ST. LOUIS — There's no shame in losing to Wichita State, which is 34-0 after taking the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

After falling to the second-ranked Shockers for a third time this season, at least Indiana State knows it went down swinging. The Sycamores refused to fold.

"They deserved a championship and they deserved to play in the NCAA tournament," coach Greg Lansing said after losing 83-69 in the title game on Sunday. "Obviously, we'd like to play better. But the guys at the other end of the court had a lot to do with it."

Fred VanVleet scored 22 points including several key baskets late to lead another strong ensemble effort and Wichita State remained the nation's lone unbeaten.

"I was kind of disappointed when the game ended, obviously," guard Jake Odum said at the postgame news conference. "Now I'm sitting up here, I'm proud of the fight. They earned it, nobody's beaten them all year. They're the best team in the country."


"It's very frustrating," forward Justin Gant said. "The last two times we battled them down to the end. It's always disappointing to know that you came so close but never got it."



Odum, a four-year starter named to the all-tournament team, was hampered by a hand injury in the second half and had eight points on 2-for-9 shooting with seven assists. Odum set a school record with his 130th consecutive start.


"I didn't have enough timeouts to stop the runs, but that's what they do," Lansing said. "That's why they're undefeated. That's why they're hoisting the trophy."







