Herd hangs on to take 75-71 win over No. 21 WVU

Marshall nearly surrenders 24-point second-half lead to Mountaineers

Damier Pitts tied his career-high with 25 points and led the Thundering Herd to a 75-71 triumph over Mountain State rival West Virginia on Wednesday night in Charleston.

The Herd, which improved to 13-5 under first-year coach Tom Herrion, snapped a four-game losing streak against the Mountaineers.

Marshall held a commanding 47-23 advantage after Shaquille Johnson knocked down a three-pointer with 15:55 remaining.

The Mountaineers used a 13-of-15 effort at the free throw line to fuel a 17-2 run to pull within seven at 53-46 with 8:03 to play.

WVU would pull within 72-69 in the final minute, but Marshall was able to make enough free throws to seal the victory.

Redshirt freshman DeAndre Kane finished with 18 for the Herd.

The Mountaineers, who shot just 33 percent (19-of-57), were led by Casey Mitchell's 18 point effort. Flowers had 16 for WVU while Mazzulla and Bryant tallied ten each.

The Herd returns home on Saturday to continue CUSA play against East Carolina.