UTEP downs Marshall

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 3, 2007

EL PASO, TX — Despite entering Wednesday’s Conference USA game with a 5-9 record, the Marshall Thundering Herd planned to press on.

But the press was pulled in every direction as the UTEP Miners routed the Herd 88-64 to stay unbeaten in C-USA play.

The Miners were 31 of 66 from the field for 47 percent and forced the Herd into 22 turnovers.

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“I thought they played great and they really shot the ball well against the press,” Marshall coach Ron Jirsa said of UTEP (10-6, 2-0).

“I thought they were the first team this year that we were not able to press, and they did a good job getting by us on the dribble. I have to give them credit. They really shot the ball well in the first half.

UTEP was 19 of 36 from the field in the first half for 52.8 percent to lead 51-31.

Kevin Henderson led UTEP with 21 points as five players reached double figures.

Marshall (5-10, 0-2) was led by Tre Whitted with 20 points including 4 of 7 from behind the arc.

Robbie Jackson had 12 points for the Herd and Chris Ross 10.