HUNTINGTON — When Eastern Illinois’ hottest player went to the bench with four fouls, it opened the door for Marshall to seize its first victory of the season.
Did the Thundering Herd run through that opening? Yes.
Did the Herd then slam the proverbial door shut? No, but it did keep the Panthers at arm’s-length, winning 82-76.
The result broke a nine-game losing streak that dated back to last March. And the Herd, which led for the final 36:29, broke a grisly streak of falling behind by 15 or more in every game this season.
There was talk of monkeys being thrown off backs, but coach Dan D’Antoni was more original.