Jan. 17, 2007

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HUNTINGTON - Junior guard Mark Dorris (Cincinnati, Ohio) notched his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead Marshall past Tulsa, 65-53, for the Herd's first win in Conference USA play in 2006-07 Wednesday evening at Cam Henderson Center.

Marshall improves to 6-11, 1-3 in Conference USA, while Tulsa drops to 12-4, 2-1 in the league.

The story of the game for Marshall was defense and contesting Golden Hurricane shots. Although the Thundering Herd forced only nine turnovers, MU had numerous deflections throughout the night and had a hand in the face of most Tulsa shots. The defensive intensity showed in the Golden Hurricane's percentages - only 29.5% (18-61) from the floor and 12.5% from three (2-16).

The Herd took the lead on Tulsa for good at the 3:01 in the first half on a Robbie Jackson (Aberdeen, Md.) free throw to make the score 22-21, and headed into the locker room at the half with a 30-25 lead. Marshall then went on a 8-2 run to open the second half to push its lead to 11, 38-27, with 16:20 to play, on a dunk by Markel Humphrey (Ellenwood, Ga.).

Tulsa hung around, and cut the Herd lead to six, 48-42, at the 5:52 mark, but Marshall kept the Golden Hurricane at bay with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch. Marshall made 13-of-17 free throw shots from the 5:52 mark to the end of regulation.

For the game, Marshall shot 36.8% from the floor (21-57), 29.4% from three (5-17), and 60% from the charity stripe (18-30). The Herd outrebounded Tulsa, 46-43, and posted 12 assists against only ten turnovers for the night.

"We played better across the board," said Marshall head coach Ron Jirsa. "We got good games from several people. Our centers played pretty well as a group, and everyone contributed in some way, and that is part of our formula. We had very good point guard play today. They moved the ball more patiently and shared the ball. We also boxed out very well. Tulsa is a terrific rebounding team, so that was an emphasis for us tonight.

"I really thought we played with more poise tonight. We didn't press as much, but we held them at bay because our offense was efficient. We certainly will get back in the press when we feel it is necessary."

The Herd was led by Dorris' double-double, but also got two 15-point performances from Humphrey and Travis Aikens (Orlando, Fla.).

"We kept up our intensity," said Dorris. "We hit a wall again tonight but we made some stops and didn't allow the big run, which has killed us in the past. The most important thing was we were able to have a lead and keep the lead. Other games we have it, then give it up and have to fight to get it back. I thought we played well almost the full 40 (minutes) and kept our intensity the whole way."

Jamel McLean led Tulsa with 12 points. Ben Uzoh and Rod Earls each added ten points for the Golden Hurricane.

"I always have heard how well Marshall plays here and now I know why," said Tulsa coach Doug Wojcik. "You have to give them credit. They played well tonight. They were a team lacking a little confidence judging by the tape I had seen, so we felt we needed to seize the momentum early on and not let them get the momentum on their side."

Marshall returns to the road to play Tulane this Saturday at Fogelman Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. EST.