Ichabods win big in first game in China

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 17, 2006

The Capital-Journal

JINHUA, China - After three days of exploring China, the Washburn basketball team finally got a chance to display their skills and defeated Zhejiang University 93-55 on Wednesday.

Playing in front of about 1,500 Zhejiang and 50 Washburn fans who made the trip, the Ichabods had six players in double figures, including three with a double-double.

Frank Phifer, a 6-foot-9 senior, led the way with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Brady Sisk had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Kyle Snyder added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures were Paul Byers and Kyle Fisher with 12 points and Dylan Channel with 10.

Moriba DeCoteau grabbed 12 rebounds and scored seven points, with two crowd-pleasing dunks.

While Zhejiang gave the home fans something to cheer with some steals and 3-pointers late in the game, the crowd graciously cheered the Ichabods as they dominated the game with their size and strength.

Byers scored Washburn's first points with a jumper in the opening seconds, then Zhejiang took its only lead with a free throw and basket for a 3-2 margin. Another bucket by Byers put the Bods on top, and they quickly built a 10-point lead.

Under international rules, the game was played in four 10-minute quarters. Washburn led 23-16 after one quarter and 44-25 at halftime.

Washburn shot 56 percent from the field in the second half and out-rebounded ZU 70-35.

The Ichabods play ZU again today, then travel to Shanghai for games Saturday and Sunday before returning home Monday.

Washburn23213019-93

Zhejiang1691218-55

Washburn - Phifer 7-12 3-4 17, Sisk 7-19 1-7 15, Fisher 5-10 1-2 12, Byers 6-10 0-1 12, Snyder 6-7 0-0 12, Channel 4-7 0-2 10, DeCoteau 3-4 1-2 7, Meile 2-5 0-0 4, Head 2-7 0-0 4. Totals 42-81 6- 18 93.