ST. LOUIS
Wichita State puts its NCAA Tournament fate in jeopardy for about 37 minutes. Then the Shockers made plays.
Top-seeded WSU defeated No. 8 Loyola 66-58 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Scottrade Center.
The Shockers avoided a disastrous loss by holding the Ramblers (15-17) scoreless for 3:30 to end the game on a 15-3 run. WSU’s Shaq Morris provided much of the defense during that burst, acting as a goal-tender to swat away shots. He blocked six shots, three in the second half.
Down 55-51, WSU started its rally with a basket by Markis McDuffie and free throw by Ron Baker.