The American Conference is experiencing a significant upheaval as the season progresses, with Wichita State finding itself in contention for the top of the standings for the first time in five years. The conference has been marked by dramatic swings in momentum, with numerous teams witnessing double-digit leads disappear, while others have managed to mount impressive comebacks.
Memphis, which began the season as the conference’s favorite after a stellar 16-2 record last season, has not played up to expectations. Meanwhile, Florida Atlantic has faced difficulties as well, having lost its last two games, allowing Memphis to regain some ground.
In a surprising turn, Charlotte, initially predicted to finish at the bottom of the standings, now stands atop the conference following a victory against Rice. The league is tightly packed, with seven teams clustered within one game of each other, suggesting that achieving three to five losses could be enough to claim the championship by March.
Wichita State (13-8, 5-3 American) faces a critical challenge on Sunday, set to take on the league-leading Tulsa (18-3, 6-2). This match holds great significance in determining the Shockers’ position as they approach the closing stretch of the regular season. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU at 1 p.m.
Tulsa has been an impressive force lately, showcasing their capabilities with a remarkable 20-3 run against North Texas in their latest match, marking their fifth consecutive win. The Golden Hurricane recently demonstrated their prowess by overpowering Memphis with a score of 83-66.
Despite the daunting opponent, WSU head coach Paul Mills emphasized that their focus is not on the name of the team, but on the opportunity to compete. He brings a steadfast “1-0 mindset” into the contest, highlighting the importance of maintaining enthusiasm regardless of the opponent.
The Shockers’ defense will be put to the test against one of the most prolific offenses in the nation. Tulsa averages an impressive 87.7 points per game, ranking them second in the conference and 17th overall. The Golden Hurricane’s shooting from beyond the arc is particularly noteworthy, with a 39.6% 3-point success rate, the best in the conference.
Mills acknowledged the challenges posed by Tulsa’s offensive capabilities and the need to contain key players like Miles Barnstable, David Green, and Ade Popoola, all of whom can score under pressure. Green leads the Golden Hurricane in scoring and rebounding, making him a focal point of Wichita State’s defensive strategy.
Addressing earlier challenges faced this season, Mills noted a shift in the players’ mentality. Following a disappointing double-overtime loss to Charlotte, the team responded strongly in subsequent games, demonstrating improved body language and a fighting spirit. This resilience was evident during their comeback against South Florida, where they turned a deficit into a narrow victory.
As the Shockers prepare for their matchup against Tulsa, they are determined to harness their momentum and deliver a strong performance against a formidable opponent. A successful outing could pave the way for a promising finish to the season.
With the game quickly approaching, fans can look forward to an exciting contest filled with high stakes and intense competition as Wichita State aims to solidify its place in the chase for the conference title.