WICHITA, Kan. (AP)—Ben Smith scored 14 points off the bench to help Wichita State coast past Illinois State 74-57 on Saturday night.
The Shockers (20-4, 11-2 Missouri Valley) led by at least 20 for 12 of the final 14 minutes to maintain first place. Toure Murry had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Shockers, while Garrett Stutz added 10 points.
The Redbirds (11-13, 3-10) were led by Tony Lewis’ 16 points and Anthony Cousin’s 10.
Already up 12 at halftime, Wichita State quickly put the game away. Murry’s three-point play and three free throws by David Kyles were part of an 8-0 run early in the half. Two minutes later, Stutz and Kyles hit 3-pointers in another 8-0 run, making it 52-29 with 14:35 remaining.
The Shockers built a 34-22 halftime lead.
