Marshall showed discipline as they sought to keep the Wildcats away from the ball Friday night at Wildcat gym. Marshall controlled the ball for most of the first quarter and never took a shot until late in the second quarter in the 53-25 win for the Wildcats. Sulphur Springs began to press at mid-court in the second quarter to master the Marshall game plan.
The Wildcats were able to score six points in the first quarter and 14 in the second quarter to take a 20-0 lead at the half. Marshall kept the ball on the perimeter and even when the ball went deep near the basket, kicked it out to the guards. The Wildcats did not get into severe foul trouble even though it looked like the Mavericks were trying to draw the high scoring, rebounding Wildcats to foul to give a later game advantage. Marshall did take three shots under the basket at the end of the second quarter but missed all three. Keaston Willis hit 13 in the first half to lead Wildcat scoring for the half.
In the third quarter, the Mavericks did score has Carrington Love hit three 3’s and a 2-point bucket. Tay Brooks who had been heavily involved in the outside passing game in the first half contributed a 3. The Wildcats spread out the scoring in the third quarter and again in the fourth.
Willis led Wildcat scoring with 17, Victor Iwvakor had 10, Day Day Hall added 8, Godsgift Ezedinma had 4, Cameron Kahn and Grayson McClure both hit 3’s in the fourth quarter, Xavier Cork and Deric Godbolt had 2 each, and Michael Jefferson had 1 point.
The Wildcats qualified for the playoffs with the win. The Wildcats travel to Texas High Tuesday.
