Marshall defeats Wright St 76-74
Wright St Edges Marshall in Thrilling Comeback Victory
In a dramatic turn of events, the Wright State Raiders (5-3) outlasted the Marshall Thundering Herd (4-4) 76-74 at the Cam Henderson Center on Saturday evening. The thrilling non-conference matchup saw both teams battle for every inch of court space in front of a lively crowd.
The game's narrative thread was expertly woven by Wright State, who initially took control behind Michael Cooper's (22 points, 5 assists) hot shooting hand. However, the Thundering Herd responded with a furious rally in the second half, as Wyatt Fricks' (19 points, 2-3 3PT) clutch shooting and Matt Van Komen's (11 rebounds, 6 points) relentless rebounding kept Marshall within striking distance.
As the clock ticked down, Wright State clung to a narrow lead. However, in a stunning display of resilience, Marshall erased a 7-point deficit with just over two minutes remaining to take the lead for the first time all night. The Herd's determination was on full display as they pushed their advantage to as many as four points.
With the score tied at 72-72 and just 30 seconds left, Cooper stepped up to deliver the game-winner. His deep three-pointer from beyond the arc found nothing but net, securing a thrilling 76-74 Wright State victory.
Advanced statistics highlighted the importance of Wright State's efficiency on the perimeter, as they shot an impressive 69.2% from the field (5-9 FG) and 41.0% from downtown (12/29 3PT). In contrast, Marshall struggled to find their mark, converting just 27.4% of their attempts (7/24 3PT).
For Wright State, Cooper's well-rounded performance was a key factor in the win. His ability to score and create for his teammates allowed him to take advantage of any missteps by the Herd defense.
Marshall, meanwhile, struggled to contain Wright State's quick offense, which outscored them 17-8 on fast break points. Despite their valiant effort, the Thundering Herd fell just short in a game that was decided by a mere two points.
This non-conference matchup will be remembered for its dramatic finish and the resilient performances of both teams. For Wright State, the win moves them to 5-3 on the season while sending Marshall back to .500 at 4-4.