Wichita State sprinted to the past three Missouri Valley Conference basketball titles by starting 9-0 or better and leading the chase.
This season will be different.
The Shockers are out of first place in the Missouri Valley Conference for the first time since the end of the 2013 season, when they finished second. Illinois State defeated the Shockers 76-62 on Saturday at Redbird Arena.
WSU (15-4, 5-1 MVC) does have time on its side.
The 18-game MVC season is capable of pulling down leaders and elevating surprise teams.
In 2013, WSU lost its final two regular season-games to boot away a Valley title.