In a matchup that defied NET rankings, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers outlasted Marshall Thundering Herd 79-75 on the road. The Chanticleers' 4-point margin of victory was a testament to their resilience, as they held off a late surge from the Thundering Herd. The final score read 79-75 in favor of Coastal Carolina, with the first half ending 36-24 and the second half 43-51 in favor of the Chanticleers.
Coastal Carolina's 79 points were a season high, while Marshall's 75 points were 10 below their average. The Thundering Herd's NET-ranked #146 team was seeking to notch a significant win on the road, but ultimately came up short against the lower-ranked Chanticleers (#230).
Rasheed Jones led Coastal Carolina with 29 points, converting 8 of his 15 field goal attempts and 4 of 7 three-pointers. His efficient shooting from the free throw line, going 9 for 9, was a significant contributor to the team's victory. Jones also managed to grab 4 rebounds and dished out 1 assist, showcasing his well-rounded performance.
Joshua Beadle and Nadjrick Peat also played pivotal roles in the win. Beadle scored 18 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists, although he struggled from beyond the arc, making just 1 of 5 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Peat's dominant presence in the paint was evident, as he hauled in 13 rebounds and blocked 7 shots, while scoring 13 points. His 5-11 performance from the free throw line was less efficient than Jones', but still a notable contribution to the team's scoring efforts.
Jalen Speer's 39 points led Marshall, but it was not enough to secure a victory. Despite shooting an efficient 57% from the free throw line and 52% from the field, Speer's 11 three-point attempts ultimately proved costly, as he converted only four. His 2 assists were a low point, suggesting that he was sometimes forced to create for himself rather than his teammates.
Noah Otshudi's 18 points on 53% shooting from the field were a bright spot for the Thundering Herd, but he was unable to provide much support beyond scoring. His 1 assist and 4 rebounds were underwhelming, and his inability to stretch the defense with a three-pointer left Marshall's offense one-dimensional at times.
Wyatt Fricks' performance against Coastal Carolina marked a significant downturn from his season averages, with his scoring output plummeting by 10.8 points per game to just four points. Typically a key contributor on both ends of the floor, Fricks' overall efficiency and effectiveness were notably absent, as evidenced by his 40% field goal percentage and 0-for-1 showing from three-point range. This outing was a stark contrast to his usual level of production, and will likely be a focal point for the Marshall coaching staff as they look to get their senior forward back on track.
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Final
In the end, Coastal Carolina defied the pre-game predictions, outscoring Marshall by four points to take a hard-fought 79-75 victory. The forecast had favored Marshall by a narrow margin, but the Chanticleers proved to be the more resilient team, ultimately claiming a win that will be a notable upset for the season.
A closer examination of the in-game statistics reveals two key factors that contributed to Coastal Carolina's success. Firstly, the Chanticleers' offense showed a notable increase in efficiency, shooting above their season average effective field goal percentage. This uptick in shooting prowess allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities and build a lead that Marshall ultimately couldn't overcome. Secondly, Coastal Carolina's ability to secure rebounds on the defensive glass was a crucial factor, with their 31.7% OREB rate significantly outpacing Marshall's 25.6% mark. This disparity in rebounding allowed the Chanticleers to control the tempo and limit Marshall's scoring chances, ultimately deciding the outcome of the game.
Coastal Carolina's victory over Marshall bolsters its NCAA Tournament resume with a crucial Quad 3 win, moving its overall record to 17-12 and NET ranking to #230. While this result won't significantly impact its seeding, it will likely prevent the Chanticleers from falling into a Quad 4 NET ranking, which would have put their at-large hopes in jeopardy. Conversely, Marshall's loss drops it to 18-11 and NET #146, making its Quad 1 loss somewhat more forgivable, but its Quad 2 record now stands at 0-3, which could hurt its seeding prospects, potentially relegating it to a 10-seed or lower in the tournament. The Thundering Herd's tournament chances have taken a hit, but they still have time to right the ship with strong performances down the stretch.