— By David Walsh
Marshall played a stronger second half Saturday afternoon in its game against Virginia at John Paul Jones Arena.
The first half, though, proved to be far too much for the Herd to overcome. The Cavaliers pumped in 61 points in the first 20 minutes on the way to a 28-point lead. The Thundering Herd outscored the Cavaliers by two points after that, but Virginia scored at will throughout the matchup to win comfortably, 104-78, before a crowd of 11,776.
“They took us to the woodshed,” Marshall coach Corny Jackson said. “They’re a good team. We knew that coming in. They have a lot of weapons. They executed and they’re disciplined. We didn’t shoot that great and they caused a lot of that obviously. A good learning lesson. It’s a long season. Coming into this environment playing against a tough ACC team you grow from it. It helps you throughout the year. Games like this prepare us for Sun Belt play. That’s why we play them.”
Despite the outcome, Jackson did see positives. After 12 turnovers in the first half, the Herd (3-1) had three in the second. Landon Joseph came off the bench to lead Marshall with 22 points. He hit 8-of-11 shots and 3 of 4 from three while several teammates struggled.
“Landon Joseph showed me a lot,” Jackson said. “As a coach you watch a guy’s demeanor. Watching film on them and I asked a question and he had the answer quick. About a ball screen what pass is open and he said pocket pass. Somebody taught him that. It’s second nature. Gives me confidence a young guy can go out and play the right way. Ask me if he goes 8-for-11, 22 points and three assists, probably not. He’s a natural. He doesn’t have any fear.”
First-year coach Ryan Odom likes the uptempo style and the Cavaliers already are rewriting the record book. The is their first 100-point game since New Year’s Eve of 2018, which also came against Marshall, 100-64.
Virginia’s Thijs De Ridder scored 23 points and the Cavaliers (4-0) never trailed. Malik Thomas scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half, Dallin Hall added 18 points and Johann Grunloh chipped in 16.
Grunloh’s first three-pointer of the season gave Virginia a 75-43 lead with 14:57 remaining.
Marshall did not get within 20 points in the second half until Joseph’s free throw made it 81-61 with 8:16 left.
The closest the Thundering Herd got down the stretch was at 83-65 on Van Komen’s dunk with 7 minutes to play.
Virginia hit the century mark on De Ridder’s jumper for a 100-74 lead with 1:56 remaining.
The Cavaliers scored fewer than 61 points in 10 games last season under interim coach Ron Sanchez. They scored fewer than 61 points in 15 games during coach Tony Bennett’s final season in 2023-24.
Matt Van Komen tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, and Wilson Dubinsky and Noah Otshudi each added 10 points for Marshall.
Jackson sees the 7-foot-4 Van Komen coming on.
“He’s gotten better offensively,” Jackson said of the transfer from Elon. “He’s doing stuff when we get him the ball. It’s the first time he’s getting plays ran for him and he’s taking advantage of it. He’s come a long way in a short time with us.”
Marshal’s Wyatt Fricks, who had 34 points in a home win against Elon, was held to seven Saturday. He made 1-of-7 shots and went 0 of 3 from three.
Virginia prevailed, 25-13, in points off turnovers. The Cavaliers had 12 threes to seven for the Herd.
“On film it didn’t show just how physical they are,” Jackson said. “They have four all-conference guys, probably two NBA draft picks. They’re playing pressure defense. Not trying to steal the ball but force tough decisions. In the second half we made better decisions. Told the guys I’m not happy to come here and lose. Got to give it to them. Virginia’s a first-class program. It’ll be beneficial for our guys to come here and play.”
Marshall’s next game is Thursday at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Virginia’a next action is Friday against Northwestern at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs.