NORFOLK, Va. -- Trey Freeman poured in a career-high 37 points in a game that experienced 17 lead changes and 17 ties, but it was Marshall’s James Kelly’s three-pointer with 3.2 seconds remaining that gave the Thundering Herd (10-10, 6-1 C-USA) a 78-75 win over Old Dominion (10-10, 3-4 C-USA) on Saturday afternoon at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
Freeman’s 37 points were the most for a Monarch since Kent Bazemore scored 37 versus Drexel on Feb. 25, 2012.
Today marks ODU’s sixth loss of the season by five points or less. The Monarchs have dropped four of the last five conference games, all by three points or less.
Freeman has now scored 28 or more points in four consecutive games. Brandan Stith finished second on ODU in scoring with 15 points and six rebounds, while Zoran Talley added 10 points and six boards. Baker also finished with six points and a career-high seven assists.
With 7:56 to play in the game, Old Dominion held onto a 63-61 lead, before Marshall used a 10-0 run over a 2:33 span to take a 73-65 advantage.
The Monarchs responded as Jordan Baker connected on a three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining that brought ODU to within two at 75-73. A Freeman layup then tied the game at 75-75 with 31 seconds remaining, before Kelly’s game-winning triple. Freeman had a last-second opportunity to tie, but his shot from 30 feet out hit the rim.
In the first half, Stith scored nine of ODU’s first eleven points, as the Monarchs jumped out to an 11-10 advantage at the 15:49 mark of the first half. Overall, Stith had 13 of his 15 in the opening half.
Marshall’s Jon Elmore’s made three-pointer tied the score back up for the ninth time at 36-36 with 3:38 to play in the opening half, before Freeman scored his half-high 20th point giving ODU a 40-39 lead heading into the locker rooms.
The Thundering Herd then outscored Old Dominion, 39-35, in the second half behind 52 percent shooting from the field. Marshall entered the ballgame, averaging 94.8 points per contest in conference play.
Kelly led the Thundering Herd with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Ryan Taylor added 19 points and seven boards.
NEXT UP FOR THE MONARCHS
Old Dominion will hit the road to Florida to take on FAU on Thursday, Jan. 28 and then FIU on Saturday, Jan. 30.
DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Monarch basketball season tickets are on sale now for the 2015-16 season at YNottix.com or by calling the box office 757-683-4444.
TICKETS (Single Game)
Adult Lower Bowl - $17
Adult Club - $31
Military/Seniors/Youth/Faculty Staff - $15
Group pricing available by calling Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087
WHAT A DEAL! - VOUCHER BOOKS
Get 10 tickets to use at any home ODU basketball games during the 2015-16 regular season. Use them all at one game to bring family and friends, or spread them out over the season. The choice is yours! The price is $120 for a men’s basketball voucher book. That’s a $50 savings over purchasing at the ticket window. Purchase now at www.ynottix.com.
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