Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to get a statement win vs Memphis

Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to get statement win against Memphis

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: The Wichita State Shockers mascot gestures in the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Shaquille Morris #24 of the Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Attack the basket

Wichita State’s efforts around the basket shouldn’t end with trying to win the rebounding battle. They also need to concentrate on attacking the basket on the offensive end. They absolutely punished Ole Miss from behind the 3-point line in their last game, but that likely won’t be a viable route to victory against the Memphis defense unless they beat them inside first. Instead, the Shockers need to take advantage of the one real problem that defense has. They commit a ton of fouls.

In fact, they are currently 273rd in the country in fouls per game and are 241st in free throws allowed per game. Wichita State is the perfect team to take advantage of this issue as they are 31st in the country in fouls drawn per game and 24th in free throw attempts. This could allow them to score a lot of free points in this game, which would help to overcome the Memphis defense.

Memphis also might not be as deep as usual for this game. DJ Jeffries missed Memphis’ game against Georgia with the flu and, as of Tuesday, had yet to return to practice. Now his roommate, Damion Baugh has also fallen victim to the flu. If even one of these players misses the game, it would be a major blow to Memphis and would make the possibility of foul trouble a scary thought for the Tigers.

Attacking the basket would also help to open up more opportunities for the offense. As I mentioned above, one of the keys to this game for the Shockers is offensive rebounding. Consistently attacking the basket could make attacking the offensive glass easier as defenders are drawn over to help defend the drive, leaving their man unattended on the rebound. If the Shockers find success on their drives to the basket, it could force the Memphis defense to abandon the 3-pt line to put a stop to the drives, leaving Tyson Etienne, Erik Stevenson, and Trey Wade open to let it fly from 3.

Wichita State needs to find ways to put the Memphis defense on its heels and I think attacking the basket right from the start of this game is a good way to make that happen.