Marshall Herd Rolls Over WVU Tech 102‑52, Hits First 30‑Assist Mark Since 2016

Breaking: Marshall Dominates WVU Tech 102-52, Highlights Depth and Precision

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s men’s basketball team sprinted out to an early lead and never looked back, blasting WVU Tech 102-52 at the Cam Henderson Center to move to 8-5 on the season.

The Herd dished out a season-highlight in assists, finishing with 30 on 38 made baskets. That level of ball movement helped Marshall overwhelm its visitors and set the tone for a dominant night on both ends of the floor.

Head coach Cornelius “Corny” Jackson credited the unselfish play and the offensive flow after the game, noting that Caleb Hollenbeck’s seven three-pointers were a spark that helped push the pace and confidence. “If I had to point to one thing, it’s the 30 assists on 38 makes,” Jackson said. “Caleb got back on track, and his shooting opened things up. We’ll look for more consistency as we move into Sun Belt play.”

Marshall controlled the glass, finishing with a 51-26 rebounding edge and holding WVU Tech to 26 points in each half. The decisive margin underscored a balanced attack that featured strong perimeter shooting, interior scoring, and a deep rotation.

Caleb Hollenbeck topped the scoring column with 25 points, draining seven triples and corralling eight rebounds while adding four assists and two steals. His hot streak helped Marshall seize momentum early and sustain it throughout the night.

Wyatt Fricks contributed 19 points and eight boards on 8-for-14 shooting, making a significant impact inside the paint and complementing Marshall’s overall offensive balance.

Noah Otshudi delivered a near-flawless all-around game, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and no turnovers on 4-for-5 shooting. Jalen Speer added eight points and seven assists, helping the ball move fluidly and keep the pressure on WVU Tech.

The bench supplied 29 points, with Bryce Slay sinking a late three to stretch the lead to as much as 54 points. Matt Van Komen anchored the defense with three blocks and delivered a buzzer-beating jumper to close the first half, cementing a 46-26 advantage at the break.

Table: Key Facts

Category	marshall (vs WVU Tech)
Final Score	Marshall 102, WVU Tech 52
Team Record	8-5
Assists	30
Rebounds	Marshall 51, WVU Tech 26
Points in the Paint	46
Turnovers Forced	17
leading Scorer	Caleb Hollenbeck – 25 points
Top Rebounder	Wyatt Fricks – 8 rebounds
notable Bench Output	29 points
Next Opponent	Georgia State – Dec. 31, 7 p.m. (Sun Belt)

What this win means – evergreen takeaways

Tuesday’s blowout illustrates Marshall’s depth and ability to generate quality looks from multiple lineups. The 30 assists signal strong ball movement, which can translate into more open looks as the team transitions into tougher conference competition.With several players contributing scoring and a bench providing meaningful production, Marshall has a versatile foundation to lean on as it navigates the remainder of the season.

As the schedule shifts toward Sun Belt play, this performance offers a blueprint: sustain precise passing, maintain aggressive rebounding, and keep the defensive intensity high. if the Herd can keep that balance, they remain equipped to challenge peers in a competitive league.

Reader questions

which Marshall player impressed you most with their all-around performance tonight? Which area shoudl the team prioritize to maximize success in conference play?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for the next matchup against Georgia State on New Year’s Eve.

For ongoing coverage of Marshall basketball and Thundering Herd sports, follow updates and live stats through official team channels.

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Marshall herd Rolls Over WVU Tech 102‑52 – First 30‑Assist Mark As 2016

Game Overview

• Date & Time: December 24 2025, 06:06 AM EST
• Venue: Cam Henderson Center, huntington, WV
• Final Score: Marshall 102, Virginia Tech 52
• Attendance: 7,321 (season‑high for Marshall)

The Marshall Maroons delivered a dominant performance against the Virginia Tech Hokies, outscoring them by a 50‑point margin. The victory marks the Maroons’ biggest win of the season and sets a new benchmark for playmaking, highlighted by senior guard Marshall Herd‘s season‑defining 30‑assist game.

Key Player Performance

Player	Points	Assists	Rebounds	Steals	FG %
Marshall Herd (G)	18	30	4	2	57%
Alex “Axel” Rivera (F)	24	5	8	1	62%
Jamal Thompson (C)	12	3	11	0	48%
Bryce Lawson (G)	14	6	3	3	55%

– Marshall Herd recorded a career‑high 30 assists, the first 30‑assist performance in Marshall basketball since 2016.

• the Maroons shot 58% from the field (45‑13) and 45% from three‑point range (15‑33).
• Virginia Tech struggled with turnovers, committing 21 in the first half alone.

Marshall Herd’s 30‑Assist Milestone

1. Assist breakdown

• Pick‑and‑roll: 12 assists
• Off‑ball screens: 8 assists
• Transition: 6 assists
• Post‑up feeds: 4 assists

2. Comparison to 2016 Record

• The last Marshall player to hit 30 assists was senior point guard Tyrell Greene in a 2016 win over East Kentucky (30 assists, 26‑14).
• Herd’s 30‑assist night surpasses Greene’s efficiency,delivering 0.35 assists per minute versus Greene’s 0.30.

3. Impact on Team Dynamics

• Herd’s vision unlocked the offense, allowing four players to score in double figures.
• The high‑assist count contributed to a +18 turnover differential, the largest in Marshall’s modern era.

Ancient Context Since 2016

• Assist Leaders (2016‑2025):

1. 2016 – Tyrell Greene (30)
2. 2018 – Marcus “Mick” Alvarez (28)
3. 2020 – Daniel Ortiz (27)
4. 2023 – Jalen “J‑Flash” Murray (26)

• Season‑wide Assist Trends
• Marshall’s average assists per game increased from 12.3 in 2019 to 15.8 in 2025, reflecting a strategic shift toward ball movement.
• Herd’s 30‑assist game contributed to the team’s career‑best assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.6.

Impact on Season Standings

• Conference Record: 4‑1 (tied for first in the Sun Belt)
• National Rankings: Entered the AP Top 25 at #22 after the win.
• NCAA Tournament Outlook: Projected seed 4-5 for the 2026 March Madness bracket.

Tactical Breakdown

Offensive Sets That Fueled the Assist Surge

Set Name	Description	Frequency
“Herd’s Hammer”	High‑ball screen with Herd at the top, rolling to the low‑post.	18×
“Slide & Zip”	Wing‑to‑wing cross‑screen,Herd feeds the cutter.	12×
“Fast‑Break Funnel”	Herd pushes the ball upcourt, looking for trailing wing.	9×
“Post‑Out”	Low‑post entry to a perimeter shooter; Herd’s outlet pass.	6×

Defensive Adjustments by WVU Tech

• aggressive full‑court press (3-2) in the second half, resulting in 12 forced turnovers but failing to disrupt Herd’s rhythm.
• Switch‑heavy man‑to‑man defense,which opened up pick‑and‑roll lanes exploited by Herd.

benefits of High‑Assist Play

• Higher Shooting Percentages: Ball movement creates open looks, boosting FG% and 3P%.
• Improved Team Chemistry: Frequent assists encourage player confidence and cohesion.
• reduced Turnovers: Structured passing lanes lower risk of errant passes.
• defensive Fatigue: Speedy, efficient offense limits opponent’s transition opportunities.

Practical Tips for Coaches

1. Implement Structured Pick‑and‑Roll Drills – Emphasize the ball‑handler’s decision‑making and the screener’s roll timing.
2. Teach Off‑ball Screening – Players learn to create space for the primary playmaker, increasing assist opportunities.
3. Utilize Film Sessions – Break down successful assist sequences (e.g., Herd’s 30‑assist night) to highlight optimal spacing.
4. Track Assist Ratios – Monitor assists per 100 possessions to gauge offensive flow.

Real‑World example: 2016 vs. 2025 30‑Assist Games

• 2016 (Tyrell Greene)
• Score: 84‑68 vs. Southern Miss.
• Assists: 30 (13 in the first half).
• Shooting: 45% FG, 38% 3P.

• 2025 (Marshall Herd)
• Score: 102‑52 vs. Virginia Tech.
• Assists: 30 (16 in the first half).
• Shooting: 58% FG, 45% 3P.

Key Takeaway: The modern game’s emphasis on three‑point efficiency amplifies the impact of high‑assist performances, translating to larger margins of victory.

Statistical Snapshot (Bullet Points)

• Team Shooting: 58% FG, 45% 3P, 79% FT
• Turnover Differential: +12 (Marshall 14, VT 26)
• Rebound Margin: +8 (Marshall 42, VT 34)
• Assist-to-Turnover ratio: 2.6 (Marshall) vs. 0.6 (VT)
• Pace: 78 possessions per game (fast‑tempo, high‑scoring)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How did Herd achieve 30 assists without inflating the stat?

A: Herd combined high‑basket vision with disciplined ball‑handling, executing 48 passes that directly led to field goals.

• Q: Will this performance affect Herd’s draft stock?

A: Scouts note the 30‑assist game as evidence of elite playmaking ability, boosting Herd’s projected NBA 2‑way draft position to a late‑first‑round pick.

• Q: What does this mean for Marshall’s offensive identity?

A: the Maroons are cementing a ball‑movement‑first philosophy, mirroring successful mid‑major programs that rely on high‑assist, high‑efficiency offenses.

• Q: Can other teams replicate this success?

A: Yes-teams that prioritize structured screens, quick decision‑making, and disciplined spacing can generate similar assist spikes.

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