The Wichita State Shockers secured a crucial 63-59 victory against the Rice Owls on March 6, 2025, at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston.
This win not only snapped a two-game losing streak but also positioned the Shockers favorably for potential advancement in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) standings.
Game Highlights
Harlond Beverly’s Offensive Leadership
Senior guard Harlond Beverly led all scorers with 16 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and leadership on the court.
Ronnie DeGray III’s Dominant Rebounding
Forward Ronnie DeGray III was instrumental in controlling the boards, achieving a career-high 16 rebounds. His efforts were pivotal in limiting Rice’s second-chance opportunities and maintaining Wichita State’s defensive strength.
Team Defense and Resilience
The Shockers displayed commendable defensive tenacity, holding the Owls to 59 points. This resilience was crucial in a game characterized by physical play and strategic adjustments.
Impact on AAC Standings
The victory improved Wichita State’s conference record to 8-9 and their overall record to 18-12. This places them in a competitive position within the AAC, with the potential to improve their seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 15-2 | 25-5 |
| North Texas | 14-3 | 23-6 |
| UAB | 13-4 | 20-10 |
| Tulane | 11-6 | 17-13 |
| East Carolina | 10-7 | 18-12 |
| Florida Atlantic | 9-8 | 16-14 |
| Temple | 8-9 | 16-14 |
| Wichita State | 8-9 | 18-12 |
| South Florida | 6-11 | 13-17 |
| Tulsa | 5-12 | 11-19 |
| UTSA | 5-12 | 11-18 |
| Rice | 4-14 | 13-18 |
Upcoming Challenges
Final Regular-Season Game
The Shockers are set to conclude their regular season with a home game against Tulsa on March 9, 2025. A win in this matchup could further enhance their seeding in the AAC tournament.
AAC Tournament Outlook
The AAC Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled from March 12–16, 2025, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Wichita State aims to capitalize on their recent momentum to make a deep run in the tournament.
Wichita State’s hard-fought win over Rice underscores their resilience and determination as they approach the culmination of the regular season.
With the AAC tournament on the horizon, the Shockers have the opportunity to leverage this momentum and strive for a strong postseason performance.