HUNTINGTON, W.V. (ODUSports.com) – The Old Dominion men's basketball team (11-17, 7-8 C-USA) fell to Marshall (14-14, 8-7 C-USA) by a 74-66 score on Saturday night at the Henderson Center in front of 5,916 fans. Malik Curry poured in a game-high 24 points (4-6 3PT), to compliment seven rebounds, and five assists. The contest experienced 15 lead changes and seven ties.
Old Dominion took a 55-52 lead at the 11:20 mark of the second half, before Marshall went on an 11-0 run to take a 63-55 advantage with 4:56 to play. The Monarchs answered right back with a 5-0 run of their own, cutting their deficit down to 63-60 with 3:17 remaining in regulation. The Thundering Herd again answered, this time with a 6-0 run to stretch their lead to nine, 69-60, with 2:14 left on the game-clock, before ultimately claiming an eight point victory in Huntington.
"This was another hard-fought game, which has become the norm when playing here," said ODU head coach Jeff Jones. "I couldn't have asked anymore from our guys in terms of effort, I thought we really, really competed. I thought we did a terrific job defensively, it just came down to a stretch late in the second half, when both teams were struggling to score and I think we blinked first. There were some real poor decisions in regards to shot selection on our part. Marshall was able to get some timely buckets."
Also in double-figures for ODU were Xavier Green (15 points, six rebounds, four steals and two assists) and Joe Reece (14 points, 8-12 FT, eight rebounds and two steals). Aaron Carver hauled down a game-high 17 rebounds, to go along with three points.
For the game, Old Dominion held a 51-44 advantage in the rebound department. The Monarchs defense held Marshall to 35.8% (24-67) shooting from the floor.
The Thundering Herd claimed a 34-31 lead at the half. Curry scored a half-high 10 points, while ODU shot 50.0% (6-12) deep. The opening 20 minutes experienced 11 lead changes and three ties. Old Dominion held Marshall to 31.3% (10-32) shooting from the floor for the ballgame.
The Monarchs will return to the hardwood on Sunday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m., when ODU welcomes Florida Atlantic to Chartway Arena.
