Herd prepares for ACC visit

CUSA-fans.com has a new staff of team correspondents this season to help bring you, the fan, more detailed Conference USA sports coverage. Today, our new Marshall Correspondent Paul Wood previews the basketball game between Marshall and Virginia Tech.

The Thundering Herd hosts Virginia Tech from the Atlantic Coast Conference this Saturday. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 4:00 p.m. at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, WV. Marshall looks to improve on its abysmal 3-8 start with an upset victory over the 9-3 Hokies.

Virginia Tech comes into the contest with a five game winning streak, including victories over Wake Forest and Seton Hall. The Hokies have four players averaging double digit scoring, led by senior guard Zabian Dowdell (15.8 ppg).

The Herd heads into the game having lost four of its last five. Marshall is led by sophomore guard Markel Humphrey and senior guard/forward Travis Aikens, both of whom are averaging just under 14 ppg. Newcomers Darryl Merthie and 7’0” freshman center Robbie Jackson are beginning to see more action for the Herd.

Marshall will try to use an up-tempo offense to wear down the Hokies. VT, however, likes to rotate players to keep its starters fresh late in games. VT protects the ball well, committing just 12.5 turnovers per game, which will limit the Herd’s fast break opportunities.

Marshall is looking to put together a couple of victories before heading into the heart of its conference schedule. This will not come easy with the visits from VT and Ohio before a road contest versus George Washington.