Wichita State AfterShocks Eyeing TBT Championship Glory and $1 Million Prize

The excitement is building in Wichita as the Wichita State AfterShocks stand on the brink of making history in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). With just one more win, they can clinch the coveted $1 million prize! Following a dominant 66-54 semi-final victory against We Are D3, the AfterShocks have earned their spot in the TBT Championship game.

They are set to face formidable opponents, Eberlein Drive, on Sunday, August 3rd, at the iconic Koch Arena. Fans nationwide can catch all the action live on FOX, or stream it via FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, starting at 4:00 PM ET. This marks the AfterShocks' first-ever appearance in the TBT final in their sixth season, building on their impressive Final Four run in 2022. Eberlein Drive, meanwhile, brings championship experience, having been the runner-up in 2018.

A Champion's Path Forged Through Intense TBT Competition

Both the Wichita State AfterShocks and Eberlein Drive have battled through incredibly challenging paths to earn their spots in this highly anticipated TBT Championship showdown. The AfterShocks have shown remarkable resilience and competitive spirit, defeating tough teams such as We Are D3, Heartfire, Forever Coogs, Challenge ALS, and No Excuses on their journey.

Eberlein Drive, a team rich with former professional players, has proven equally formidable, securing their own impressive wins against Best Virginia, Sideline Cancer, La Familia, Tampa Florida Pickup Basketball, and Richards Elite. Each team's TBT tournament run underscores their determination and skill.

Home Court Advantage: Setting New TBT Attendance Records at Koch Arena

This year's TBT Championship game at Koch Arena is truly historic, marking the first time a final has been played on a participating team's home court. The incredible response from Wichita State basketball fans has been overwhelming, with approximately 6,600 tickets already sold for this monumental game.

Organizers are optimistic about breaking the existing TBT attendance record of 7,202, potentially achieving a complete sellout – a sight not witnessed in Wichita since March 2020. The city of Wichita has consistently demonstrated its passionate basketball fanbase, already holding numerous top attendance records for TBT games. Furthermore, The Basketball Tournament as a whole has reached an impressive milestone, surpassing 100,000 total tickets sold across its entire history.

TBT Championship Matchup: Eberlein Drive Favored, AfterShocks Ready to Dominate

As of August 1st, Eberlein Drive enters the final as a slight favorite, indicated by a 1.5-point spread (-110) and a moneyline of -125, compared to the AfterShocks’ +105. However, the Wichita State AfterShocks have repeatedly shown their explosive potential, particularly through their strong second-quarter performances throughout the TBT tournament, which have allowed them to build decisive leads, as seen in their recent semi-final victory.

For the AfterShocks, the contributions of key players will be pivotal. James Woodard proved his scoring prowess by leading the semi-final with 12 points, while Marcus Keene added a vital 10 points. Furthermore, Markis McDuffie's impactful defensive play, which contributed to forcing 15 turnovers in the semi-final, underscores the team's robust defensive capabilities. This TBT final analysis suggests a highly competitive game.

A Legacy of Grit, Teamwork, and Wichita State Basketball Pride

The Wichita State AfterShocks are driven to deliver a performance in the TBT Championship that truly embodies the enduring spirit of Wichita State basketball – a legacy defined by remarkable grit, cohesive teamwork, and passionate, unwavering fan support.

With the eyes of a national television audience fixed on Koch Arena and a roaring home crowd creating an electrifying atmosphere, the stage is perfectly set for a truly thrilling TBT final. This game will not only crown the TBT tournament winner but could also potentially establish new benchmarks for TBT attendance and overall championship excitement.

Don't miss this historic TBT Championship as the Wichita State AfterShocks battle for the $1 million prize on their home court. Witness firsthand whether their season of grit and teamwork culminates in ultimate victory and a new chapter in Wichita State basketball history!