Newcomer Ben Smith doubled his previous season high with 16 points to lead Wichita State past Evansville 91-57 in a Missouri Valley Conference opener Wednesday night.
The Shockers (10-2, 1-0) had four other players score in double figures: Joe Ragland (12), J.T. Durley (12), David Kyles (11) and Toure Murry (10).
Evansville (6-5) was led by Colt Ryan, who scored 14 of his game-high 18 points in the second half.
Wichita State's huge first-half lead dwindled to 44-35 early in the second half before the Shockers exploded. Smith hit three 3-pointers in a 29-8 run that pushed Wichita State's lead to 73-43 with 6:54 remaining.
Wichita State stormed to a 15-2 lead behind Murry's eight points and a thunderous Kyles slam. The Shockers pushed their early advantage to 32-13 before Evansville closed the half with a 12-6 run to make the score 38-25 Wichita State.
