Wichita State was able to hold off a late surge from Indiana to secure an 81-76 win over the Hoosiers.
Fred VanVleet was unstoppable early, racking up 27 points, including 19 in the first half. The Shockers controlled most of the second half, but were unable to put Indiana away with a knockout blow until the closing seconds.
Despite only connecting on 2-of-13 from beyond the arc, Wichita State was able to grind out the win by shooting 29-of-34 from the free-throw line. Ron Baker, in particular, was able connect on seven free throws in the game's closing moments.
Indiana guard Yogi Ferrell ended up with 24 points, carrying the offense at times in the first half. Four of the Hoosiers starting five finished in double figures, stepping up in the second half to give Ferrell some help.
This is the first time since 2008 that Indiana has lost in the Round of 64 in the NCAA tournament.
Wichita State will now face in-state rivals Kansas in the Round of 32. The much-anticipated matchup will be just the fifteenth meeting all-time between the schools and the first since 1993. The only time they played in the NCAA tournament was in 1981, which Wichita State won 66-65.
