MIAMI BASKETBALL

'Hawks top Herd in non-conference battle

Veterans Elmer, Suder and Woolfolk lead the way 

By MIKE SMITH
HUNTINGTON, WV -- Visiting Miami (24-0, 10-0 MAC) exploded for 49 first half points while building up an 18-point halftime lead on the way to a 90-74 win over Marshall (15-9, 7-4 SBC) Saturday at the Cam Henderson Center.

With the victory, No. 23 Miami stretched its season-opening win streak to 24 games. The Thundering Herd dropped to 15-9 while falling for the second time in Marshall's last six outings.

Miami never . . .

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. . . trailed and led by 24 points during the first half. Marshall finally found the range and, with the help of several late threes, chipped away to trail 49-31 at the break. 

Landen Joseph's triple at 15:28 of the second stanza kicked off a 10-1 Herd run that bought the hosts within 11 at 57-46 with 13:20 to go. Marshall pulled within nine on several occasions after that, but Miami's offense met the challenge -- eventually finishing with a 16-point advantage.

Five RedHawk players reached double figures, with three combining for 50 points and 23 rebounds. Eian Elmer led the way with 18 points, knocking down all four 3-point attempts and six of eight from the field. His nine boards left him one short of a double-double.
Peter Suder registered 17 points and seven caroms. Antwone Woolfolk tallied 15 points with seven rebounds.

Almar Atlason added 10 off the bench, while Luke Skaljac contributed 12. Justin Kirby made all four of his shots from the field while adding nine points in 19 minutes.

Marshall senior guard Noah Otshudi topped all scorers with 23 points. Wyatt Fricks (16 points, 10 rebounds), Jalen Speer (13) and Landen Joseph (11) also reached double figures for the Herd. 

NEXT: 
Miami is off Tuesday, but returns to MAC action Friday (Feb. 13) when its hosts rival Ohio in a sold out Millett Hall. That game has a 9 p.m. start and will be televised on ESPN. 
Marshall hits the road for a pair of games next week, visiting Old Dominion on Wednesday and Georgia Southern Saturday. 

NOTES: 
•  Miami connected on 56 percent (33/59) from the field overall and 44 percent (8/18) on threes. The RedHawks were 16 of 21 (76%) at the line.
•  Marshall finished with 28 of 70 (40%) field goals overall, 28 percent 8/29) on threes and 10 of 17 (59%) from the stripe. 
•  Miami won the battle of the boards 40-35 and had a 46-35 edge on points in the paint.