FRISCO, Texas — The Marshall Thundering Herd built an 18-point halftime lead and went on to beat the Rice Owls 82-65 in the first round of the Conference USA tournament on Wednesday.
Jon Elmore poured in 32 points including 6-of-9 from the 3-point line as Marshall (19-13) advanced to Thursday’s second round against third-seeded Southern Miss at 9 p.m.
Elmore also led Marshall with six rebounds and six assists.
The Herd — which led 41-23 at the half — also got 12 points from Taevion Kinsey and 11 from Rondale Watson.
Rice (13-19) was led by Robert Martin with 16 points. Jack Williams and Trey Murphy scored 14 points each.