Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall has never been shy about proclaiming the exploits of his team.
But after the No. 24 Shockers outlasted East Carolina 75-69 on Wednesday, he was not in the mood to do so.
"It wasn't anything to shout about or call home," Marshall said flatly. "We didn't play our best."
Erik Stevenson scored 10 of his 17 points after halftime for the Shockers (12-1, 1-0 American), who trailed midway through the second half thanks to East Carolina's Jayden Gardner scoring 20 of his 29 points after halftime.
Gardner, who entered the game leading the American in scoring at 20.7 points a game, was 12 of 20 from the floor and had a game-high 10 rebounds.
"His 15-footer is almost automatic," Marshall said. "He was able to get it a little more than we wanted."
Jamarius Burton had 15 points for Wichita State while Tyson Etienne and Trey Wade added 11 each for the Shockers.
Erik Stevenson scored 17 points to help Wichita State earn a tough victory. Stevenson scored 10 of his 17 points after halftime for the Shockers, who trailed midway through the second half thanks to East Carolina's Jayden Gardner scoring 20 of his 29 points in the second half.
