March 16, 2005

Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Jamar Howard scored 21 points and Kyle Wilson added 20 to lead Wichita State past Houston 85-69 in the opening round of the NIT on Wednesday night.

The Shockers (21-9) finished the game on a 19-3 run to win for just the third time in nine games.

Randy Burns had 16 points and Sean Ogirri chipped in 14 for Wichita State, which will play either Kent State or Western Kentucky.

Andre Owens scored a season-high 33 to lead the Cougars (18-14, 9-7 Conference USA). Ramon Dyer added 14 points.

Houston took a 36-34 lead into halftime. The Cougars shot 53 percent (14-26) in the first half. The Shockers shot 52 percent (10-19) in the half.

The Shockers opened the second half on a 10-3 run, capped by Burns' 3, to take a 44-39 lead. The teams traded baskets, with Wichita State taking a 52-51 lead with 13:15 remaining.

Wilson scored the next seven points, including a three-point play, to give Wichita State a 59-51 lead with 11:34 to play.

The Cougars responded, going on a 15-5 run to take a 66-64 lead with 6:10 to play. Owens was then assessed a technical foul for hitting the backboard after a dunk, and Wilson nailed the two free throws to tie the game at 66.

The Cougars lost four straight games to finish the season.

• Ticket Office Home
• Seating Charts
• Shipping / Will Call
• Gameday Guide
• Visitors

• Football
• Men's Basketball
• Other Sports
• Group Tickets
• Student Tickets

• Buy Tickets Online
• Renew Season Tickets
• Ticket Referrals
• Seating Charts
• Events Calendar