HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Thundering Herd won its third straight game on the strength of Ryan Taylor’s career-high 27 points, defeating North Carolina Central 92-73 Monday night.
The Herd shot a season-best 54.4 percent from the field and committed just nine turnovers on the night. Taylor was 10-for-12 from the floor and was a perfect on seven free-throw attempts.
“I was just happy to be out there; I was happy to have Jon [Elmore] out there. A lot of teams and a lot of coaches say ‘go out there and play angry,’ but I enjoy doing what I do,” said Taylor. “We’re just playing basketball so I always try to smile when I’m out there.”
Monday night was also the highly anticipated debut for Charleston native Jon Elmore. The sophomore point guard played 18 minutes and have five points, three assists and two rebounds.
“It was great. It started off with a little jitters, but I slowly got into the game and had some great teammates out there tonight. It really helped me,” Elmore said of getting on the floor in Herd uniform for the first time.
Austin Loop’s hot hand from Saturday’s win over Eastern Kentucky continued Monday night. Loop was 7-of-13 shooting and 6-for-12 from outside, finishing the night with 20 points. Reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Week C.J. Burks contributed 12 points off the bench and James Kelly recorded his third double-double in four games with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Up next, Marshall will face in-state rival No. 20/16 West Virginia in the annual Capital Classic. Tip-off from the Charleston Civic Center is set for 7 p.m. Thursday night.