Wichita State entered the 2026–27 college basketball season with expectations that haven't surrounded the program in quite some time. The Shockers were picked to win the American Conference, putting additional pressure on Paul Mills and a roster hoping to build on last season's progress. Wednesday's opener against CSUN wasn't always pretty, but it provided a convincing reason to believe Wichita State has the personnel to compete for a conference championship.
Senior center William Berg delivered the best performance of his college career, finishing with 26 points and 16 rebounds in a 79–67 victory at Charles Koch Arena. Berg established career highs in both categories, made 11 of his 16 field-goal attempts and repeatedly provided the offensive production Wichita State needed when the game became uncomfortable.
Kenyon Giles added 21 points and eight assists, giving the Shockers another outstanding individual performance. However, Berg's dominance around the basket became the defining storyline of a game that remained competitive much longer than Wichita State would have preferred.
The star on opening night 🤩 pic.twitter.com/RWWtnRsHrD
— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) November 5, 2026
A career performance that couldn't have come at a better time
The Shockers appeared capable of taking control during the opening half, building a 47–40 advantage behind Giles' perimeter scoring and Berg's interior production. CSUN refused to disappear, however, and gradually reduced the deficit during the second half.
The Matadors eventually pulled within one point at 61–60 with 7:43 remaining. They later closed the gap to 63–62, putting Wichita State in a position where another scoring drought could have produced a surprising opening-night defeat.
Berg provided the response. He converted two important free throws, finished a layup off a Giles assist and continued to create problems for CSUN's interior defense. Wichita State eventually established enough separation to secure a 12-point victory, but the result required considerably more effort than the final margin suggested.
The performance was especially valuable because the Shockers struggled offensively in several other areas. Wichita State shot only 37.3% from the field and connected on eight of its 27 three-point attempts, numbers that would ordinarily make winning difficult.
Berg's efficiency around the basket helped compensate for those problems.
Wichita State's experience could become a major advantage
One of the biggest reasons for optimism surrounding the Shockers is their returning experience. Wichita State brought back 11 letterwinners and more than two-thirds of its scoring production from last season, providing continuity that has become increasingly uncommon in college basketball.
That familiarity could become especially valuable once American Conference play begins. Teams with established rotations and experienced contributors often have an advantage when games become more physical and opponents begin exploiting weaknesses.
Giles demonstrated Wednesday that he can provide perimeter scoring and playmaking, finishing with a career-high eight assists. Berg supplied the interior production, while Jahari Long contributed 12 points and Jordan Frison recorded seven assists in their Wichita State debuts.
The Shockers also committed only three turnovers, an impressive number considering their shooting difficulties. Protecting possessions allowed Wichita State to survive a game in which its offensive execution was inconsistent.
Those characteristics could become important against the American Conference's strongest opponents.
One victory revealed both potential and concerns
Wichita State won't be satisfied with every aspect of Wednesday's performance. The Shockers allowed CSUN to remain competitive deep into the second half and struggled to establish consistent perimeter offense.
But the victory also demonstrated something important about their roster.
When the outside shots weren't falling, Wichita State had an experienced center capable of creating efficient scoring opportunities. When CSUN threatened to take control, the Shockers had veteran guards capable of responding without turning the basketball over.
Berg won't necessarily produce 26 points and 16 rebounds every night, but his opening performance offered evidence that he could become one of the American Conference's most valuable interior players.
Wichita State entered the season with championship expectations. Wednesday didn't prove the Shockers will meet them, but it revealed a potentially significant advantage that could help them get there.
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