HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The IU Indy Jaguars put together a strong offensive second half and saw multiple players step up with balanced scoring, but a fast start from Marshall and late execution by the Herd proved the difference Sunday evening at the Cam Henderson Center. The Jags ultimately fell to the Herd, 81-70.
Marshall set the tone from the opening tip, capitalizing on IU Indy turnovers and scoring 12 fast-break points in the first quarter. The Jaguars struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 4-for-17 from the field.
Olivia Smith provided the early spark with six points, but the Herd's transition pace created a 12-point deficit after one at 22-10.
IU Indy responded with its most disruptive defensive stretch of the first half, generating five steals and turning them into nine points in the second quarter.
Nevaeh Foster drilled a three early in the quarter, and
Hailey Smith and
Denali Craig-Edwards fueled an 8–0 run that brought the Jaguars back within single digits. Marshall hit four threes in the frame to maintain its lead, taking a 10-point advantage into the break.
Both teams traded punches in a balanced third quarter. Foster and
Olivia Smith each knocked down threes, while Craig-Edwards continued to produce inside. IU Indy dominated the offensive glass with eight second-chance rebounds, but Marshall answered each push, preserving a 10-point lead heading into the fourth.
IU Indy produced its best offensive quarter of the game, dropping 26 points behind hot shooting from Foster, who finished with a team-high 19, and strong drives from both Smith guards.
Hailey Smith capped off her 12-point, six-rebound night with key buckets late, and the Jaguars cut the deficit to single digits multiple times. But Marshall's consistent free-throw shooting (19-of-21) and timely threes held off the comeback effort.
Nevaeh Foster led the Jaguars with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting with three assists and three rebounds.
Olivia Smith added 13 points and six rebounds while
Hailey Smith finished with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists.
IU Indy outscored Marshall 44–41 in the second half and won the battle in the paint (42 points), but Marshall's early burst and 10 made threes ultimately carried the Herd to an 81-70 victory.
The Jags will now return to Indy to host Anderson in the Jungle on November 26 for a 1:00 PM tip.
