— By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall fans got treated to a little Dezayne Mingo time in a Sun Belt Conference matinee Saturday against Coastal Carolina.
Thundering Herd fans had to like the beat as Mingo scored seven straight points in a 2-minute stretch late to help his team subdue the scrappy Chanticleers, 67-62, in front of a season-high home crowd of 5,106 fans at Cam Henderson Center.
Mingo finished with 18 points, six assists and one turnover in 34 minutes.
“Watched a lot of film. They play drop coverage and I knew the shot would be open all night,” Mingo said. “We tried to pick it apart. I knew I’d be open most of the game without having to settle for that shot. I’ m happy to have more assists than turnovers.”
Mingo’s three-point play with 5:17 left put the Herd ahead, 56-53. Coastal Carolina countered with baskets by Jordan Battle and Colin Granger to retake the lead, 57-56. Mingo responded with a jumper at the 3:52 mark for a 58-57 lead and then a layup off a turnover to push the advantage to 60-57.
Back came the Chanticleers as Battle connected on a three-pointer to get even at 60. The Herd’s Nate Martin sank 1-of-2 free throws to put the home team up 61-60. Big man Noah Amenhauser would get a basket from in close to give Coastal Carolina its last lead at 62-61.
From there, Marshall (14-10, 7-4 Sun Belt) relied on the foul shooting of Obinna Anochili-Killen and Mikal Dawson and its defense as the Chanticleers went scoreless the final 1:48. Anochili-Killen made 1-of-2 foul shots to tie it at 62. With 46 seconds left, Anochili-Killen again made 1-of-2 throws for a 63-62 lead. He then hit two foul shots with 22 seconds on the clock for a 65-62 edge. Dawson ended it with two free throws with 8 seconds remaining.
Without Mingo’s play throughout, the Herd likely wouldn’t have been in position to win it late on free throws.
“They were in drop coverage,” Herd first-year coach Corny Jackson said. “We ran the set and it worked. He did a great job executing it. He made the plays. That’s what it’s all about.”
Dawson added 15 points and Anochili-Killen 14 along with three blocks.
The 7-foot-2 Amenhauser and Battle each had 17 points for the Chanticleers. Colin Granger totaled 13.
Coastal is 8-15 and 1-10 in the Sun Belt with eight consecutive losses.
Jackson expected the visitors would not be a pushover.
“We played with more of an edge to start the game,” Jackson said. “We had preached that from the Georgia State game. I thought we let them get a little too comfortable. Hats off to Coastal. They came here and played well. I knew they’d look inside to the big boy. He’s a big boy and load to guard. We did what we could inside. We didn’t shoot well, but we found a way to win. I’m proud of them.”
Jackson stressed such a vocal crowd can inspire the Herd to bigger heights.
“They (wins) all can’t be glamorous,” Jackson said. “Again I appreciate the fans showing up. They were loud. I believe they gave us that last push to get over the hump.”
Mingo appreciated the crowd, particularly after a tough Thursday home loss to Georgia State.
“We didn’t play our best today,” Mingo said. “We still played hard. They make it so much fun out there. I’m having a great time.”
Dawson, the Huntington native and transfer from Akron, had just one three. The Herd totaled four for the night. When threes were made, players from both times could be seen flashing signs. And Dawson had another bright moment after he made the first of his two free throws to end the game.
“After I made the first free throw, I let one of their guys know we’re in a good position now,” he said. “After a three, you look over. A little bit of showmanship. In basketball, there’s got to be a little bit of showboating.”
In the Saturday crowd, the Herd welcomed back former players for Alumni Weekend. They were introduced in the first half and elated they witnessed a win.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of those guys,” Jackson said.
For the game, Marshall led in points off turnovers, 21-8; second-chance points, 17-8; and fast break points (12-0). The Herd forced 15 turnovers and had just six.
Marshall takes on Arkansas State (18-5, 9-2) at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Arkansas State leads the Sun Belt.
“They’re a really good team. What an opportunity for this team to show what we have,” Jackson said.