News Summary
On January 18, 2025, Marshall University’s men’s basketball team secured a solid 77-64 road victory against Coastal Carolina. Led by standout Obinna Anochili-Killen, who scored a game-high 23 points, the Thundering Herd showcased a dominant performance. Teammates Dezayne Mingo, Jalen Speer, and Mikal Dawson also made significant contributions, highlighting a well-rounded effort. This victory improves Marshall’s season record to 11-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play, as they prepare for upcoming matchups against Georgia Southern and Georgia State.
Marshall Triumphs in Exciting Road Victory Against Coastal Carolina!
Conway, SC – What a night for Marshall University’s men’s basketball team! On January 18, 2025, the Thundering Herd clinched a thrilling 77-64 win against Coastal Carolina, marking their first road victory under the watchful eye of head coach Corny Jackson.
The stadium was buzzing as fans watched Marshall’s standout player, Obinna Anochili-Killen, put on a scoring show. He lit up the court with a game-high 23 points, proving to be the backbone of the Herd’s offense. But he wasn’t alone in the spotlight! His teammates stepped up too, with Dezayne Mingo scoring 18 points, Jalen Speer contributing 16 points, and Mikal Dawson adding 10 points. Talk about a combined effort!
The action kicked off with Marshall establishing a solid lead early on. With a strong presence on the boards, they out-rebounded Coastal 38-34, racking up four offensive rebounds within the first six minutes of the game. Those rebounds quickly translated into second-chance points, putting the Herd up 9-4. Anochili-Killen’s sharp eye from beyond the arc played a crucial role in controlling the pace of the game right from the get-go.
It’s interesting to note that prior to the game, Coastal Carolina was ranked an unflattering 362nd out of 364 Division I teams for average possession length, with opponents typically managing to shoot in just around 15.7 seconds per possession. Marshall, recognizing this, took advantage of the slower pace by launching into a swift 9-0 run and taking an impressive 13-4 lead.
As the first half wore on, Anochili-Killen showcased his skills, leading with 14 points at halftime. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Herd, as foul troubles began to pile up with six players accruing two or more fouls. Coastal Carolina seized the opportunity and managed to sneak back into the game, ending the first half on a 7-0 run that saw them trailing by just one point at 30-29.
As the second half unfolded, the game’s momentum swayed back and forth. Coastal Carolina managed to tie the score at 35 early on, and fans could feel the tension in the air. In a whirlwind of excitement, both teams exchanged leads multiple times. Yet, Marshall struck back with authority, courtesy of Dawson sinking a crucial 3-pointer that stretched their lead to six points with just 12 minutes remaining.
The Herd didn’t shy away from the long-range game in the second half, hitting 5 of 10 from beyond the arc, ultimately finishing the night with 8 of 20 overall from three-point territory. Mingo, demonstrating his poise under pressure, went on to drain four consecutive free throws, solidifying the Herd’s lead to an impressive 14 points as the final buzzer approached.
This victory boosts Marshall’s season record to 11-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play, signaling a successful turnaround as they gear up for their next challenges. The team will head back home for practice before making their way to Georgia for upcoming matchups against Georgia Southern and Georgia State.
On the flip side, Coastal Carolina now holds a record of 8-11 overall and 1-6 in the Sun Belt Conference as they prepare for an upcoming game against Georgia Southern on January 22.
With such a thrilling win under their belt, it’ll be exciting to see how Marshall’s momentum carries into their upcoming games. The fans have plenty to cheer for as this team continues to evolve!
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Additional Resources
- HerdZone: Marshall Men’s Basketball Takes Road Contest at Coastal Carolina
- GoCCUSports: Coastal Loses to Marshall 77-64
- Marshall Parthenon: Gallery – Men’s Basketball at Coastal Carolina
- WV Gazette-Mail: Marshall Men’s Basketball Earns First Road Win Handily at Coastal Carolina
- Myrtle Beach Online: Coastal Carolina University Basketball Update
- Wikipedia: Marshall University
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