HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jon Elmore poured in 32 points, C.J. Burks scored 23 and Marshall forced 20 turnovers in a 78-65 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday night.
The Thundering Herd (11-4, 2-0 Conference USA) improved its home record to 10-0 at the Henderson Center.
“We’re a tough out at home,” said Marshall coach Dan D’Antoni. “Jon was just unbelievable controlling the game and C.J. with those strong moves made some tough baskets.”
Elmore added nine rebounds and five assists, while freshman guard Jarrod West scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from 3-point range.
Jacobi Boykins scored 15 points to lead the Bulldogs (9-6, 0-2), who fell behind for good when Elmore single-handedly led Marshall on a 10-2 run to build a 36-31 halftime lead.
The Herd survived a scoreless night from the sickly Ajdin Penava, who came in averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds and a nation-leading 4.3 blocks per game. He missed all four shots and grabbed only two rebounds while being limited to 21 minutes by foul trouble.
“I kind of pushed him into playing,” D’Antoni said. “He didn’t practice (Friday), and he was in the hospital the night before that, and he took IVs right before we went out for the game.
“Even though he didn’t get his numbers, he effects the play because he’s back there and they can’t get to the rim as easy.”