WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – The Wichita State men built a 21-point halftime lead and cruised to an 85-72 victory Sunday afternoon over host East Carolina in Greenville, North Carolina.
Craig Porter Jr. recorded career-highs 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists for WSU (11-10, 4-5 American), who last played in ECU in February 2019 due to a combination of schedules unbalanced and COVID-19 cancellations.
James Rojas scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half and finished with seven rebounds and four steals. He scored nine fouls in ECU and converted 11 of 14 free throws.
Also in double figures Jaykwon Walton (13 points, seven rebounds) and Kenny Pohto (10 points).
The Shockers scored a season-high 49 points in the first half on 60% shooting. WSU’s 21-point halftime lead (49-28) was the fifth-most in an actual road game (1970–present). Notably, the fourth-largest margin on that list (22 points) came on their first visit to ECU in January 2018.
The lead grew to 27 near 7:00 of the second half, but ECU finished the game on a 12-2 run. The Shockers shot 50.9% from the field, including 5-of-14 from three-point range (.357). They converted 22 of 27 free throws (.815).
WSU struggled defensively in last month’s 79-69 loss to the Pirates, but held them to 37.3% in the rematch. ECU made 11 triples but required 35 attempts.
The Shockers go home Thursday night to face No. 3 Houston at Charles Koch Arena (8 p.m. CT, ESPN2). Tickets are available online at goshockers.com/tickets or by calling the Shocker Ticket Office at 316-978-FANS (3267).
