Wichita State Shockers Pull Off Stunning Upset: Overtime Victory Over No. 14 Memphis!

Wichita, KS – In a thrilling showdown that will be remembered for years to come, the Wichita State Shockers pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 14 Memphis Tigers, winning 84-79 in an overtime thriller on February 16, 2025. The game took place at the Charles Koch Arena, where an electrified crowd witnessed a display of resilience and determination from the Shockers as they faced a formidable opponent.

The Shockers entered the game with a record of 14-10, looking to improve their standing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Memphis, on the other hand, came in riding an eight-game winning streak and was eager to maintain their momentum. The stakes were high, and both teams knew that every possession counted.

Quincy Ballard emerged as the standout player for Wichita State, finishing the game with 19 points, including an impressive 14 points scored in the second half and overtime. His performance was instrumental in leading the Shockers to victory. “I just tried to stay aggressive and take what the defense gave me,” Ballard said after the game. “My teammates supported me, and we played as a unit.”

The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams exchanging leads. Wichita State went on an 11-3 run in the final 5:28 of the first half, allowing them to take a 32-28 lead into halftime. This momentum shift was pivotal, as it set the tone for the second half.

Corey Washington also made significant contributions, achieving a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. His presence on the boards helped the Shockers out-rebound the Tigers 54-45, demonstrating their dominance in the paint. “Rebounding was a focus for us,” Washington stated. “We knew we had to control the boards to win.”

As the game progressed into the final moments of regulation, the tension in the arena was palpable. With the score tied at 71-71, Ronnie DeGray III stepped up to the line and hit two crucial free throws, forcing the game into overtime. “I just focused on my routine,” DeGray III said. “I knew how important those free throws were.”

In overtime, the Shockers found themselves in a tight battle once again. With just 1:10 remaining, Bijan Cortes hit a crucial three-pointer that gave Wichita State a 78-77 lead. This pivotal shot energized the crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Shockers. “That shot felt great,” Cortes remarked. “I knew we needed it, and I just let it fly.”

After taking the lead, the Shockers maintained their composure and held onto their advantage for the remainder of the game. Memphis struggled offensively, shooting only 36% from the field (27-for-75), which was a stark contrast to Wichita State’s balanced offensive effort, with five players scoring in double figures. This collective performance exemplified the depth and talent of the Shockers’ roster.

Despite Memphis’ leading scorer, PJ Haggerty, being limited to just two points in the first half and finishing with 14 points, the Tigers could not find their rhythm against Wichita State’s strong defensive effort. The Shockers effectively limited Memphis’ scoring opportunities, showcasing a disciplined approach on both ends of the court.

This victory marks one of the biggest wins of the season for Wichita State, improving their record to 15-10 overall and 5-7 in the AAC. The win is significant as the Shockers continue to build momentum in their season, proving that they can compete with ranked opponents. “This win gives us a lot of confidence moving forward,” Ballard commented. “We know we can compete at a high level.”

As the Shockers celebrate this monumental victory, they will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against Florida Atlantic. Meanwhile, Memphis will have a week off before facing the same opponent, with hopes of regrouping after this unexpected loss.

In conclusion, the upset adds to the competitive landscape of college basketball, highlighting the unpredictability of the sport. Fans and analysts alike are reminded that on any given night, anything can happen. The Wichita State Shockers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their thrilling overtime victory over No. 14 Memphis is a testament to their talent and determination.