Mandy
The Trio of Shockers – Kenyon Giles, Dre Kindell, and Will Berg – played a pivotal role in Wichita State’s dominant 84-73 victory over Wofford.
Wichita, Kan. (Go Shockers) – Kenyon Giles, Dre Kindell, and Will Berg combined for a dominant 56-point performance, leading Wichita State to an 84-73 win over Wofford on Wednesday at Charles Koch Arena.
Strong Start For The Shockers
Wichita State (7-5) took control of the game from the opening whistle, leading throughout the contest.
The Shockers set the tone early, with Giles and Karon Boyd contributing back-to-back baskets. Despite a quick three-pointer by Nils Machowski for Wofford, Wichita State surged ahead with a series of fast-break opportunities and offensive rebounds.
Stellar Contributions From The Trio
Giles led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. He was key in maintaining the lead, making crucial baskets whenever Wofford attempted to close the gap.
Dre Kindell set a new career-high with 19 points, converting 5-of-6 shots from the field and a stellar 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Finally, Will Berg, back in action after missing the DePaul game due to an ankle injury, matched his career-best with 15 points, making 9-of-10 free throws and grabbing seven rebounds, six of which were on the offensive glass.
Bench Play Makes A Difference
The Shockers had a decisive advantage in bench points, outscoring Wofford 40-14. This strong bench performance helped Wichita State maintain momentum throughout the game, even as Wofford made occasional runs.
Kindell’s fast-break layup and subsequent free throw in the first half sparked the Shockers, helping them extend the lead to double digits.
Wofford’s Resilience And Wichita’s Counterpunches
Despite Wofford trimming the deficit to just six points early in the second half, the Shockers remained composed.
Berg dominated in the paint with several hook shots and free throws, while Giles hit a critical three-pointer to extend the lead back to double digits.
The Terriers made one last attempt to make it a close game, cutting the lead to four points at 57-53, but Wichita State responded with an alley-oop from Jaret Valencia and a couple of crucial free throws from Berg.
A key three-pointer from Boyd at the 6:11 mark gave the Shockers a more comfortable seven-point lead, and Michael Gray Jr. followed with a timely triple, putting the game out of reach.
Free Throw Execution Seals The Victory
As the game wound down, Wichita State sealed the victory at the free-throw line.
Giles and Kindell combined to make 8-of-8 free throws in the final three minutes, ensuring the Shockers’ 84-73 victory.
Wichita State’s balanced offensive effort, led by Giles, Kindell, and Berg, powered them to an impressive win over Wofford.
The Shockers’ efficient shooting, strong defense, and dominant bench play proved to be the difference in this 84-73 triumph. This win gives them momentum as they move forward in their season.
FAQs
Who were the top performers for Wichita State in the win over Wofford?
Kenyon Giles led with 22 points, Dre Kindell added 19 points, and Will Berg contributed 15 points.
What was the key to Wichita State’s victory over Wofford?
Strong performances from the trio of Giles, Kindell, and Berg, along with a commanding 40-14 bench scoring advantage, secured the win.
How did Wichita State handle Wofford’s second-half run?
Wichita State responded with clutch shooting and free throws, maintaining control when Wofford cut the lead to as little as four points.