Shockers rely on 19-3 run to pull away

Mar 16, 2005, 11:54 pm

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.