Dec. 31, 2007
Final Stats
(Huntington, West Virginia) - The USD Toreros (7-9) were handed a 76-60 defeat by the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-4) today before 4,183 fans at Cam Henderson Center on New Year's Eve. The Toreros, who were coming off a stunning 81-72 win at Kentucky two days ago, made just 6-of-15 first half shots in falling behind 43-24 at intermission. Junior point guard Brandon Johnson, who earlier today was named the WCC player of the week after his 27-point performance at Kentucky, matched that total again today but was the lone Torero to reach double digits. Marshall, which improved to 7-1 in home games, was paced by forward Tirrell Baines with 19 points. USD is now off until January 9th when they host CS Bakersfield in their final nonconference tilt.
Marshall, which was coming off their first home loss on Saturday to Lipscomb, came ready to play today as their pressure defense caused USD to turn the ball over 10 times in the first half and 16 overall. In the first half alone, Marshall scored 15 points off Torero turnovers, 16 points in the paint and 11 points off second chance opportunities. In the 2nd half Marshall extended its lead to as many as 25 (54-29), and USD put together a few mini runs, but The Herd always had an answer. The closest USD would get in the final 20 minutes is the final 16 point spread, 76-60.
Danny Brown came off the bench to chip in 8 points, while Gyno Pomare, who was whistled for three first half fouls, was limited to 9 points and just 1 rebound in 16 minutes of action. Marshall outrebounded USD, 34-22, and outshot the Toreros, 50% to 45.2%
