Marshall secured a crucial 77-72 win over James Madison at the Cam Henderson Center, thanks in large part to Jalen Speer's impressive 22-point performance. The Thundering Herd's victory was fueled by a strong first half, where they outscored the Dukes 36-32. Marshall's lead ballooned to as many as 10 points in the second half, but James Madison refused to back down, narrowing the deficit to just three points with under two minutes remaining.
Speer's scoring prowess was complemented by Noah Otshudi's 17 points and 6 rebounds, as well as Wyatt Fricks' 13 points. The trio's collective effort helped Marshall overcome a game-high 20 points from James Madison's Cliff Davis, who also grabbed 6 rebounds. Bradley Douglas chipped in with 15 points for the Dukes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thundering Herd's balanced attack.
The second half saw both teams trade baskets, with Marshall's 41 points barely outpacing James Madison's 40. The Dukes' late surge was sparked by Davis's clutch shooting, but Marshall's defense held firm, securing the win. The Thundering Herd's ability to close out the game was a reflection of their resilience and determination.
This non-conference matchup had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Marshall, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not overly impressive, still helps to bolster their overall record. The Thundering Herd now sit at 12-7, with their NET ranking of 136 positioning them as a potential bubble team come tournament time.
On the other hand, James Madison's loss dropped them to 10-11, with their NET ranking of 233 making an at-large bid a long shot. The Dukes' defeat was classified as a Quadrant 3 loss, which won't significantly harm their resume but won't provide much of a boost either.
As the season wears on, Marshall want to build on this win, using it as momentum to propel them through the remainder of their schedule. With their sights set on a potential postseason berth, the Thundering Herd must continue to secure victories, both in and out of conference. For James Madison, the focus will shift to regrouping and refocusing, as they aim to string together a series of wins and revive their fading tournament hopes.
The win for Marshall solidifies their position as a mid-tier team, capable of competing with a variety of opponents. While this victory may not have been a marquee win, it demonstrates the Thundering Herd's ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. As the tournament selection committee reviews Marshall's resume, this win will be seen as a positive, albeit not a defining, aspect of their overall profile.