The Alabama men’s basketball upset No. 20 Wichita State, 64-60, on Friday in the second round of the 2015 AdvoCare Invitational. The game was delayed in the second half when Wichita State forward Anton Grady was injured after falling face-first on the court.
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The Wichita Eagle reported Grady was taken to a local Orlando hospital.
“We’re going to have to do the little things”, Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall said.
He sustained a spinal concussion Friday in a collision with Alabama’s Dazon Ingram during the AdvoCare Invitational that left Grady initially with no feeling or movement in his extremities.
“I have a lot of work to do to get back on the court, but with the help of such a great support system, I’m ready for the challenge”, Grady said.
“Our prayers are with him”, Norris said.
Following Saturday morning’s practice, WSU players and coaches paid a visit to Grady in the hospital.
“I thought in the second half we generated much better looks, shot a better percentage, but whether we shoot well or not, we still have to be a team that prides itself in getting second shots”, Mack said. There was no immediate word on his condition.Wichita State was without guard Fred VanVleet, an All-American candidate who missed his third game because of a hamstring injury, and backup freshman point guard Landry Shamet (foot).The Tide had lost 21 consecutive games against ranked teams, dating to a January 18, 2011, win over Kentucky. He twisted his ankle in the season opener November 13 against Charleston Southern and then was limited by hamstring soreness four days later in a game with Tulsa.
“He wasn’t available today, that’s all I know”, Marshall said. “It’s been the same story in all three of our losses”. After Wichita State failed to score on its next possession, Norris secured the win with two from the foul line.
USC responded and went up 61-54 with 7 minutes left on 3-pointers by Boatwright and Elijah Stewart.
That leaves senior forward Ron Baker (6’4, 210, 20.2 ppg) as Wichita’s only real offensive threat.
Baker had a 3-pointer during a 7-2 run that put Wichita State up 48-43 with 12 minutes to play.
Shannon Hale was the most effective shooter for Alabama in the first half, as he led the Tide with 12 points.
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The Crimson Tide made 8 of 9 free throws over the final 3 minutes of the half. It’s the first time the Shockers have gone 0-3 in a tourney under Marshall. Jordan McLaughlin, who sat out the second half of Friday’s game against No. 23 Xavier due to a broken nose, played with protective guard. By putting lockdown defender Mike Gesell on the two-time All-MVC first teamer and him having help defense at all times when Baker drove the lane, the Hawkeyes held their biggest threat to seven points (five truly as two came in garbage time) on two for nine shooting.
