Marshall Recap
By Rhys Owens, FM88 Sports
Feb. 3, 2025
The Herd Men’s basketball Team (13-0) hit the hardwood Saturday at the Cam Henderson Center against Coastal Carolina (8-14) in a crucial conference game in front of a rowdy, packed out crowd.
Point Guard Dezayne Mingo led the Herd with his game high 18 points and 6 assists. Mingo’s clutch gene was on full display as he scored seven points with under five minutes to play in the second. Guard Mikal Dawson was also stellar, netting 15 points while grabbing six rebounds in route to Marshall’s victory.
Dawson and Mingo took the podium together post-game, the first question the two players were asked was if it was Mingo time in the last five minutes. Before Mingo could speak Dawson interrupted, “Yes, it was definitely Mingo time, he ain’t gonna toot his own horn but I can help him, it definitely was.”
Marshall forward Obinna Anochili-Killen went airborne in the second half, catching multiple lobs while scoring 14 points in the game. His 14 included 4 clutch free-throws in the last minute of the game.
Coastal kept it close despite a great night from the Herd, seeing guard Jordan Battle and center Noah Amenhauser score 17 points apiece.
“I thought we played hard, I thought we played with more of an edge to start the game.” Marshall coach Corny Jackson said. “We had preached that obviously from the Georgia State game, I thought we let those guys come in here and play a little bit too comfortable.”
When pondered about the contribution from the bench after Jalen Speer got into foul trouble, Jackson said, “Again man, can’t praise those guys enough, they stay ready for their opportunity. And when they get in, they make the most of it.”
This win will look to inspire the Herd, who has another home game this Wednesday against Arkansas State at 9:00 p.m. The Red Wolves sit at the top of the Sun Belt Conference (9-2 in conference play, 18-5 overall) and have a win over a Memphis team that is currently sitting at 19th in the AP Poll.
A win over the league leaders could be just what the Herd needs to make a run in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and possibly see a bid in the NCAA tournament.