— By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Kevon Voyles nailed a three-pointer on his first try with the game not quite 30 seconds old to put Marshall ahead 3-2.
From that point it, it was more of the same as the Thundering Herd shot 50 percent from the field (32 of 63) and drilled 14-of-37 threes to pull way to a resounding win over Coastal Carolina, 91-74, in Sun Belt Conference play Saturday in front of 5,711 fans inside Cam Henderson Center.
“When we start off better, we usually finish better,” Voyles said. “It’s trusting my teammates and they trust in me. I was able to keep the confidence.”
Obinna Anochili-Killen chalked up another double-double with a career-high 30 points and 10 rebounds. He made 10-of-18 shots and 9-of-10 at the foul line.
Voyles, a transfer from Maryland Eastern Shore, added 26 points for a career-high with the Herd. He canned 10-of-18 shots, including five threes.
“It’s a game of making shots,” Marshall coach Dan D’Antoni said. “That’s what we look like when we do that. We’ve just got to learn to play with that lead. It goes quick if you take that foot off the accelerator. It can happen.”
Like Thursday night with the Herd up eight on Old Dominion (71-63) with about five minutes left. Marshall would go 2-of-6 from the field, 1-of-6 at the foul line and turn the ball over three times from that point to allow the Monarchs to close on a 20-5 run for an 83-76 victory. Voyles, a southpaw, netted 23 in the loss.
“One we gave away,” D’Antoni said. “Five points in the last five minutes.”
Anochili-Killen netted 14 of his points in the first half as Marshall took a 48-32 lead at the break. He made two free throws with 3:31 left reach 30 and then fouled out with 2:05 to play. He got a big ovation from the crowd as he headed to the bench.
“We need the wins,” Anochili-Killen said. “Game from here on out won’t be easy. I saw the stats and saw my rebounds are down. I said I need to start to get on the boards.”
Marshall’s next game is Wednesday against Troy State in Troy, Ala. The Trojans (15-8, 9-2 SBC) won Saturday at Georgia State, 78-74.
For Marshall, the 91 points are the second-most scored in a win this season. The high is 103 on Dec. 18 in a home win over Bluefield (103-70).
“We do this all the time,” D’Antoni said of shooting from long range. “Basketball’s gone that way. Spread the floor, kick it out, drive and shoot free throws. I’m proud of Obinna. Kevon that first half was really good. Kam (Kamdyn Curfman) had a tough night (0 points, 0-of-4 shooting). He’ll come back.”
Curfman played just 18:43. He has made 440 threes in his career (VMI and Marshall).
D’Antoni said Voyles started the season strong, went through a tough spell, but is producing again at a steady clip.
“He lights it up,” D’Antoni said. “He can score off our system. When he uses those 1-on-1 moves in our system. He’s coming on of late.”
Nate Martin, the SBC Player of the Week last week, totaled eight points, six rebounds and five assists. The junior has 11 double-doubles this season.
Coastal Carolina is 6-16, 3-8 SBC. Benny Moss is interim head coach after Cliff Ellis stepped down early into the season.
Jacob Meyer, the top scorer for the Chanticleers, led the way with a career-best 22 points. He made 7-of-12 shots. Ginika Ojako added 20 points to tie his career-high and pulled down 13 rebounds for a double-double, the 13th of his career. He converted 9-of-his 12 shots. Kevin Easley finished with 10.
Marshall is 3-0 in the series against Coastal Carolina. The Herd won two last season after it joined the Sun Belt.
The Herd had 12 players see action Saturday.
After the trip to Troy, the Herd is off for eight days. Marshall then goes to league-leader Appalachian State on February 15 and Coastal Carolina two days later for an afternoon contest.