THE SUNFLOWER MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 • VOLUME 119, ISSUE 77
SERIOUSLY SWEET In the first NCAA matchup since 1981, No. 7-seed WSU and No. 2-seed KU battled it out in Omaha. Now the Shockers are headed to the Sweet 16.
« “One of the biggest
78 65
wins I’ve been involved with being a Shocker... and we’re going to the Sweet 16.” — Ron Baker
W
ho said yellow and blue didn’t mix? The stands of the CenturyLink Center were filled with Shocker and Jayhawk fans Sunday in Omaha. Before Wichita State’s 78-65 dismantling of the University of Kansas, head coach Gregg Marshall met with fans at the team’s hotel. As a chorus of cheers rang out upon Marshall’s arrival, he grabbed the microphone in front of a sea of Shocker faithful. “Whew,” Marshall said. “I don’t know if you’re more excited about going to the Sweet 16 or playing the team in crimson and blue.” Marshall’s prediction came true. The Shockers are headed to Cleveland for the Sweet 16 where the No. 3-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish await. See SWEET on page 6
2
NEWS AND OPINION
WWW.THESUNFLOWER.COM
MARCH 23, 2015
Letter to the Editor: Why Kansas needs to repeal the death penalty We have come a long way as a nation as we work to make our country a better, safer and more just place for all citizens to live. In the past century, we have moved toward many practices that are more humane and fair than practices of previous generations. In my opinion, the death penalty is one of the problematic issues that should be relegated to the past and found only as a footnote in history books — years from today. There is a long list of reasons why Kansas needs to abolish the death penalty, and there is no sensible reason for us to keep this
dysfunctional system. The last time the state of Kansas executed a person was exactly half a century ago. Yet the death penalty is still part of our criminal justice system, consuming millions of taxpayers’ dollars, which could more wisely be spent on pro-active law enforcement, social and mental health programs that could help prevent violent crimes. With a human life at stake, it is necessary that death penalty cases go through a prolonged process of pre-trials, trials, prolonged appeals and re-trials. This time-intensive process is necessary in order to avoid the
risk of executing an innocent person, but it also costs four times more than trials where life in prison without parole is pursued. In addition, this lengthy process puts murder victim family members through elongated trauma. Although such painstaking and lengthy trial processes are designed, in theory, to avoid the risk of executing innocent lives, serious mistakes do happen. No human system is infallible, and in many states, flaws and corruptions have cost the lives of the innocent while leaving murder victim families empty handed.
Phi Delta Volleyball: A break from school
Photo by John Romero
Students play a friendly game of volleyball at the Phi Delta Theta sand pit just before spring break. The games take place every Thursday. By Brennen Smith STAFF REPORTER @Brennen19_26
During warm weather it is possible to find Wichita State students playing volleyball at the Phi Delta Theta sand volleyball pit on Thursday nights near dusk. This year’s first volleyball night was March 12, just before the start of spring break. About 40 fraternity, sorority and non-Greek WSU students came out that night after finishing up mid-term exams. For some, the night of volleyball signified the beginning of spring break. “It’s just a good opportunity for kids to come out and enjoy life, forget school and‌ take a night off,â€? said junior Josey McNorton, recruitment chair at
the
Classifieds
Phi Delta. An hour before the volleyball game, sophomores David Brink and Dustin Vaughn were already on site throwing a football around. As Phi Delta pledges, Brink and Vaughn were already familiar with the tradition of Phi Delta Volleyball. “I didn’t get out to it last year a lot,â€? Brink said. “It’s a really good way to meet and socialize with people. It’s just a good time. There isn’t really a whole lot of competition. It’s just us screwing around.â€? “I think it’s a really important thing, big brotherhood bonding,â€? Vaughn said. “A lot of guys that don’t live in ‌ it’s a good way to hang out with them.â€? Brink said most people usually come out at the start of school and at the end of school because they aren’t as busy. As recruitment chair, one of McNorton’s jobs is to be in charge of Phi Delta Volleyball and spread the word to WSU
More Classifieds online at www.thesunflower.com/classifieds
students. “We text people, it’s really just word of mouth,� McNorton said. “We invite people on campus or people we sit by in class. It’s really open. Anybody can come out anytime.� Besides being an activity that is open to any student on campus, Phi Delta Volleyball helps Phi Delta with recruitment and also attacks the issue of Greek stereotyping on campus, McNorton said. “It helps [people] understand that we aren’t a bunch of tools like the guys on ‘Animal House,’� he said. “Movies like that are the typical Greek cultures you see. We aren’t like that at all.� Six-on-six volleyball games take place every Thursday at the Phi Delta sand volleyball court, weather permitting. “[Everything] usually lasts until 10,� McNorton said. “If it’s a week in the summer it will go until 11 or 12.�
Alternatives: Free Testing 202-3709
Try one of these and many other drinks today! Watermark Books & Cafe is a proud supporter of Wichita State University and the Wichita State Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams! Here’s to another great year!
NOTE TO READERS: The Sunflower will not knowingly publish advertising
that is false or misleading. If you have a question about an ad or a classified, call the Wichita Better Business Bureau at 263-3146. The Sunflower is published by student-employees on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer session, the paper is printed once weekly on Wednesday, with exceptions for holidays and finals. The Sunflower (published for use by WSU students, faculty and staff) is private property and unlawful removal or use of papers is prosecutable. One copy may be taken for free. Additional copies must be purchased for $1 each. The Sunflower is also partially funded by the Student Government Association. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters, call-in line and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. We also reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
When Wichita State and the University of Kansas men’s basketball COLUMN BY teams tipped JAMES KELLERMAN off on Sunday, I thought I’d be stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’ve attended both schools — I’m now at WSU — and never wanted them to play. I was afraid I might root for KU and betray the team I grew up loving. Growing up in the ‘90s, I was a basketball fan, so I became a fan of KU, never really hearing about Wichita State basketball. I hardly knew it was a school that played in the NCAA with KU. Other friends who grew up loving football became fans of Kansas State. Moving from Salina to Wichita in 1999, my dad worked at the KU Medical School. So, he’d bring home free T-shirts with the Jayhawk stamped all over them — forever solidifying my love of Kansas. I attended KU after high school and loved it, but after hitting a wall of partying, I decided to move back to Wichita and attend WSU. WSU has given me something I never knew possible. I started the Talk Angry podcast, did Shocker Soundoff of KGSO and am now the sports
3
Now hiring servers for the spring & summer apply in person today!
Go Shockers!
tall
(12 oz.)
(16 oz.)
Brewed Coffee............................................ 1.50 Hot Tea/Iced Tea ....................................... 1.50 Cappuccino.................................................. 2.75 Latte.............................................................. 2.75 Mocha ........................................................... 3.50 White Mocha .............................................. 3.75 Breve Latte .................................................. 3.25 Breve Mocha ............................................... 3.75 Soy Latte ...................................................... 3.25 Soy Mocha ................................................... 3.75 Americano ................................................... 2.00 CafĂŠ au Lait ................................................. 2.00 Chai............................................................... 3.00 Hot Chocolate............................................ 2.00 Steamer ........................................................ 2.00 Espresso ....................................................... 2.00
frozen drinks
4.75 5.00
Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Strawberry
Contact Us
Specialty Milkshakes.................................................. 5.25 Espresso, Peppermint, Mocha, Dr. Pepper, specialty syrup flavor upon request, seasonal ice cream flavors
019 Elliott Hall, 1845 N. Fairmount Ave., Wichita, KS 67260-0134 Italian Soda .................................................................
Sunflower Offices Front Desk: 978-3640 Fax: 978-3778
Comments?
Delivery Questions? Sean Jones 978-6906
Advertising Manager
Give us your comments 978-6905
Sean Jones 978-6906 Email: admanager.sunflower@wichita.edu
Story Ideas?
Editor-in-Chief
Send us your tips/leads 978-6905
TJ Rigg 978-6905 Email: editor@thesunflower.com
Three Sisters ........... $3.75 (12 oz.) /$4.25 (16 oz.) Left alone, Macadamia, Hazel and Almond are just nuts. But put them together with espresso and steamed milk, and you’ve got a masterpiece the likes of which Chekhov would be proud.
RECENT BAR PASS RESULTS: Watermark
Missouri - highest rate of 7 reported schools (95.2%) for first-time takers Jane Eyre ................. $4.50 /$5.00 We tried to keep this crazy lady in the attic, but Kansas - above state once the chocolate, coconut, and almond were the street.takers averageDown for first-time mixed with the espresso and steamed milk, there was no stopping the inferno. TYLER Around the corner. Ulysses...................... $4.25 /$4.75 PATTERSON, ’14 We wanted to save this Bloomsday blend of Irish Ranked #6 by preLaw and the Right up your alley. Cream, espresso, and steamed half-and-half Patterson Legal Group, L.C.for June 16th. But in the end we decided we should probably National Jurist on list of “Largest Wichita serve it every other day of the year, too. employment gains by school� - 2014 Madame Bovary ...... $4.75 /$5.25
1.75 1.75 3.25 3.25 4.00 4.25 3.75 4.25 3.75 4.25 2.50 2.50 3.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
Add an extra shot of espresso or a syrup flavor for an additional 50 cents.
Try one of our fresh sandwiches, crisp Milkshakes................................................................... Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Strawberry salads, or tasty Malted coffee drinks today! Milkshakes.....................................................
the right choice specialty drinks
short
(12 oz.)
(16 oz.)
(12 oz.)
(16 oz.)
(12 oz.)
(16 oz.)
This blend of white chocolate, mocha and raspberry is‌ le mot juste? Sheer perfection. We’re sure that even Emma Bovary would approve.
Dr. Zhivago ............. $4.75 (12 oz.) /$5.25 (16 oz.) The cool heat of white chocolate and peppermint mixed with espresso and steamed milk can only lead to heart attacks, gulags, and little laundry girls named Tanya. But what a way to go!
Online
Cafe to Go
800.927.4529 washburnlaw.edu/admissions
Pride & Prejudice ... $4.50 (12 oz.) /$5.00 (16 oz.)
It isto a truth acknowledged, that a single Letters theuniversally editor
cherry in possession of a good espresso, must be in
Send letters the editor want oftochocolate. Mixed with steamed milk. WSU news 24/7 to editor@thesunflower. Business Manager www.thesunflower.com com. Please keep letters Robbie Norton 978-6900drinks cooler robbie.norton@wichita.edu RedEmail: Bull Energy Drink..................................................2.25 to 250 words or shorter. All Find us on Facebook Canned Soda ..................................................................1.25 letters are edited for clarity www.facebook.com/sunflowerwsu Adviser Jarritos Bottled Soda ....................................................2.00 and length. Please include Jessica Bertapelle 978-6129 your name, WSU affiliation Perrier .............................................................................1.75 Follow us on Twitter Email: jessica.bertapelle@wichita.edu Naked Juices‌ ..............................................................3.75 and a phone number or www.twitter.com/sunflowernews Bottled Juice...................................................................2.50 email address for verificawww.twitter.com/sunflowersports Bottled Water ...............................................................1.25 tion purposes. 2.75 Cream Soda................................................................ 3.25
Milk/Chocolate Milk Box.............................................1.00
editor of the Sunflower. For those reasons, I cheered on the Shockers on Sunday. It’s still difficult, though. I get goosebumps hearing the RockChalk chant after every Jayhawk win. There isn’t a more thrilling moment than being in the stands at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio when Mario Chalmers hit a shot to send the NCAA title game to overtime in 2008. It’s also difficult to forget the times I spent at Wichita State basketball camps in the early 2000s when the program was turning around under the leadership of head coach Mark Turgeon. Joking around with former players Rob Kampman and Jamar Howard made me huge fans of WSU even though they only collected NIT bids at that time. I know Sunday was weird for anyone in a similar situation as I am in. I watched a game with my favorite teams duking it out and at the end of the day, the Jayhawks headed home and the Shockers moved on to the Sweet 16. Even though both teams played a few times after I was born, I don’t remember them one bit. My brother and some of my close friends will probably hate me pulling for the Shockers. And, I know some of my WSU friends will probably hate me anyway because I’m apparently “a bandwagoner.�
: 'RXJODV :LFKLWD .6
4701 E. Douglas Ave. • 316-682-1181 • watermarkbooks.com coffees & counter drinks
about the death penalty, I invite Kansans to learn the facts from academic research, stories of murder victim families, testimonies of innocent exonerees, views of faith leaders and insights of law enforcement officials. I also ask Kansans to make their voices heard by contacting their legislators now urging them to opt for a fiscally responsible public policy and vote “yes� on the repeal bill presented this legislative session. — Ewnetu Tsegaw, Community Coordinator — Wichita area, Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty
Stuck between Rockchalk and a Roundhouse
Watermark Books & Cafe
Be seen in the Classifieds. Call 978-6906.
Thinking Abortion?
Since 1973, 151 innocent people have been exonerated from death row. Another 18 people have already been put to death, despite overwhelming doubt of guilt. Kansas has an effective alternative to the death penalty — life in prison without the possibility of parole. Assessed from every angle, the death penalty is an ill-advised public policy. By abolishing the death penalty now, Kansas can ensure the needs of society are met, while avoiding the risk of taking innocent lives in the future. In order to get a well-rounded understanding
Corrections This space is normally reserved for corrections.
NEWS
MARCH 23, 2015
WWW.THESUNFLOWER.COM
3
Ad Astra offers communication students advertising experience By Brennen Smith STAFF REPORTER @Brennen19_26
Students in the Elliott School of Communication often get hands-on experience in preparation for work in communication, and a new advertising class offers just that. Ad Astra Communication Agency is more than a class that offers general knowledge on communication and advertising. Ad Astra provides students with real-world experience, said Lisa Parcell, Ad Astra professor and director of graduate studies in the Elliott School.
The 10 students in Ad Astra meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, and will receive three credit hours for the course, but classwork involves working in teams to assist local clients with their advertising endeavors. “Some work on editing video or creating design work, others write copy and others make phone calls or send emails to get information we need,” Parcell said. Ad Astra started a few years ago as a club, but this spring it is being offered as a class in preparation for needs of the future Innovation Campus, Parcell said. “We’re just laying the ground-
work for the class,” senior Jennifer Liss said. “They’re trying to get planned still, so they’re working on jobs for us to do. Ad Astra projects include creating promotional materials for the 15th anniversary of Heather’s camp, writing a newsletter for the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, working on fundraising materials for the WSU History Department’s “History Today” video series, and helping create posters and fliers for the “Major Difference” campaign with the School of Community Affairs and the Political Science department.
Working in the class has allowed Liss to generate her own portfolio pieces as she does copy writing for different clients such as Heather’s Camp and the Fairmount Neighborhood Association. Recently, Liss said she got two interviews for potential jobs she wanted, and she attributed the opportunities to her work in Ad Astra. “I really think it’s a valuable class for any communication student to take,” she said. Senior Tyler Pennick said he is hopeful for the future of the class. “One day people will get paid to be video director or there will possibly be paid positions,” he
said. “We’re working out some kinks right now and getting things together.” A video created to promote the class features University President John Bardo giving credit to the class. The video, titled “Ad Astra, it’s your creative,” can be found on the Elliott School’s Vimeo account. Search “Elliott School of Communication” to find the account on Vimeo. “Ad Astra gives us another great example of applied learning that increases the quality of education,” Bardo said in the video, “and makes a Wichita State graduate something special.”
Marshall raises $15,000 for the second year in a row By Brittany Ponds STAFF REPORTER @brittany_forev
Photo by Kevin Brown
Men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall walks to see his wife following a victory over the University of Kansas on Sunday. Marshall reached third place in this year’s Infiniti Challenge, raising $15,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home.
Coach Gregg Marshall reached third place in this year’s Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge with the support of voters across the country. Marshall raised $15,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home. Voting began in January and ended last Monday. Marshall finished third out of 48 coaches in the nation. This was Marshall’s second year participating in the challenge, and his second in a row finishing in third place and raising $15,000. Laura Kelly, director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services at the Children’s Home, said Marshall’s win shows the amount of support the home has in the community. “These are our children,” Kelly said. “That’s why it was so great to see Shocker fans vote every day in the challenge.” Kelly said the $15,000 that was raised this year will go toward The Children’s Home’s capital campaign. “We will be able to provide a more welcoming and healthier environment for the kids,” Kelly said. The WCH is in the process of building a new facility — the current facility is about 50 years old and outlived. This time next year, Kelly hopes they will expand programming to accommodate to the children. Kelly said “it’s really about the kids.” A check will be presented in late May or early June. Kelly said the WCH is looking forward to having the chance to thank Marshall. Kelly said the WCH serves more than 1,500 children a year and is also involved in outreach programs, violence prevention workshops and services in high schools. For more information or if you want to donate to the WCH, visit WCH.org or call 684-6581. The WCH is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
FOLLOW US ON * Excludes Holidays. $10 for 3D. Does not include Directors Suite.
TWITTER @sunflowersports
FOLLOW US ON
TWITTER 353 North Mead Street • WarrenOldTown.com
** $8 for 3D. Does not include Directors Suite.
@sunflowernews
4
SPORTS
www.thesunflower.com
MARCH 23, 2015
Shockers fly over Hoosiers, Jayhawks in Omaha
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
« Picture this. 1.
Wichita State fans flash the “Shockers Up” hand signal during the Indiana game Friday at the CenturyLink Center.
2.
Head coach Gregg Marshall lectures his coaching staff during Wichita State’s matchup with Indiana on Friday. The Shockers won 81-76.
3.
Shocker Sound performs during a timeout Friday at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. With a win over Indiana Friday, the Shockers advanced to play KU.
4.
Little Shocker fans such as Charlie Roland, 2, took part in pregame festivities in Omaha. Fans gathered for a pep rally Sunday before the KU game.
5.
A Wichita State fan anxiously watches Friday’s game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Shockers advanced to the next round to play KU.
6.
Junior Ron Baker flies into the basket during the game against the University of Kansas Sunday. Baker finished the game with 12 points.
7.
Gregg Marshall, Tekele Cotton and Ron Baker speak to the media in a press conference following the win over the University of Kansas Sunday.
8.
Senior Tekele Cotton makes a face during the KU game Sunday. Cotton finished with 19 points.
9.
Shocker fans held up fan signs at the KU game, such as this one that reads “Eat More Chikinhawk.”
8.
9.
freshman Shaq Morris celebrates during 10.Redshirt Friday’s game against Indiana. Morris finished the game with eight points against the Hoosiers.
— Photos by Kevin Brown
10.
SPORTS
MARCH 23, 2015
www.thesunflower.com
5
Visiting Berlin students experience Shocker basketball
Photo by Shelby Reynolds
Students from Berlin and Wichita State watch the KU-WSU matchup Sunday at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.
J
1.
By Shelby Reynolds MANAGING EDITOR @_shelbyreynolds
udging by the cheers Sunday at Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes, every person seemed to be a die-hard Wichita State fan. But that wasn’t the case for a group of about 10 German students visiting Wichita this week. “We’re having a blast,” Sebastian Bachmann said. Students from the Berlin School of Economics arrived in Wichita Saturday night for an exchange program through the Barton School of Business’ Master of Business Administration. It’s the 11th year of the “Berlin Experience,” in which WSU and Berlin students travel to each others’ campuses for a consulting project.
« “They’re totally
2.
3.
engrossed in it ... That’s part of the American culture.”
— Khawaja Asjad Saeed
4.
6.
5.
« Picture this. 1.
The bench celebrates a basket against the University of Kansas Sunday at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.
2.
Head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates after a victory over KU Sunday.
3.
Fred VanVleet and Darius Carter walk across the court together Friday during the Indiana game at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.
4.
Rashard Kelly passes the ball to a teammate Friday against Indiana. The Shockers beat the Hoosiers 81-76 to advance to the next round against KU on Sunday.
5.
Senior Tekele Cotton awaits the fate of a free throw shot after the referees called a flagrant foul against KU’s Kelly Oubre. The shot bounced off the rim.
6.
Junior Fred VanVleet drives past his KU opponent Sunday at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. — Photos by Kevin Brown
“Exposure to other cultures, other students, other societies … is very critical,” said Khawaja Asjad Saeed, associate dean of Graduate Studies in Business. “They’re just totally engrossed in it,” he said of the game. “That’s part of the American culture.” The game against the University of Kansas was broadcast live in the basement of the Rhatigan Student Center for those Shocker fans not lucky enough to make the trip to Omaha to root for the men’s basketball team in the NCAA Tournament. And the Berlin students are in town just in time. Bachmann said sports are organized differently back home. “We don’t have that where the whole school is cheering for the one team,” Bachmann said. “We’re really surprised that the people from the university know all the players.” With every rebound, steal and basket — and there were several in WSU’s favor — the place erupted. Even though the group arrived just the night before, each of the Berlin students already donned Shocker gear. “We got all dressed up for the game today,” said Bachmann, who wore a “Shockers On the Court” T-shirt. Sven Ripsas, though, said he isn’t a newbie to Shocker basketball. “We watched them play in the Final Four two years ago and get eliminated last year,” said Sven, professor of the International Consulting Project at the Berlin School of Economics. “I’m a Shocker fan now.” The WSU students planned a welcome party for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, but with the game at 4:15 p.m., they rescheduled it. “When they were coming to the United States, every TV in the airport had college basketball,” WSU graduate student Rathana Schroeder said. “One of them was kind of asking, ‘Is college basketball that important here?’ and I said, ‘Well, college basketball is in the month of March.’ “I think it’s really awesome that they’re supporting us.” The group from Germany hooped and hollered just as loud as the native Shocker fans as Wichita State dominated the second half against KU. Bachmann and the other Berlin students said they are Shocker fans, at least “for now.” “I believe this experience is something they’ll cherish for the rest of their life,” Asjad Saeed said.
6
SPORTS
www.thesunflower.com
MARCH 23, 2015
« “The game was about the right to go to the Sweet 16. Anything other than that was just a side light.”
— Gregg Marshall
Photo by Kevin Brown
Shaq Morris dives after the ball against the University of Kansas on Sunday at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. The Shockers will advance to the Sweet 16 and play Notre Dame Thursday in Cleveland.
SWEET
from page 1
The Shockers were behind by three points — senior Tekele Cotton’s opportune time came without filing a flight plan. He soared through the air, was briefly halted by contact from Jayhawk center Landen Lucas and floated the ball in the air, which bounced around the rim before dropping. One free throw later, the game was all tied up with 1:27 left to play in the first half. “I think I probably surprised them a little bit [with my athleticism],” Cotton said, grinning. “I looked at their faces and they looked a little surprised. I didn’t really get it like I wanted to, but I think they were a little surprised.” When Cotton hit that soaring layup, everything in the game — and the state of Kansas — changed. The Jayhawks have dominated this series winning 12 of the previous 14 matchups. The last time they met, KU knocked down WSU with a 103-54 victory in 1993. A lot has changed in 22 years, and it showed. The Shockers weren’t so little compared to the blue bloods of college basketball anymore. Little brother grew up, and he’s bigger than big brother now. And big brother got scared. “They were far superior to us in
the second half,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “Whatever we tried, they had a counter.” When Shaq Morris fouled Frank Mason, Mason was stunned, laying on the ground for what seemed like minutes. Mason went full speed into 260-pound Shaq Morris, who stood over Mason like a giant. Earlier, Kansas forward and Wichita native Perry Ellis left the game after taking an elbow from the smaller Fred VanVleet. With 50 seconds remaining in the first half, VanVleet sank a three. Then he poked the ball away on defense, flipped an underhand at the basket and missed as time expired. VanVleet ran off the court smiling with the Shockers controlling a three point lead. The Shockers extended the margin in the second half and after an Evan Wessel three-pointer to go up 37-30, WSU opened a whole new can of worms the Jayhawks couldn’t handle. Self sat on the sidelines helpless, watching his team fall apart in what’s been coined the “Battle of Omaha.” “Wessel is a stud,” Self said. “To me, he was the most most valuable guy of the game, and he dominated the game from a loose-ball energy. When he made that three, it kinda took the lid off the basket after that. Then they dominated us.” An “Evan Wessel” chant stirred
through the arena after the game. Wichita State wasn’t David with a slingshot against Goliath. They used all their artillery and they had a full arsenal. Wessel rained threes and hit the boards, Baker hit big shot after big shot, Cotton scored at will, Zach Brown looked like the best freshman on the court and VanVleet kept the team’s composure. Darius Carter and Cotton hit back-to-back shots under the five minute mark, followed by a timeout. Before heading to the Shocker bench, VanVleet pulled his team together at halfcourt. “He didn’t say too much,” Cotton said. “He just kept us poised, like a leader.” VanVleet directed traffic and not worried about running clock. He kept attacking — making plays — poised to head to the Sweet 16. “Obviously, at that time, you can pull the ball out and run clock,” Baker said. “But we’re a really aggressive team and we make smart decisions with the ball, and that’s what we did.” The Shocker team had mixed emotions after this one. Marshall said it’s awesome and Cotton ... “I’m speechless,” Cotton said. “In the locker room I heard Fred say he didn’t know how to feel. This feeling was unreal, and he was right about that.” Not getting the opportunity to play KU and going to the Sweet 16 is a tremendous achievement,
« WSU vs. KU — Shocker Stats FG
3FG
REB
PTS
Darius Carter
3-5
0-0
4
10
Evan Wessel
4-6
4-6
9
12
Fred VanVleet
4-12
2-4
6
17
Ron Baker
5-10
2-5
3
12
Tekele Cotton
7-12
1-3
2
19
Rashard Kelly
0-0
0-0
1
0
Zach Brown
2-4
1-2
1
7
Bush Wamukota
0-0
0-0
2
1
Shaquille Morris
0-2
0-0
1
0
Baker said. Fans decked in their crimson and blue couldn’t do anything, but sit, silently, watching the black and gold bully them. It wasn’t about getting a crack at the Jayhawks to Marshall, though. “The game was about the right to go to the Sweet 16,” Marshall said. “Anything other than that is just a side light. We wanted to go to Cleveland and play Notre Dame. If it was Duke or North Carolina, it would’ve been the
same.” The Shockers will head back to Wichita and prepare to go into their next challenge with Notre Dame on Thursday in Cleveland. “Just a great day to be a part of Shocker nation,” Marshall said, “and to lead these young men into battle. When you are able to go home and get a few day’s rest and deal with all the media and whatnot, it kinda sinks in, you’re one of the top 16 teams in the country.” — James Kellerman, Sports Editor
‘We gave our whole heart out there’ Women’s basketball knocked out in first round By Joshua Duncan SPORTS REPORTER @joshduncan316
Coach Jody Adams has figured out the formula for winning games and running through the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, but could’t continue her winless record in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Losing to California in the first round Saturday marks three straight trips to the big dance coming out of each with a loss. “Of course it’s a disappointment,” senior Alex Harden said. “You have to understand we gave our whole heart out there. We just came up a little short today.” Wichita State (29-4) came into the tournament set to face Cal (23-9) in the opening round. Harden threw the first punch by making a layup the first possession of the game, but this would be the only time the Shockers would have the lead. The game went back and forth for much of the first half with the Shockers cutting the lead to only a field goal. It was looking like this game would be close until the end. Late in the first half with the score 24-26, Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb called for a timeout to regroup the Bears. Whatever Gottlieb said in that huddle pushed Cal’s offense. On an 11-3 run, Cal ended the
half with a 10-point lead to put the the score at 27-37. The start of the second half was not much better for the Shockers. They just didn’t have an answer for Cal’s offense. With a layup early in the second half by Cal’s Reshanda Gray, it put the Bears in a comfortable lead at 34-47. The fight wasn’t over for the Shockers. With two successful trips to the free throw line by Harden and Michaela Dapprich, and a three-pointer from Dapprich, WSU put themselves back in the game with a 9-0 run. With 12 minutes left in the second half, Gottlieb felt the Shockers nipping at their heels. Calling a timeout to regroup her players once again, Cal came back out and answered with five quick points. The Shockers committed eight fouls and five turnovers in the final minutes of the game. With no answer for Cal’s leading scorer Reshanda Gray (22 points) and their two freshmen, McDonald’s All-Americans Gabby Green (11 points) and Mikayla Cowling (11 points), the Shockers were defeated 66-78. Cal dominated the board with 37 rebounds and shot a lights out 52 percent from the field. WSU would finish with 27 rebounds and 40 percent from the field. Wichita State
Photo courtesy of the Wichita Eagle
Wichita State forward Kelsey Jacobs goes for a loose ball during the Northern Iowa game March 14 in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The Shockers won the MVC Championship but lost in the first round of the NCAA Tourney.
is known for their defense, but it was no match for Cal’s efficient offense. “You have to give them credit for those freshmen stepping up and knocking down big shots,” Adams said. “This is the time of the year when if you’re a big-time player, you make big-time shots.” For Harden, this season put her in
the record books at the all-time leading scorer in WSU women’s basketball history. Her efforts in the game didn’t go unnoticed, and Gottlieb made sure she knew it. “I grabbed her at the end of the handshake line,” Gottlieb said, “and told [Harden] you could play anywhere.”
Adams said she would not let this loss define their season. Adams knew she was losing much more than a game. “I’m probably not thinking about the loss, I’m thinking about the loss of the three seniors,” she said. “This loss doesn’t define Wichita State’s program.”