CHARLESTON - The football series between West Virginia University and Marshall University will come to an end after a seven-year run but the basketball series between the Mountaineers and the Thundering will continue for the 36th consecutive year at 7:30 p.m. today when the Chesapeake Energy Capital Classic takes place at the Charleston Civic Center.
While it is West Virginia that is coming off an appearance in last year's NCAA Tournament, it is the Thundering Herd that enjoys the better record, as Marshall is off to 5-3 start. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers have struggled in their first five games, winning just two.
West Virginia leads the all-time series with 29 wins to 11 for Marshall. Of the 23 games that have taken place in Charleston, WVU has won 18.
Article Photos
West Virginia graduate assistant Da'Sean Butler, left, works with Mountaineer player Aaric Murray at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown. The Mountaineers will meet Marshall University at 7:30 p.m. today when the Chesapeake Energy Capital Classic takes place at the Charleston Civic Center. (AP Photo)
Both teams are coming off wins. After losing three of its first four contests, WVU finally took out its frustrations last Wednesday in a 94-69 win over VMI. Meanwhile, Marshall enters tonight's contest on a three-game winning streak, having defeated Nevada (89-82), Morehead State (70-67) and North Carolina-Wilmington (61-58).
West Virginia has just two double-digit scorers, and both are new to the Mountaineers this season. Juwan Staten is averaging 10.8 points per contest, while Aaric Murray is scoring at a 10.2 points per game clip. Gary Browne (9.6), Deniz Kilicki (9.4) and Jabarie Hinds (8.2) give WVU a balanced scoring attack.
Marshall, meanwhile, not only has four double-digit scorers, but all four have a higher average than any Mountaineer. DeAndre Kane leads the Herd with a 16 point norm, while Elijah Pittman is tossing in 14 points per contest. D.D. Scarver averages 13.9 points per game and Dennis Tinnon 11.9.
In addition to its recent win streak, Marshall also owns triumphs over Longwood (81-47) and District of Columbia (80-58). The Herd has lost to Villanova (80-68), South Dakota State (103-100) and Hofstra (103-100).
Other than VMI, WVU's only win came over Marist (87-44). The Mountaineers lost their season opener at Gonzaga, 84-50, and also dropped decisions to Davidson (63-60) and Oklahoma (77-70).
Women's Game
WVU 64, Marshall 48
CHARLESTON -West Virginia's women jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in downing Marshall, 64-48, before 2,606 fans on Tuesday night at the Charleston Civic Center as the Chesapeake Energy Capital City Classic got under way.
Bria Holmes led the Mountaineers (5-2) with 15 points, while Ayana Dunning added 13 and Crystal Leary 12.
Marshall (4-4) was led by by Leandra King with six points.
WVU led 35-23 at halftime. Marshall made just five of its 17 free throws.
