NCAA Bracket 2012: How Wichita State Basketball Got To March Madness

If the nationally ranked Shockers make a deep Tournament run, don't call it an upset.

After winning the 2011 NIT, Wichita State came into this year looking to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time under fifth-year head coach Gregg Marshall.

With a rotation consisting of five seniors and two juniors, expectations were high in the Sunflower State but, because they don't have any big-time NBA prospects or play in a major conference, they've been under the national radar for most of the season.

Wichita State has gone 23-3 since a 2-2 start to non-conference play with tough losses to Alabama and Temple. Their biggest win was a dominating 89-70 rout of UNLV, while their three conference losses were: against Creighton, in triple overtime at Drake, and a 65-64 nail-biter to Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

The Shockers have a balanced scoring attack, with six players averaging between eight and 14 points per game. They've got a 7'1 center (Garrett Stutz) who can score out of the low post and stretch the floor, a 6'5 shooting guard who can create his own shot off the bounce (Toure' Murry) as well as a PG who can run the break and penetrate in the half-court (Joe Ragland).

With three 6'8-plus players and a host of experienced, athletic wings, Wichita State can match up physically with almost every team in the country. So while they don't have a very high Q score, don't be surprised if they make a run into the Tournament's second weekend this year.

Wichita State was given plenty of respect on Selection Sunday, earning the No. 5 seed in the South Region. The Shockers will battle VCU in the Second Round.

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