Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
7-4,0-0Sun Belt
UT Chattanooga
8-6,0-0SoCon
Marshall Women’s Basketball Closes Out Non-Conference with Big Win over UT-Chattanooga
12/21/2022 5:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Herd set for Sun Belt Conference play on December 29th
Box Score | Coach Kemper Post Game
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall guard Abby Beeman said "a full 40 minutes" were needed for Marshall's 60-56 win over Chattanooga on Wednesday at the Cam Henderson Center.
The win improves the Herd to 7-4 as they embark on a holiday break before the start of Sun Belt Conference play.
Beeman notched 18 points, including three 3-pointers in the first quarter, while leading the team with seven rebounds and six assists in the win. It was the ninth time this season the Ridgeley, West Virginia native finished in double-figures for the Herd. The junior transfer also joined fellow guard Kendall Miller with a game-high two steals as the Herd cemented itself early on the defensive end.
"Something I've noticed is that it's important for us to start well defensively," Beeman said. "That kind of sets the tone for us for the rest of the game."
Marshall jumped out to an early 10-0 lead before Chattanooga (8-5) found its range to tighten the affair. A pair of Beeman jumpers gave the hosts a 20-14 lead after one. The Herd won the battle of two teams leading their respective conference in defensive efficiency. Coach Kemper's side held the Mocs to 42 percent shooting, forcing 13 turnovers.
"That's a really good win against a quality team that's tough," Marshall Head Coach Tony Kemper said. "We knew they weren't going to go away. I'm glad we hit them with the punch we hit them with early because when they came back, it was difficult to deal with."
Marshall took its largest lead at 30-19 midway through the second, but the entirety of the game was played within single digits from there. The Mocs went on a 9-2 run before Sydni Scott dropped a three to close out the half, keeping the Herd in front, 35-28.
Chattanooga threatened throughout the second half, but the Herd found big plays to remain in front.
The Mocs broke through with their first lead with under nine minutes to play, taking a 50-48 lead. Undaunted, a clutch 3-pointer from Roshala Scott put Marshall back in front to stay. Roshala scored 10 of her team-leading 19 points in the fourth quarter to lift Marshall in a tight win that closes out the non-conference slate. Beeman said the battle will help the Herd moving forward.
"Down the stretch, knowing we're battle-tested going into conference play, I think that's really going to help us because all of those games are probably going to be a full 40 minutes." Beeman added.
UP NEXT
Marshall begins Sun Belt Conference play with a 7 p.m. tip on Dec. 29 at South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama.
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