Sunday morning’s shootaround took on a serious mood for Wichita State, a different feel from more matter-of-fact preparation for its earlier opponents.
Serious paid off, because by midway through the second half Sunday night, the Shockers turned the game into a joke.
WSU ran away from preseason Big West Conference-favorite Long Beach State 92-55 at Koch Arena with an impressive blend of defense and shooting.
Wichita State (2-0) blew out the 49ers (1-1) with a 21-0 run in the second half.
Five Shockers scored in double figures, led by Conner Frankamp’s 15 points. Landry Shamet added 12 and smothering defense on Long Beach State guard Evan Payne.