WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — Kenyon Giles scored 20 points and Karon Boyd recorded a double-double as Wichita State pulled away in the second half to defeat UNC Asheville 75-58 in a non-conference men’s basketball season opener for both teams Tuesday night at Charles Koch Arena.

A crowd of 5,366 saw the Shockers use a decisive 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds and a 42-30 edge in points in the paint to overcome a sluggish start from beyond the arc. Both teams shot an identical 4 of 16 from 3-point range.

The game was tight for much of the first half, with Wichita State taking a narrow 34-30 lead into halftime. The Shockers seized control after the break, outscoring the Bulldogs 41-28 in the second period. A key differentiator was Wichita State’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, fueled by their work on the offensive glass.

Giles, a guard from Chesapeake, Virginia, led all scorers and added two rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes. Boyd, a 6-foot-5 forward from Concord, North Carolina, controlled the interior with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Dre Kindell also chipped in 11 points and five assists for the Shockers, while 7-foot-2 center Will Berg from Stockholm, Sweden, anchored the defense with eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

Toyaz Solomon led the Bulldogs with 14 points and seven rebounds. DJ Patrick added 13 points in the losing effort.

Wichita State’s defense was also a factor, forcing 16 UNC Asheville turnovers and converting them into 12 points. The Shockers also held a significant advantage in fastbreak points, outscoring the Bulldogs 8-0 in transition.

With the win, Wichita State begins its season 1-0. UNC Asheville starts 0-1 and will look to rebound on the road at Georgia Southern on Saturday. The Shockers are scheduled to host Prairie View A&M the same day.