Marshall secured a hard-fought 81-77 victory over Southern Mississippi at the Cam Henderson Center, with Wyatt Fricks leading the charge. The Thundering Herd's win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted an 80-71 Marshall victory with a 9.4-point margin. Although the actual margin was narrower at four points, the prediction ultimately proved correct.
Fricks' impressive performance, which included 25 points and 7 rebounds, set the tone for Marshall's success. He was supported by strong showings from Noah Otshudi and Jalen Speer, who contributed 17 points and 6 assists, and 15 points and 8 assists, respectively. The trio's collective effort helped Marshall overcome a strong challenge from Southern Miss, who were led by Djahi Binet's outstanding 31 points and 15 rebounds.
At halftime, Southern Miss held a slim 38-34 lead, but Marshall rallied in the second half, outscoring their opponents 47-39. The Thundering Herd's ability to adapt and respond to the Golden Eagles' strong start ultimately proved decisive. Binet's dominant display was not enough to propel Southern Miss to victory, as Marshall's balanced attack and resilience paid off.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game was marked by a series of intense exchanges, with both teams creating scoring opportunities through a combination of sharp shooting and clever ball movement. However, Marshall's superior depth and cohesion ultimately told, as they managed to contain Southern Miss's offense and capitalize on their own chances.
The win improves Marshall's record to 15-8, while Southern Miss falls to 12-13. In terms of tournament implications, this result has significant consequences for both teams. For Marshall, the victory represents a Quadrant 4 win, which, although not highly valued, still contributes to their overall resume. Meanwhile, Southern Miss, who were playing a Quadrant 2 game, will be disappointed to have fallen short, as a win would have greatly bolstered their tournament hopes.
As the season enters its final stretch, Marshall want to build on this momentum, leveraging their strong performances to strengthen their position. With a current Net ranking of 135, the Thundering Herd still have work to do to secure a tournament spot, but victories like this one will undoubtedly help their cause. For Southern Miss, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face, particularly in games against stronger opponents. Their current Net ranking of 240 underscores the need for them to compile a strong finish to the season if they are to revive their fading tournament aspirations.