In a season-defining moment for Wichita State basketball, the Shockers delivered their biggest upset in three years with an 84-79 overtime victory against No. 14 Memphis on Sunday night – their fourth consecutive AAC win that’s suddenly revitalizing their postseason hopes.
Ballard Becomes Overtime Hero
Sophomore forward Isaac Ballard exploded for a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds, including back-to-back three-point plays in overtime that sent Charles Koch Arena into bedlam. The Kansas City native sealed the game with two clutch free throws with 12 seconds remaining, capping a performance that left Memphis coach Penny Hardaway calling him “the difference-maker we couldn’t contain.”
Defensive Transformation Sparks Turnaround
Since starting AAC play 1-7, Wichita State (15-10, 5-7 AAC) has transformed into one of the conference’s stingiest defenses. During their four-game surge:
- Held opponents to 67.8 PPG (-5.4 from season average)
- Forced 14.2 turnovers per game
- Limited Memphis to 36% shooting despite Tigers ranking top-25 nationally in FG%
Rising Star Alert: Beverly’s Breakout Season
While Xavier Bell (14.5 PPG) remains the scoring leader, junior guard Harlond Beverly has emerged as WSU’s X-factor:
| Stat | Last 4 Games | Season Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 18.3 | 11.2 |
| Steals | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| 3P% | 42.1% | 33.6% |
Legacy Recruit Adds Buzz
The program received more good news Wednesday when Pierre Couisnard – son of former Shocker standout P.J. Couisnard (2004-08) – committed for 2025-26. The 6’5″ wing from Blue Valley Northwest HS brings:
- 4-star recruiting ranking (247Sports)
- 18.7 PPG as Kansas 6A state runner-up
- “I want to continue our family’s legacy of shock-and-awe basketball,” Couisnard told reporters.
Thursday Night Showdown Looms Large
The surging Shockers face their toughest road test yet at Florida Atlantic (8-4 AAC) tonight at 9 PM ET on ESPN2:
- FAU won both meetings last season by 9+ points
- Owls riding 5-game win streak
- AAC tournament seeding implications for both teams
“We’re playing our best basketball when it matters most,” head coach Paul Mills said after Tuesday’s practice. “This group has finally bought into defending first – everything else flows from that identity.”
The Shockers’ resurgence comes at a crucial time with Selection Sunday just three weeks away. A win tonight in Boca Raton could propel WSU into NCAA Tournament bubble conversation and cement this turnaround as one of college basketball’s late-season success stories.
