Elmore, Burks send Marshall to 91-71 beating of E. Kentucky

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Jon Elmore scored 26 points and C.J. Burks scored 25 and Marshall defeated Eastern Kentucky 91-71 on Friday night and the Thundering Herd now have won five of their last six.

Ajdin Penava added 13 points, blocked nine shots, grabbed 10 rebounds and distributed seven assists. It was the second time in as many games that Penava swatted nine shot attempts. He was coming off a career-high 33 points in a 99-96 win against Ohio on Dec. 16.

Marshall (9-4) raced to a quick 8-0 lead and extended it to 19-8 lead with Elmore burying a pair of 3 -pointers. The Thundering Herd built a 48-32 halftime lead shooting 58 percent (18 of 31) including 7 of 15 from 3-point range. The Thundering Herd finished 34-of-55 shooting (62 percent).

Burks made a pair of free throws to extend the advantage to 74-44 with 10:38 remaining. Rondale Watson added 12 points.

Nick Mayo led Eastern Kentucky (6-7) with 19 points, Jackson Davis, 17 and DeAndre Dishman 16.