The Marshall Thundering Herd and the FIU Panthers meet in college basketball action from the John Gray Gymnasium on Monday.
Marshall Routed By Utah State
The Marshall Thundering Herd come into this one looking to rebound from back-to-back losses after an 83-60 loss to Utah State last time out. Entering the game against Utah State, Kamdyn Curfman leads the Herd in scoring and assists with 16.5 PPG and 4.5 APG while Nate Martin has 15.5 PPG with 10 RPG to lead Marshall on the glass, averaging a double-double per game. Obinna Anochili-Killen has 13 PPG with 5 RPG and Kevon Voyles also has 13 PPG with 2.5 APG as well to cap off the scoring in double figures for Marshall up to this point in the year. As a team, Marshall is averaging 75.5 PPG on 41% shooting from the field, 26.7% from three and 65.8% from the foul line this season.
FIU Falls To Akron
The FIU Panthers come into this one looking to rebound after their 77-71 loss to Akron in their last matchup. Entering the matchup with Akron, Dashon Gittens and Arturo Dean share the team lead in scoring with 13.3 PPG apiece with Dean logging a team-high 5 APG to lead the Panthers in assists as well, with Dean and Gittens as the lone pair of double-digit scorers for FIU up to this point in the year. Jonathan Aybar also has 8.3 PPG with a team-high 5.3 RPG to lead FIU on the glass so far this season. As a team, FIU is averaging 72.5 PPG on 42.5% shooting from the field, 30.7% from three and 68% from the foul line this season.
Chris’ Pick
I’m going to take a shot on Marshall here. Neither of these teams are really in inspiring form right now and both have been struggling, but I’m really worried about FIU’s defense up against Marshall here. Marshall’s offense is far from a world-beater, but FIU hasn’t been able to slow anyone down defensively and I just think that Marshall breaks through here. FIU does have the better offense but Marshall’s defense is the difference here and I’ll back the Herd for the cover and potential win here.
