SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Though projected by many to be the first #1-seed to fall in this year’s NCAA Tournament, it was nonetheless a “Shocker” to see Gonzaga fall before the Sweet Sixteen.
Wichita State became the latest team to bust many brackets across the country, with a 76-70 victory over top-seeded Gonzaga in the West Regional. Ron Baker and Cleanthony Early each scored a team-high 16 points, with Fred Vanvleet adding 13. All three players came off the bench to pace the Shockers’ attack.
Kelly Olynyk led Gonzaga with a game-high 26 points, and added nine rebounds. Mike Hart grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, but the Bulldogs have been sent packing despite completely dominating the offensive glass, with 20 rebounds. But Gonzaga shot only 35.6% from the field, compared to an even 50.0% for the victors from Wichita State, who advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2006.
Dave Sims and Kevin Grevey called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Shockers come out on fire as Baker gives them 26-13 lead)
[podcast id='1']
(Olynyk pulls Bulldogs within one as Gonzaga comes back)
[podcast id='2']
(Hart buries a three as Gonzaga goes on top, 43-40)
[podcast id='3']
(Pangos connects from beyond the arc, as Zags’ lead up to seven)
[podcast id='4']
(Shockers come back, as Baker closes the gap to just one)
[podcast id='5']
(Baker strikes again, as Wichita State grabs 67-63 advantage)
[podcast id='6']
(Vanvleet with a backbreaking three to give Shockers five-point lead)
[podcast id='0']
(Shockers complete the upset, and are off to the Sweet Sixteen!)
[podcast id='7']
(Postgame interview with Wichita State’s Ron Baker)
[podcast id='8']
(Salt Lake City wrap-up with Dave Sims and Kevin Grevey)
[podcast id='9']
For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.
