Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Marshall defeats North Carolina A&T 79-63

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Tyler Wilkerson grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds to lead Marshall to a 79-63 win over North Carolina A&T on Sunday in the Thundering Herd's season opener.

Wilkerson, who pulled down 14 defensive boards, had the most rebounds by a Marshall player since Rodney Holden grabbed 20 against The Citadel on Jan. 18, 1986. Marshall outrebounded the Aggies 50-39.

The Thundering Herd's Shaquille Johnson tied his career high with 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the Global Sports Invitational.

Marshall, which played North Carolina A&T (1-1) for the first time since 1973, led 38-33 at halftime and 48-43 with 15:43 left. The Thundering Herd then used an 18-5 run, sparked by eight points from Hassan Whiteside and two 3-pointers by Camden Miller, to lead 66-48 with 8:32 left.

Robert Johnson paced the Aggies with 16 points. Thomas Coleman added 10 points and 13 rebounds.