Marshall prevails in overtime against Arkansas State, 87-78 – WV MetroNews

— By David Walsh

For the second straight sport, Taevion Kinsey did his first-half work on the bench as a cheerleader for Marshall’s basketball group resulting from foul hassle.

The second-half once more proved a a lot completely different story for Kinsey and the Thundering Herd because it shook off a disastrous turnover with seconds left in regulation to outscore Arkansas State, 13-0, within the first 4 minutes of time beyond regulation and go on to submit the win, 87-78, in entrance of 1,084 followers at First Nationwide Financial institution Enviornment in Jonesboro, Ark.

Marshall led 71-67 with 19 seconds left in regulation, however a basket by Markise Davis after which Caleb Fields with three seconds to play, after a Herd turnover, tied the sport at 71-71 and compelled the primary time beyond regulation sport of the season for Marshall.

Andrew Taylor began the additional session with a 3, Kinsey then scored eight straight factors and Jacob Conner nailed two free throws for the decisive 13-0 run. Avery Felt hit a three-pointer with 44 seconds left for the primary OT basket for the Purple Wolves.

“Keep even keel and have enjoyable,” Kinsey stated. “That’s what we did. In OT, Andy hits the primary shot and we’re off and operating. We actually went from there.”

Within the OT, Marshall went 5-of-5 from the sector (one three) and made 5-of-6 free throws. Arkansas State made simply 2-of-7 photographs.

Taylor led the Herd (16-2, 7-2 Solar Belt and nonetheless tied for first) with 27 factors, 14 coming within the first half when Kinsey went to the bench with two fouls with simply over 16 minutes left on the clock. Kinsey adopted with 23, all within the second half and OT, as he made 10-of-16 photographs. Kamdyn Curfman added 16 (team-high 4 threes).

Kinsey did the identical factor Thursday evening when he obtained in early foul hassle, led cheers after which returned within the second half to energy the Herd previous Texas State.

“Pissed off, however let it go,” Kinsey stated of his mindset. “All I can do is be a cheerleader. I like to be a cheerleader for our group. With what we now have retains me motivated. I’m comfortable for them. I really like the way in which they carry us. The second half reveals how a lot combat this group has.

“AT and Kam ran the desk. Get to spots, keep aggressive. They have been all puffed up for me popping out within the second half.”

Taylor stated the Herd’s play with Kinsey out ought to present the Inexperienced and White isn’t a one-man present.

“We’ve obtained different expert gamers,” he stated. “Get in the suitable positions That first three in OT helped us put it away. This was an enormous take a look at, the second sport on the highway journey.”

Kinsey, the highest scorer within the Solar Belt and preseason choose to be MVP, confirmed once more why he’s now on two award watch lists. They’re the Jerry West Award and Oscar Robertson Nationwide Participant of the 12 months Midseason record.

Herd coach Dan D’Antoni obtained in his OT directions later within the break earlier than play resumed as he needed to settle down from that shaky end.

“Calmed down midway by means of after I advised them we didn’t do what was presupposed to be executed (finish of regulation),” he stated. “We had an opportunity to regroup. We began to rebound higher. We pulled out on them. We have been smooth within the first half. We’ve obtained to get higher at rebounding in opposition to troublesome groups.

“I advised them this group performs arduous. They’re greater and stronger than Thursday. They’re higher than their file reveals.

“We made errors and didn’t shut out in regulation. AT had the large shot in OT. TK took over from there. He has the flexibility to hit that mid-range jumper. AT had a unbelievable first half. Kam did what he does. Good groups discover a strategy to win.”

David Early got here off the bench to attain eight for the Herd. He had an enormous three-point play in every half and two clutch free throws late in regulation. Jacob Conner completed with a career-high 10 rebounds.

Arkansas State is 9-12, 1-7 within the Solar Belt. The Purple Wolves have misplaced seven straight since successful their Solar Belt opener at Outdated Dominion.

This was the fifth assembly between the 2 groups and the Purple Wolves maintain a 3-2 lead. The final sport got here in 2020 and the Herd gained, 70-56.

Marshall returns residence now for 2 video games. ULM visits Cam Henderson Heart on Thursday and Georgia State on Saturday. Each groups begin at 7 p.m.