Topic: H-D: Herd starts slow in final tuneup

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By RICK M
The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University's learning process continued Tuesday night.

The Thundering Herd made some mistakes, but battled through them to defeat NCAA Division II West Liberty State College, 94-72, in its final men's basketball exhibition game played before a Cam Henderson Center crowd of 3,929.

First-year coach Donnie Jones said he was concerned coming off a bad Monday practice.

"I knew it would be an up and down game," Jones said.

Marshall got its act together and pulled away in the second half.

Backup guard Taurean Marshall, pressed into extra minutes because of other players being in foul trouble and an academic eligibility issue sidelining Darryl Merthie, provided a spark with seven points and three steals.

Six-foot-nine Jean Francois Bro Grebe also contributed off the bench in the second half.

"I was excited about the second half moreso than the first half," Jones said.

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1851085525

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Having Merthie available next week when Pikeville College comes to town would help, but that doesn't appear likely. The junior was held out of both preseason games

The NCAA ruled that Merthie isn't eligible until the second semester, Jones said. He would become eligible once the first semester ends and miss the first six games, finally playing Dec. 14 against Rio Grande.

"We're going to appeal it again,' Jones said.

Getting Merthie back on Dec. 14 is not too bad. I think he will help us this year.