Marshall used a big 18-2 run in the second half to pick up its second ever C-USA tournament win 97-87 over Houston. Marshall outscored Houston 64-51 in the second half to advance to the second round of the C-USA tourney.
The Herd was led by Damier Pitts, who notched a double-double with 28 points and 10 assists. DeAndre Kaine also had a double-double for the Herd with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was nip and tuck most of the way with the Herd trailing 36-33 at the half. However Marshall’s offense would come to life with around eight minutes left in the game. The run giving Marshall a 16 point lead was fueled by a deadly assault from beyond the arch. Dago Pena hit a trio of threes while Johnny Thomas and DeAndre Kaine each knocked down a three during an 18-2 run.
The Cougars would not lie down quietly in the final minutes, cutting the Herd lead to nine points, but that is as close as Houston would get.
Zamal Nixon scored 21 points to lead the Cougars while three other Houston players scored in double figures. Houston finishes the season 12-18 and 4-12 in league play.
Johnny Thomas scored 17 points for The Herd before fouling out and Tirrell Baines had 11. Marshall also got solid production from its bench picking up 21 points. Marshall shot 66 percent from the field and 9-19 from three point range.
Marshall picks up its 22nd win and will play UTEP Thursday night in El Paso. Tip time is set for 7:30 E.T.