WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Karon Boyd knocked down his first four three-pointers of the game and never looked back, scoring a career-high 22 points in Wichita State's dominant home win over Eastern Kentucky, 88-57, Sunday afternoon in Charles Koch Arena.
Wichita State (8-5) closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule with one of its more complete performances of the season. The Shockers knocked down 12 three-pointers, were plus-20 on the boards, dished out 26 assists and had just seven turnovers. Wichita State's 26 assists were the most since handing out 29 vs. UT Martin on Nov. 16, 2019. The 49 rebounds were a season high, while holding EKU to just 29 total and only six offensive. The Colonels came into the game averaging nearly 15 offensive rebounds a game, good for 12th nationally.
Boyd scored 18 of his career-best 22 points in the first half, knocking down four three-pointers in the game's first 10 minutes. Will Berg notched his team-leading third double-double of the season behind 14 points and 12 rebounds. Brian Amuneke tied a season high with 11 points on 3-of-6 three-pointers.
Kenyon Giles finished with nine points - all after halftime - snapping his double figure streak at 12. Dre Kindell dished out six of the team's season-high 26 assists. Six different Shockers finished with three or more assists.
An emphatic 20–5 run midway through the first half stretched the margin to double figures. Boyd capped the spurt with a fast-break dunk, and Emmanuel Okorafor and Berg controlled the paint with second-chance opportunities as Wichita State pushed the lead to 30-13 with 6:31 remaining.
The Shockers closed the half in dominant fashion, hitting five of their final six shots. Amuneke knocked down a three-pointer in the final seconds, sending Wichita State into the locker room with a commanding 44-18 advantage. The 18 first half points were the fewest surrendered in a first half since 2018 vs. Baylor (15).
Wichita State shot 53.3 percent in the first half and went 6-of-12 from beyond the arc, while holding EKU to just 27.6 percent shooting.
Eastern Kentucky attempted to find momentum early in the second half with a pair of three-pointers, but Wichita State quickly answered. Boyd scored on a second-chance dunk, Michael Gray Jr. finished a fast break and the Shockers continued to win the rebounding battle.
Back-to-back threes from Giles midway through the second half pushed the lead past 35, and a Jaret Valencia triple moments later made it 66-34. Wichita State's ball movement and unselfish play were on display throughout, as the Shockers repeatedly found open shooters on the perimeter.
The largest lead came at 78-39 following another Giles three with just over eight minutes remaining. From there, Wichita State comfortably played out the final stretch, with multiple reserves contributing on both ends of the floor.
Up Next
Wichita State opens American Conference play on New Years Eve at UAB.