. While there is no shame in losing to Alabama and Temple, WSU knew it didn’t play as well as it could have. WSU has been a much better passing team since the tournament. It is running the offense, getting the ball to the big men more often and working off that.
WBR: The Shockers blew out Bradley on the road to start MVC play on Wednesday night. Are they peaking at the right time?
PS: They are playing very well, but I would factor in that Bradley is not very good. We saw a very focused WSU team that appears ready for conference play. But it is easier to look that way against Bradley than it will be against Creighton. I think there is no doubt the Shockers know how they need to play and know how hard they need to play.
WBR: One strength Wichita State appears to have is it’s depth where 9 players are averaging 10 minutes or more per game. How important is it to have depth like that? Is there any dropoff in talent at any position playing that many players?
PS: WSU is again deep, although probably not as deep as last season. Ehimen Orukpe is a solid backup for defensive purposes at center and his offense is improving. He even played significant minutes late in the game at Tulsa and did well. But I think having to play him for long stretches instead of Garrett Stutz at center would make coaches nervous. WSU’s depth at small forward and guard is outstanding.
WBR: Which player has been the surprise this season that Creighton needs to watch out for?
PS: Tekele Cotton qualifies as a bit of a surprise. He is a freshmen guard who plays good defense and makes few mistakes. He can make open shots. He got a little out of control at Bradley, but has been a very solid player for a rookie.
WBR: What kind of things have the Shockers struggled with this season that Creighton could exploit?
PS: If Gregory Echenique can get Stutz or Carl Hall in foul trouble, that would be a problem for the Shockers. WSU’s biggest issues came early in the season when it relied too heavily on three-point shooting.
WBR: Gregg Marshall’s name comes up a lot when coaching vacancies come open, but yet signed an extension to his contract lately. Do you see him as a long term coach in Wichita?
PS: That would depend on the definition of long term. I think he’s made it clear he has a good job in Wichita and isn’t leaving for anything other than a great situation. Since those are hard to get, he could be here for several more seasons. His son is a freshman in high school and that could be a factor. With coaches, you never know what might happen. Judging by his actions and words, I think he will tough to pry away from WSU.
WBR: People say that Koch Arena is one of the toughest places to play. What makes the fans and facility so special?
PS: You have to start with the fans, who are loyal. They show up, and that’s 70 percent of the battle. They are loud when properly inspired and deafening at some moments. WSU fans understand how they can influence a game and like to do so. Koch Arena was built for basketball in the early 1950s, so it’s got a better layout than newer arenas. No luxury boxes in Koch Arena, which is as it should be for college basketball. Opposing coaches and players often remark at how they feel like all 10,000 people are on top of them. I don’t think the student section does anything special or creative, other than scream. They could really use some leadership to pick up their game. While I think Shocker fans spend too much time complaining about officiating calls, they do know the game. I think they do a fine job of applauding hustle plays or good passes.
WBR: For fans visiting Wichita for the first time, where is the best place to go before the game?
PS: I know Mike’s Wine Dive at Oliver and Douglas is a favorite of Omaha World-Herald writer Steve Pivovar. Larry Bud’s is close to WSU if you like sports bars. Wichita’s Old Town area has a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Knolla’s Pizza is my favorite pizza place, and there is a Creighton connection for people who know of Johnny Knolla. I also like Il Vicino (pizza) and Bella Luna (variety) and both have locations close to WSU. I know Creighton alums Jason and Annmarie Algya will probably host huge pre- and post-game parties at their mansion in Wichita’s exclusive College Hill neighborhood, so if you know them I would try to get an invitation.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What will be the key to Wichita getting a victory over Creighton?
PS: I will go with WSU 75, CU 71. WSU has to guard Doug McDermott and we know that isn’t easy. I’m not sure that Creighton losing to Missouri State is a good thing for the Shockers, but I think WSU is determined to play well at home after losing three MVC games in Koch Arena in 2011. I think that supplies WSU with the edge it needs at home this season, even against a talented team such as Creighton.