Since losing to Iowa at the AdvoCare Invitational in Florida, Gregg Marshall’s team has finally gotten healthy and run off seven wins in their last eight games letting the world remember that Wichita State is the MVC favorite once again.
During that stretch, the Shockers have beaten UNLV, Utah, and Evansville, with the win over the Purple Aces being considered one of the most formidable opponents for the conference crown. In the process, their offense has been a bit inconsistent, but their defense has been rather stifling, allowing just 55.9 points per game.
Since returning to the lineup, Fred Van Vleet has been outstanding. Van Vleet has scored in double figures each game and only registered less than four assists once (in the loss to Seton Hall). In the process, he’s taken the pressure off of Ron Baker, who has been more involved in playmaking duties, recording three games of five or more assists.
While this run has been impressive, we should know much more about the Shockers after their trip to Southern Illinois on Saturday. The Salukis sit on top of the MVC standings with the Shockers, putting two undefeated squads on a collision course. A win in Carbondale might be what the country needs to get back on WSU’s bandwagon after so many jumped off with each mounting loss earlier this season.
With their resume lacking at this point, the Shockers may have to make an epic run through the conference if they want to shore up their at-large hopes for the NCAA Tournament. In the process, they’d remind folks that until unseated, Wichita State is the MVC favorite.
