A common refrain among CUSA fans was that 1) Marshall could do damage if they got into the NCAA Tournament and 2) Jon Elmore would be a big part of that damage-causing. And lo, it has come to pass. Elmore had an incredible game in the CUSA Tournament win over WKU, going on a couple of incredible runs to wow the crowd and pull his team away from a very good Hilltoppers squad.
Today he added another 27 points on 6/13 shooting from three (a stat line that was very similar to his CUSA title game performance)
It was an upset, sure, but only if you look at the seeds. There was a good feeling all day that Marshall had a better-than-good chance in this one. An early Herd lead slipped away as the Shockers showed why they are so good and a 4th seed. Late in the game Marshall went on a typical Herd run to seal things as CJ Burks, Penava, and yes, Jon Elmore all had big buckets down the stretch.
The Shockers’ Frankamp put on a Elmore-like show with 27 of his own on 6/10 shooting but a late referee decision and some bad shooting with under 40 seconds sealed it up.
Marshall not only is dancing for the first time in three decades but added the first Tourney win to that. Depending on what happens with WVU-Murray State game, we could see a dream second round matchup of two old West Virginia rivals.
Please, basketball gods, let it be so.
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