Wichita State Fell to VCU in Preseason Scrimmage
The Shockers lost to VCU 94-90 in a preseason scrimmage held at Koch Arena.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball
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Wichita State dropped a 94-90 decision to VCU during a preseason basketball scrimmage at Koch Arena this past Saturday. Despite a strong effort in the opening periods, the Shockers were ultimately outscored by the visiting team.
Why it matters
Coaches utilized the four-segment format to evaluate the core rotation against high-level competition and assess defensive adjustments. The matchup also provided an opportunity to integrate players into the lineup following a recent exhibition game.
The 48-minute scrimmage was divided into four 12-minute segments, with the final score totaling 94-90 in favor of VCU. VCU entered the matchup ranked No. 52 nationally in Bart Torvik's preseason projections.
The players
Mike Gray Jr.
The Wichita State guard received official NCAA clearance to compete for the upcoming season.
Kenyon Giles
The Wichita State player missed the scrimmage against VCU due to an ankle injury.
The details
The scrimmage utilized a reset scoreboard after each 12-minute block to focus on situational performance. While the coaching staff prioritized evaluating primary players, the final segment featured a running clock to provide necessary floor time for the reserves.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 7, 2026: Wichita State faced Murray State in an exhibition game.
Saturday morning, October 10, 2026: The Shockers played their scrimmage against VCU.
Season Trajectory
Wichita State is currently picked to win the American Conference, making these preseason evaluations critical for maintaining that competitive standing. This scrimmage against a team ranked No. 52 by Bart Torvik serves as an early barometer for the team's postseason potential.
The return of Mike Gray Jr. to the lineup provides the Shockers with a key backcourt asset for their conference title campaign. Conversely, the team must monitor the recovery status of Kenyon Giles to ensure full strength for the upcoming season schedule.
The takeaway
Preseason scrimmages are vital tools for coaching staffs to test defensive schemes against tough non-conference opponents. Fans should keep an eye on how these rotation adjustments translate to official play when the regular season begins.
Further reading
Learn more about the program in the Wichita Basketball section.
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