Shocking! Wichita State goes 30-0

26 Feb, 2014

Wichita State is all alone in the record book.

Again using a balanced offense and tenacious defense, the second-ranked Shockers became the first Division I team to reach 30-0 in the regular season with a 69-49 victory over Bradley on Tuesday night.

“To be the first and only team in college basketball to win 30 without a loss in the regular season,” Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall said when asked about his theme for the game. “I realize we’re playing more games … but it has never happened in the regular season.

“So it’s a first. And these guys like to be the first, and the best.”

Ron Baker had 15 points to lead four Wichita State players in double figures as the Shockers became the 11th team to reach 30-0, the previous 10 all hitting the 30-win mark during postseason play. The last team to reach 30-0 was UNLV in 1990-91. The Runnin’ Rebels went 34-0 that season before losing to Duke in the national semifinals.

The Shockers (30-0, 17-0 Missouri Valley Conference) have one more regular-season game, at home Saturday against Missouri State. The last team to finish a regular season unbeaten was Saint Joseph’s in 2003-04 at 27-0.

A barrage of 3-pointers early in the second half broke it open for Wichita State, which beat Bradley (12-18, 7-10) for the 10th straight time and second this season.

Wichita State finished the game 11 of 21 from beyond the arc, with four players making two or more. The No. 2 ranking equals the highest ranking in Wichita State history, matching the 1981-82 team.

AP

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