Wichita State Basketball: 3 takeaways from impressive win over Memphis

Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 takeaways from impressive win over 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: Landry Shamet #11 of the Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Wichita State has an Elite Defense

I was extremely impressed by the way that Wichita State’s defense played in this game. We knew going into the game against Memphis that they were a very good defense, but what we saw in this game should put them in the conversation of best defenses in the country.

It’s not just that the Shockers held a Memphis offense that was amongst the nation’s highest-scoring offenses 12 points below their season average, but it’s the way that they did it. They managed to hold Memphis to their 4th lowest score of the season in spite of dealing with a ton of foul trouble in the first half. That foul trouble also led to Memphis scoring a 3rd of their points from the free throw line.

When Memphis couldn’t get to the free throw line, Wichita State absolutely shut their offense down. They held Memphis to 35.7% shooting from the field, which is 10% lower than their numbers for the season, and an abysmal 19% from 3. That’s 15.8% lower than what they’ve made for the season.

This was the first time this season that the Wichita State defense was tested by such a potent offense and they passed the test with flying colors. This looks like the type of defense that can give any team in the country issues.