WICHITA, Kansas - Joirdon Karl Nicholas had a double-double but it wasn't enough as Wichita State used a pair of late runs in both halves to pull away from TSU 65-56 on Thursday night.
TSU was up 7-6 with 14:16 remaining in the first half but the Shockers countered with a 16-4 run over the next nine minutes to claim a double-digit lead at 22-11. During that span, TSU had a stretch where they missed nine shots en route to a 2-of-15 shooting performance while the Shockers hit eight of their next 15 buckets to move ahead.
Kolby Granger's three-pointer at the 4:37 mark ended the TSU drought as him and Davon Barnes helped spark a late run which closed the gap to 28-22 with 59 seconds left. However, a late turnover which led to a basket and two free throws allowed the Shockers to claim a 32-22 lead entering the half.
TSU would draw within eight on several occasions early in the second half but the Shockers pulled away after a 12-4 run over the next four minutes to lead by 16. TSU would turn the tide as they managed to fight back with a 15-2 run over the next nine minutes as two free throws by Kehlin Farooq drew them to within 51-48 with 3:27 left.
Unfortunately, the Shockers counted with a 9-2 run to pull away in the closing minutes as they won for the fifth time in the series.
Nicholls had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds while blocking two shots. Barnes added 16 points with nine rebounds.
TSU is back in action next Thursday against Huston-Tillotson in its non-conference finale at 7 p.m. inside the H&PE Arena.
