(BOWLING GREEN, Ky.) – WKU Men’s Basketball defeated Marshall, 90-82, on Saturday night in Diddle Arena, extending its win streak over the Thundering Herd to eight straight. Julius Thedford led the Hilltoppers with a career-high 19 points, including a 4-for-5 mark from beyond the arc. Tyrone Marshall Jr. added 18 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.

The Hilltoppers began the game strong, forcing a turnover on Marshall’s opening possession and quickly jumping to a 9-0 lead. Thedford’s floater and three-pointer pushed WKU’s lead to 9-0 before Marshall cut the lead to 11-8 with a 6-0 run. However, Thedford’s shooting and a key dunk by Don McHenry kept WKU in control early.

Marshall fought back, making five three-pointers in the first half to take a 40-36 lead at halftime. After trading baskets early in the second, Jalen Jackson’s drive and Marshall’s three-pointer gave WKU a 49-48 lead. A 16-0 run, fueled by WKU’s defense, extended the Hilltoppers’ lead to 56-48, but Marshall responded with a 12-0 run to make it a one-point game.

With 6:42 remaining, Marshall’s three-pointer gave WKU a 69-67 lead. The Hilltoppers forced multiple defensive stops down the stretch, and clutch free throws from McHenry and Khristian Lander helped seal the victory. A late jumper from Jackson extended the lead to 90-82.

“We were able to battle all night and pull out a win,” head coach Hank Plona said. “Marshall caused us some struggles defensively, but I’m proud of how we fought.”

The win improves WKU’s record to 4-3. The Hilltoppers return to action on Dec. 7 at Evansville.