— By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall got the expected efforts from big men Nate Martin and Obinna Anochili-Killen.
Then there was guard Jalen Speer, a transfer from Florida A&M. In his first extensive action of the season, Speer hit for 15 of his 20 points in the second half to help the Thundering Herd pull away from Bellarmine for a 83-62 victory Saturday night,
The teams were tied 34-all at the break. Marshall outscored the visitors, 49-28, in the second half much to the delight of the 4,153 fans at Cam Henderson Center.
“He had an injury and we held him out last game (win over Southern Indiana),” first-year Herd coach Cornelius Jackson said. “The training staff got him back in a timely manner. We needed all those points tonight. We’re glad to have him.”
Speer averaged 15.4 points last season for Florida A&M. He made 5-of-11 from three and 7-of-13 overall Saturday.
Jackson believes his front court of Martin and Anochili-Killen are tops in the Sun Belt Conference.
Martin made 9-of-11 shots, all five free throws for 23 points to go with nine rebounds. Anochili-Killen totaled 15 points and nine rebounds as well.
“Nate and Obinna are the best front court in the Sun Belt,” Jackson said. “Nate’s a warrior. Obinna finally got it going in the second half. We expect that out of them.”
What Jackson didn’t expect was a so-so first half by the Herd (3-1).
“We came out strong in the second half. That’s the way we’re supposed to start the game,” Jackson said. “We really challenged the guys at the half. I didn’t recognize them. Thought it was April Fool’s or something. The energy and intensity just were not there. I’m glad we turned it on in the second half.
“Like I’ve said we have to come out and play hard, physical all the time. We started pretty good, then the energy level dropped. When you’re not making shots, you tend to lack a little on defense.”
Jack Karasinski led Bellarmine with 20 points. Myles Watkins and Billy Smith added 10 each for the Knights (0-4). This was the final game in the I-64 Series.
Marshall’s largest first-half lead was eight at 11-3. The Herd started the second half with an 11-0 run to take charge at 45-34. Speer’s big moment came with 13:30 left when he hit a three, got fouled and made the free throw for a 4-point play to push the lead to 57-42.
Bellarmine got within nine with 6:29 left on two free throws by Karasinski. Marshall again pulled away after that. Dezayne Mingo paced the Herd in assists with eight.
In free throws, the Herd stepped up big making 16-of-17 after going 30-of-50 in the win over Southern Indiana. Marshall had a 19-4 spread in points off turnovers.
Marshall’s off until next Saturday when it takes on No. 13 Purdue of the Big 10 in West Lafayette, Ind. Start time is noon. The Boilermakers are 4-0 with all wins at home. The latest came Friday when they knocked off No. 2 Alabama, 87-78. Their next game is Tuesday at Marquette.
“They just beat Alabama. That says something,” Jackson said. “We’ll keep focusing on the process. Go there and be who we are.”