Shockers close strong, which has been no indicator of future success in recent games. Couisnard’s three-point play, off a backdoor pass from Braeuer, victimized his brother and gave WSU a 32-22 lead.
The Aces cut into it with Victor Gomez’s follow shot just before the halftime buzzer.
This game is similar to the earlier meeting in Evansville. WSU led 31-20 at halftime before falling apart in the second half and losing 64-56. The Shockers shut down Holsinger and Ely in the first half at Roberts Stadium, then allowed both to go nuts in the second half.
Tonight, Holsinger and Ely both have eight. I think the Shockers would be happy to hold them to that in the second half and keep other Aces from helping. At Evansville, Nate Garner scored 11, still his high in Valley games.
WSU is shooting 44.4 percent from the field, but is 1 of 9 from three. The Shockers are out-rebounding the Aces 19-10 and own a five-point edge at the line.
The most worrisome point is two fouls for Clemente and J.T. Durley. Brett Burley played six minutes, his total in five previous appearances. He grabbed an offensive rebound, picked up a loose ball for a steal and worked hard on defense, so his minutes must be considered a success.