- Demetric Williams did most of the drills in shootaround. I won’t say he’s 100 percent, but he looks ready to try to play despite a bruised hip.
- I would bet most of the MVC is watching tonight because it’s a game that affects everybody. WSU can deal Creighton, Indiana State and Northern Iowa a blow if they win. A loss gives both those teams new hope. Illinois State can take a strong step away from Thursday in St. Louis if it wins.
- WSU’s Tekele Cotton is one of several Shockers shooting better in recent games.
- ISU’s John Wilkins is 7-1 as a starter this season, helping the Redbirds save their season.
| P | Wichita St. | Ht | Yr | Pts | Reb |
| F | Carl Hall | 6-8 | Sr. | 12.3 | 7.5 |
| C | Ehimen Orukpe | 7-0 | Sr. | 3.2 | 4.9 |
| G | Demetric Williams | 6-3 | Sr. | 8.3 | x-2.4 |
| or | Fred VanVleet | 5-11 | Fr. | 3.9 | x-2.4 |
| G | Tekele Cotton | 6-3 | So. | 6.2 | 3.8 |
| G | Malcolm Armstead | 6-0 | Sr. | 9.2 | x-3.9 |
x-assists
Wichita State (21-5, 10-4): Williams is slowed by a bruised hip, suffered in the first half of Wednesday’s win over Drake. He did not play in the second half. “It’s loosening up a lot more,” he said Friday. “Just taking it day by day. I’m trying to get back to running or jogging.” . . F Cleanthony Early led the Shockers with 16 points in a January win over Illinois State. Hall did not play in that game due to injury. The Shockers held the Redbirds to 6-of-27 shooting from three-point range. WSU made 8 of 18, with F Nick Wiggins coming off the bench to make 3 of 3 and score 10 points. . .WSU won its last two trips to Redbird Arena, both by double figures. . .WSU is 3-3 in MVC road games after going 8-1 each of the past two seasons.
| P | Illinois State | Ht | Yr | Pts | Reb |
| F | John Wilkins | 6-9 | Sr. | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| F | Jackie Carmichael | 6-8 | Sr. | 18.4 | 9.3 |
| G | Tyler Brown | 6-4 | Sr. | 16.6 | 4.0 |
| G | Bryant Allen | 6-3 | Jr. | 9.2 | x-2.8 |
| G | Johnny Hill | 6-3 | So. | 7.7 | x-3.3 |
Illinois State (16-10, 7-7): Carmichael, from Manhattan High, scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Wednesday’s 79-59 win over Bradley. He has 12 double-doubles this season, eight in MVC play. He is shooting 54.5 percent from the field. . . The Redbirds rank second in the MVC in scoring (76.1 points) and shooting (46.5 percent).
RPIs as of Saturday: WSU 38, ISU 114