This loss snapped a six-game win streak for the Salukis (14-3, 3-1). Wichita State (10-5, 4-0), which won the MVC last season, led the entire afternoon and shot 50 percent from behind the 3-point arc.
SIU committed 17 turnovers in a game it needed to play nearly flawless in to win.
"Obviously we're not quite ready at that level, but that's what we aspire to get to and that's what were going to continue to work to do," coach Barry Hinson said after the blowout loss. "Our guys were frozen from the get-go."
Before the game Hinson said it would be the Salukis, not the Shockers, who would be shaken by the large crowd.