Huntington Times

Surging Herd Rallies Again to Extend Streak

Out of every timeout, the Marshall women's basketball team chants in unison the word, "Together!"

Together, the Herd (14-9, 7-5 Sun Belt Conference) has won five in a row, defeating Georgia State (10-15, 4-8 Sun Belt Conference), 50-45. 1,186 saw Marshall rally from a 16-point second half deficit to win in the team's annual Sweetheart Clinic game. 

"We show grit and toughness late in games, that is part of who we are," head coach Tony Kemper said. "It is always good to win, when you are deep in the season, it is not always going to be easy, obviously this one wasn't. But to still find a way to be good when it matters is an important skill that we have."

Junior Abby Beeman scored a team-high 16 points, converting on a pair of free throws which finally got the Herd over the hump with 2:20 remaining in the game. The 45-44 advantage was Marshall's first since the opening minute of the game. 

After a GSU free throw tied the game, Beeman's and-one with 21 seconds gave the Herd a lead it would not relinquish.   

Marshall outscored the visitors, 19-6 in the final frame, making all 10 of its free throws attempted in the fourth. Redshirt-junior Mahogany Matthews contributed to two of the free throws, while locking down defensively with two blocks, a steal, and a team-best six rebounds.

The Herd rally started with full-court pressure in the third, with Roshala Scott and Sydni Scott forcing a pair of GSU turnovers leading to easier looks inside. 

The layups were needed after a stingy Georgia State defense held the Herd to 16 points in the first half, four in the first ten minutes. 

With the win, Marshall now holds its longest conference winning streak since the 2008-09 season.

Marshall remains home next week, starting with a home contest against Coastal Carolina. The game Thursday against the Chanticleers will be at a special 11 a.m. tip for Education Day. 

Original source can be found here