Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
FIU
@HerdWBB Bounces Back in 67-61 Win over FIU
1/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Final Book 
| Postgame Press Conference
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Senior center Chukwuka Ezeigbo (Trenton, N.J.) was two blocks away from a triple-double in a 67-61 win for Marshall women's basketball (10-5, 2-2 C-USA) over FIU (3-12, 0-4 C-USA) on Thursday at Cam Henderson Center.
Ezeigbo, who led the nation in field goal percentage prior to Thursday's contest (67.3 percent), finished 5-of-6 from the floor (83.3 percent) for 11 points and totaled career-highs of 15 rebounds and eight blocks. With the win, the Thundering Herd tied its most wins in a regular season under coach Matt Daniel (10), and earned its best record since 2011-12, when it started the year at 12-5.
The Herd came out of the gate rolling, jumping out to a 10-5 lead at the first media timeout. Four Herd scorers were involved in the opening minutes of the first half. The Herd kept up the tempo with senior guard AJ Johnson (Silver Spring, Md.) who led the team in scoring with 10 points in the first half. However, FIU closed in on the Herd during the closing minutes of the first period, cutting Marshall's lead to 28-24 going in to halftime.
The start of the second half was a neck-and-neck battle between both sides. The Herd was on top of the Golden Panthers 34-31 at the first media timeout. FIU took the lead in the middle of the second half, led by sophomore guard Kiandre'a Pound who poured in a game-high 24 points. The Herd fought back, leading the Golden Panthers 55-51 after a layup and free throw by senior forward Leah Scott (Detroit). Marshall was able to keep its lead down the stretch thanks to cool shooting from the free throw line, finishing at 75 percent (18-of-24) from the line. The Herd held on to win 67-61.
Marshall featured three players in double-figure scoring with Scott and Johnson each with 19 points, followed by Ezeigbo with 11. Scott also chipped in six rebounds and went 5-of-5 from the free throw line.
WITH THE WINââ'¬Â¦
- Marshall earned its best record (10-5) since 2011-12, when it went 12-5 to begin the season
- The Herd gained its best start (2-2) to the conference season since 2011-12, when it went 3-1
- Marshall took its first victory in the series against FIU (1-2)
- The Herd tied its most wins in a regular season under coach Matt Daniel (10)
UNDAUNTED
Marshall is the only Conference USA team yet to register a losing streak this season. The Herd is 5-0 in games following a loss.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Keep up with the latest news about Herd basketball by liking the team's official Facebook page: Marshall University Basketball. For live in-game updates and news, follow @HerdWBB on Twitter. Want to see photos and behind-the-scenes action? Give @HerdWBB a follow on Instagram.
UP NEXT
Marshall will continue its home stand against teams from the state of Florida when it meets Florida Atlantic at Cam Henderson Center on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.
---HerdZone.com---
