WSU advances in NIT after 76-70 win over Furman
"Go Wichita State!" fans shouted.
It was all about beer and basketball Wednesday night at River City Brewing Company as the six-seeded Wichita State men's basketball team took on three-seeded Furman in the NIT.
"It's pretty amazing,” said Shocker fan Tim Shandy. “It's sad they didn't win that next game and go to the regular NCAA, but no, it's good. They've done a lot for Wichita and it's great to have them up on top in the nation's eye today."
After losing six seniors and sophomore guard Landry Shamet to the NBA, expectations weren’t exactly high for the shockers, and they didn't get any better when the team opened conference play with more losses than wins, 1-6 to be exact.
"At least they turn things around, they're not like the Raiders,” laughed WSU fan Ivan Batchman.
That turnaround started towards the end of regular season. And although it was a little too late to secure an NCAA tournament berth, the Shockers are glad to continue their postseason run after a 76-70 win over the Paladins.
The win marks head coach Gregg Marshall’s 500th of his career.
"That's I think the highlight of it to show who Coach Marshall is and what he can do with an amazing set of athletes,” said Shocker fan Stan Saiz.
Shandy added, “We're so lucky to get a guy like that. I mean, I know in the beginning a lot of people had their doubts but I don't think there’s any doubters now."
All the hard work Marshall and his team put in to get here is a reason WSU fans are sticking with their team until the final buzzer.
The Shockers will advance to play Clemson on Sunday. Tip-off time hasn't been set yet.