Wichita, Kansas, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Wichita State’s men’s basketball team suffered a defeat at home against UMKC, losing 74-64. This marks their second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 8-3. Coach Paul Mills expressed concerns about the team’s performance and focus. Despite a solid game from Xavier Bell, who scored 21 points, the Shockers struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing with only 39% from the field and 16% from three-point range. They are set to face Kansas State University next as they seek to improve their performance.
Wichita, Kansas – The Wichita State men’s basketball team faced a disappointing defeat at home on Tuesday evening, falling to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) by a score of 74-64. This loss marks a troubling turn for Wichita State, dropping their overall record to 8-3 as they returned to Koch Arena following a recent defeat to DePaul University in Chicago.
UMKC improved to a record of 7-7 with this victory, extending their winning streak to three games. The Kangaroos were financially compensated with $80,000 to play against the Shockers, highlighting the continuing trend of high-profile matchups in college basketball.
After the game, head coach Paul Mills expressed his concerns regarding the team’s performance, attributing the loss to a sense of “malaise” that seems to have settled in after the academic semester. Mills noted that a perceived lack of activity outside of basketball appears to be affecting the team’s focus and performance.
Wichita State struggled significantly throughout the game, finishing with just 39% shooting from the field and an alarming 16% (3-19) from three-point range, both of which rank as the team’s second-worst shooting performances of the season. Additionally, their free-throw shooting was subpar at 54% (13-24), marking their worst effort from the line this season. This inefficiency translated into missed opportunities to capitalize on the 14 turnovers they forced, primarily during the second half.
Defensively, the Shockers had a solid start, managing to force two airballs early on, but their defensive effort deteriorated as the game progressed. UMKC was able to maintain their scoring without relying on fast-break points, indicating a well-structured offensive strategy. The first half concluded with UMKC leading 38-24, thanks in part to a 9-0 run, while Wichita State’s shooting woes continued, as they converted only 33% of their shots and went 0-8 from beyond the arc.
Quincy Ballard emerged as one of the few bright spots for the Shockers, finishing with a positive plus/minus of +9 despite the team’s struggles. In contrast, Matej Bošnjak faced difficulties defensively. Senior guard Xavier Bell had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 21 points, which marked his 1,000th career point. However, this milestone was overshadowed by the team’s overall loss.
Wichita State finally made their first three-pointer with less than six minutes left in the game, underscoring their shooting struggles throughout. A late surge, highlighted by a 15-1 run, cut their deficit to 63-54, yet the Shockers were unable to sustain this momentum and fell short as the game concluded.
Looking ahead, the Shockers are scheduled to face Kansas State University on December 21. As the season progresses, concerns surrounding Wichita State’s consistency and execution have surfaced, prompting players to consider a potential youth movement to enhance performance. Coach Mills has reiterated the need for stronger defensive efforts and a heightened sense of urgency on the court, as the team’s current standing raises questions about their prospects for postseason play.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Wichita State vs. UMKC game?
Wichita State lost to UMKC with a final score of 74-64.
What is Wichita State’s record after this game?
After the loss to UMKC, Wichita State’s overall record is now 8-3.
Who was the standout player for Wichita State in this game?
Senior guard Xavier Bell scored a game-high 21 points during the match, marking his 1,000th career point.
Who does Wichita State play next?
Wichita State is set to face Kansas State University on December 21.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Wichita State 64, UMKC 74 |
| Wichita State Record | 8-3 |
| UMKC Record | 7-7 |
| Shooting Percentage (Field) | 39% |
| Shooting Percentage (Three-Point) | 16% (3-19) |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 54% (13-24) |
| Top Scorer | Xavier Bell (21 points) |
| Next Game | Against Kansas State University on December 21 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UMKC School of Medicine Celebrates First Match Day
Additional Resources
- Kansas: Wichita State Men’s Basketball Team News
- Wikipedia: Wichita State University
- Charlotte 49ers: Men’s Basketball News
- Google Search: Wichita State basketball
- Go Shockers: Men’s Basketball News
- Google Scholar: Wichita State basketball
- Kansas: Wichita State Game Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wichita State University
- Kansas: Recent Wichita State Basketball Coverage
- Google News: Wichita State basketball news
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
