Marshall Thunders to best start in 45 years, stays undefeated

Huntington, W.V.-- The Marshall women's basketball team has had no problem filling the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, West Virginia this year as it improves its record to 6-0. The Herd continued its undefeated season as they took the win over Alabama A&M, 81-45.

It was an unsurprising start for the Bulldogs with very little offensive production in the first, but uncharacteristic of Marshall as they, too, struggled to put up points against A&M with only 10 points in the first. Marshall was led by Leah Scott's four points, and a team effort by Kiana Evans, Talequia Hamilton, and Shayna Gore that resulted in a first-quarter lead, 10-8.

Marshall finished out the first half after it gained its biggest lead of the game, 32-18. The Herd was led by Evans with seven points, while the Bulldogs followed in Marshall's footsteps, scoring only 10 points in the second quarter. Frustration began to set in for A&M as it led the second quarter in fouls, resulting in five points from the line for the Herd.

Marshall showed no mercy in the third, scoring 31 points. A&M tried to make a comeback with four quick points by Alexa DeBose, but Marshall took control and went on an 18-0 run that was led by Scott. DeBose led the quarter for A&M with four of its eight points, but Scott and the Herd closed out the quarter leading 63-29.

The fourth quarter came as no surprise as Marshall dominated the floor. The Bulldogs attempted to put up a fight by putting up 13 points, but it wasn't enough. Marshall secured the win, 81-45.

A&M was led by Jaylan Snowden with 11 points, while DeBose followed close behind with 10 points. The Herd was led by Evans with 16 points, followed by Taylor Porter, Gore, and Scott, all with 14 points, respectively.

Prior to Marshall's game against the Bulldogs, the Herd's 5-0 start was its best start since 2003-04, and have been averaging nearly 81 points per game. At 6-0, the Herd is now experiencing its best start in 45 years.

"6-0 for the first time in 45 years...wow...I've learned to respect what's been done here, but also appreciate what we're doing," Head Coach Matt Daniel said. "But I don't want contentment from this roster."

Scott also showed her excitement about being a part of such a special team and the Herd's upcoming game against West Virginia University.

"It's fun being 6-0, I think we're all excited for this WVU game, and we still have some things we need to work on, but we're all really excited about this team," Scott said.

Marshall will take next week off as the team prepares for finals. But the Herd will travel to Charleston, West Virginia to take on its in-state rival and Big 12 competitor, West Virginia University, Saturday, Dec. 13th, with tip-off at 4 p.m.