Final Score: Wichita State 79, Western Carolina 63

Wichita, KS (Sports Network) - Cleanthony Early scored a game-high 21 points off the bench, leading the Wichita State Shockers to a 79-63 rout of Western Carolina at the Charles Koch Arena in regional action of the Triple Crown Cancun Challenge.

Early was 6-of-11 from the floor and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line for the Shockers (3-0), who remained unbeaten on the young season. Carl Hall poured in 16 points in support, while Evan Wessel chipped in with 11.

Western Carolina (1-2) failed to get in the win column despite four of five starters finishing in double figures scoring. Trey Sumler led the way in defeat with 18 points, while doling out a game-high six assists. Tom Tankelewicz added 12 points, while Tawaski King and Brandon Boggs chipped in 11 points, apiece.

Wichita State led by 19 points at the half (46-27) on the strength of 51.9 percent shooting from the floor and a flawless 15-of-15 from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, the Catamounts were 0-of-2 from the free-throw line in the first 20 minutes of action.

The second half was more of the same, as the Shockers continued to knock down their free throws (11-of-12) to earn the victory.

Wichita State outscored Western Carolina 26-1 at the free-throw line in the game and held a huge 39-24 advantage on the boards.