By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jannson Williams matched his career-high in points and freshman Obinna Anochili-Killen chalked up his first career high in points to lead Marshall past Robert Morris, 85-71, Sunday in a matinee at Cam Henderson Center.
Williams finished with 24 points to equal the total he recorded as a sophomore in a game at the University of Maryland. Anochili-Killen, a freshman from Chapmanville, added 15 points as the Herd bounced back from Wednesday’s overtime loss at home to Toledo.
“My teammates see me hitting, they get me the ball,” Williams said. “They find me. When I miss, they still find me. Today I was feeling it. They get me the ball. I was glad I could knock it down.”
Marshall (5-1) returns to action Tuesday at home against UNC-Asheville. Game time is 6 p.m. for the final non-conference game of the season.
Robert Morris (1-2) was a late addition to the Herd schedule. The Colonials came on after Northern Iowa pulled out of Saturday’s visit due to Coronavirus issues on the team.
Herd guard Jarrod West also took delight in the game Williams had.
“He’s very capable of hitting shots,” West said. “If he sees on go in early. He’s a no-conscious type shooter. We don’t say anything if he doesn’t make them. He’s got the shot. That’s why we call him Trigger. He can shoot.”
Marshall’s biggest lead was 25 at 70-45 with 9:22 left on a layup by Taevion Kinsey, who finished with 17 points (7-of-9 shooting from the field).
West had the complete effort with 14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and a career-high seven steals.
A.J. Bramah paced Robert Morris in scoring with 16 points. Jon Williams contributed 15 points and Dante Tracy 12.
Marshall’s defense forced the first-year Horizon League member to commit 22 turnovers. The Herd got 29 points off those mistakes.
Herd coach Dan D’Antoni said Williams made shots the way he knows he’s capable.
“Jannson had a terrific game. Been waiting for that to happen for him,” D’Antoni said. “I’m sure many more will come.”
D’Antoni went to the bench quite often in the closing stages and he wants the backups to be more efficient.
“We might have to do that,” D’Antoni said, knowing players could be out due to injury or COVID-19. “We gave way too many points back. We’ve got to get the guys on the bench more ready.”
Williams and West were happy to see the Herd bounce back from that OT loss to Toledo.
“Game today … the quicker the better,” Williams said. “Definitely wanted to play. Eager to take the anger out.”
“I about lost my mind,” West said. “I’m proud of our guys. This was on on-the-fly game, two days to prepare. We regrouped. Defensive intensity was great. It’s good to get back on the winning side.”
Kinsey, the team’s leading scorer, had just another typical day at the office.
“He’s an efficiency athlete,” D’Antoni said. “His numbers are like a 7-2 guy in the paint would have. He plays his game easy.”
D’Antoni also liked the way Anochili-Killen responded. The team’s already known for its ally-oop plays for dunks, but they won’t always be there.
“We’re trying to get the role guys more involved in the offense,” D’Antoni said. “People see the pick-and-role develop. We’ve got to get the guards more involved in the offense. We have to get the ball to get the ball to the other side of the floor and knock down shots.”
The Herd hit 11 three-pointers and converted 14-of-16 free throws. After Tuesday’s game, the Herd will prepare for Conference USA action. The first games come Jan. 1-2 when Louisiana Tech visits. League format this season is for games on Friday-Saturday at the same site.