Categories: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Wichita State Women’s Basketball Secures First Road Win

Wichita State women's basketball team celebrates their first road win against UAB.

News Summary

In a remarkable comeback, Wichita State’s women’s basketball team defeated UAB 82-70, claiming their first road victory in the American Athletic Conference for this season. After struggling early in the game, the Shockers rallied back led by standout performances from multiple players, including a strong finish that secured their win. Coach Terry Nooner expressed pride in the team’s effort as they improved their record to 7-9 overall. The team looks forward to their next game against South Florida on January 8, 2025.

Wichita State Women’s Basketball Shocks UAB for First Road Win!

In a thrilling matchup in Birmingham, Alabama, the Wichita State Shockers women’s basketball team pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat UAB 82-70, marking their very first road victory in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) this season. This triumph comes a whole five weeks earlier compared to last season, and Coach Terry Nooner couldn’t help but express his delight at the team’s performance.

Turning the Tide

The Shockers faced an uphill battle early in the game, as they struggled with their shooting and found themselves down by a significant 12-point deficit at one point. By the end of the first quarter, UAB held a convincing 22-10 lead, capitalizing on Wichita State’s rough start, where they missed 15 of their first 19 shots. But just when it seemed like the game was slipping away, the Shockers found their rhythm and began to chip away at the lead.

Sparking the Comeback

As the game progressed, Jayla Murray emerged as a scoring powerhouse, leading the Shockers with an impressive 24 points, which included a remarkable 16 points in just the first half. By halftime, UAB still held the edge with a score of 40-36, but momentum was clearly shifting.

The second half brightened for Wichita State, especially with Salese Blow stepping up. She put on a dazzling performance, racking up 19 of her total 24 points after the break, shooting an astonishing 5 of 8 from the field and going a perfect 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. This was the energy boost that the Shockers needed!

A Strong Finish

Wichita State then turned the game on its head, heating up as they shot an impressive 48.4% from the field and a whopping 82.4% from the free-throw line, making them a force to reckon with as the game wore on. They closed the game with a solid 1.18 points per possession, which speaks volumes about their efficiency on the court.

As they entered the final quarter, the Shockers put together a decisive 10-2 run late in the third period that gave them a 63-56 advantage, which they maintained through to the final buzzer despite UAB’s attempts to claw back into contention. UAB managed to narrow the gap to 71-66 in the fourth, but Blow was quick to respond with a dynamic three-point play that cemented WSU’s lead.

The Road Ahead

After this exhilarating victory, Wichita State’s record improved to 7-9 overall and 1-2 in the AAC. Meanwhile, UAB, who had been ranked three spots higher than the Shockers in the preseason coaches’ poll, falls to 9-6 overall and remains winless in the conference at 0-3.

Looking ahead, WSU is set to return home on January 8, 2025, where they’ll face off against South Florida, the preseason favorites in the AAC. This exciting matchup is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Koch Arena, and fans can catch all the action by streaming the game on ESPN+.

The Shockers’ determination and grit displayed in this game has injected a renewed sense of hope and excitement among fans. With their newfound momentum, there’s no telling what they might accomplish in the weeks ahead!