Topic: Gazette: Herd closes out today at East Carolina

[ZackUSAF82]

By Doug Smock

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As Marshall tries once again to prove it can play outside of its own gym, something happened to the opponent for its regular-season finale.

East Carolina, which hosts MU at 5 p.m. today, looks a lot little better than it did back when the teams met Jan. 19 in Huntington. The Thundering Herd spanked the Pirates early and often, taking a 33-9 lead en route to a 77-56 victory.

The Pirates (17-11, 8-7) haven't necessarily made the rest of Conference USA walk the plank - they're even 2-3 at home since the MU game. Yet they have clinched the No. 4 seed in the middle-heavy C-USA standings and a first-round bye in the 11-team league tournament.

More important for Marshall (13-17, 6-9), ECU forward Maurice Kemp, point guard Miguel Paul and 3-point bomber Akeem Richmond haven't gone anywhere. The Herd must figure out how to slow them down again.

Link: http://wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201303080210