Wichita State entered the 2015 NCAA tournament as the most experienced team as most of the roster from the past seasons was still intact. That appears to be paying off as the Shockers shocked many beating Kansas in the Round of 32, a team filled with top recruits and All-Americans. Wichita State will aim to keep the momentum up as they enter the Elite 8 against an underrated Notre Dame team looking for an Elite 8 berth.
The Shockers played upset when they beat their in-state rivals in the Round of 32 sending Kansas a premature exit in the tournament. Fred VanVleet led the way with 17 points and four assists while Tekele Cotton scored 19 points as the Shockers proved seeding means nothing in the tournament. VanVleet made it clear the Shockers do not have McDonald's All-Americans on their roster, but they have plenty of experience which appears to be all that is necessary to keep getting wins.
Wichita State continues to succeed thanks to their defensive efforts and their quickness running up and down the court. They continue to hold opponents to just 55.8 points per game, something paying off in the tournament. They can also go on big runs, something displayed against Kansas when the Shockers went on a 25-6 over an eight minute stretch in the game.
Wichita State is certainly not sneaking up on anyone anymore in the tournament. The team is 4-1 in the NCAA tournament when they are the lower-seeded team. Notre Dame could learn that lesson the hard way. The Fighting Irish were able to hold off Butler in overtime to advance to the Sweet 16. Now they will try to reach the Elite 8 for the first time since 1979 as the Irish have traditionally fallen early in the tournament.
Jerian Grant led the way against Butler putting up 16 points in the close win. Steve Vasturia had 20 points while Demetrius Jackson added another 13 points. The Irish have become used to tight games which could help them as they prepare to play the Shockers. Running with the attitude that it is not over until it is over, the Irish and Shockers present a much more intriguing game than originally anticipated.
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