Wichita State Athletics
The AfterShocks are one step closer to a $1 million payday after a dramatic 66-63 win over Forever Coogs in Tuesday’s Wichita Regional championship of The Basketball Tournament (TBT).
Marcus Keene, a former NCAA scoring leader at Central Michigan, hit a contested three-pointer to clinch the Elam Ending target score, igniting a raucous celebration at Koch Arena. The AfterShocks, a team of Wichita State alumni, are now headed to the TBT quarterfinals for the fourth time in six tournament appearances.
Keene led all scorers with 17 points, while center Marcus Santos Silva added 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Nike Sibande chipped in 14 points.
Forever Coogs, a team of Houston alumni, were led by Tyrece Radford with 15 points and gave the AfterShocks all they could handle. They forced five turnovers and limited the AfterShocks to just eight points in the third quarter, setting up a tight finish.
The turning point came in the final frame when Markis McDuffie’s offensive rebound and pair of free throws gave the AfterShocks a 58-57 lead and set the Elam Ending target score at 66. After a series of tense possessions, Keene delivered the final blow with his deep three.
With the win, the AfterShocks remain in contention to host the TBT semifinals and championship game — a possibility that opened up after La Familia (Kentucky alumni) lost Tuesday. Hosting privileges are based on fan attendance, and Koch Arena has consistently delivered high turnout.
The AfterShocks will play again at 8 p.m. Sunday on FS1 against the winner of Heatfire (top seed) or JHX Hoops (Kansas alumni), who face off Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium. The Wichita crowd will be ready.