Marshall University Athletics
Tulsa Upends Men's Basketball, 73-57
2/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 4, 2009
Huntington, W.Va. -
Justin Hurtt scored 19 points and Ray Reese added 17 to lead the University of Tulsa to a 73-57 road victory over Marshall University in Conference USA men's basketball action Wednesday.
"What a great game by Tulsa," Marshall Head Coach Donnie Jones said. "Obviously, their players did a great job tonight and give them credit. We got to see why they are one of the best teams in the league. You can't defend the way we defended tonight and have a chance to beat a team like that."
Hurtt and Reese led a Golden Hurricane attack that shot 54.3% from the field (54.3%) and an impressive 80% from three-point range (8-for-10). Tulsa (16-7 overall, 6-2 C-USA) jumped out to an early lead, led 34-30 at the half, and extended their lead by as much as 22 points in the second half.
Marshall (9-13 overall, 2-6 C-USA) struggled against the stingy Tulsa defense. The Herd shot only 29.6% from the field (16-of-54) and was 27.3% from three-point range (27.3%) for the game. Tirrell Baines led the Herd with 10 points off of the bench, while Markel Humphrey contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
The Thundering Herd did manage to keep Tulsa standout center Jerome Jordan in check. Jordan scored only eight points and grabbed five rebounds in 22 minutes of action. However, Tulsa made Marshall pay for its inside focus with his strong outside shooting.
Marshall grabbed 35 rebounds, including 20 offensive boards, but managed just 20 points in the paint. Tulsa recorded 28 rebounds and outscored the Herd 28-20 in the paint.
The Thundering Herd will look to get back on track this Saturday when it hosts Tulane in a C-USA contest that will be televised by CBS College Sports. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
