Marshall blows past Point Park in Caldwell’s home debut

— By David Walsh

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall women’s basketball, led by new coach Kim Caldwell, is characterized by pressure and tempo.

These trademarks were showcased during the Thundering Herd’s home opener at the Cam Henderson Center on Monday night. The team dominated Point Park with a 121-55 victory, unleashing 104 shots, 48 from beyond the arc, and forcing 38 turnovers while recording 37 assists.

“Glad to get a lot out of everyone,” Caldwell said. “Playing as a team. It’s nice to be home. A lot more fun. Saw familiar faces. People I know and they support me. A lot I’ve connected with since I came here.”

Marshall surged to a 57-28 lead at halftime after putting the hammer down midway through the second period, forcing 22 of Point Park’s turnovers. In the third period, Marshall further extended its lead with a 34-8 scoring edge to reach a 91-36 advantage.

Roshala Scott led the Herd’s offense with 29 points, while Aislynn Hayes and Breanna Campbell added 20 and 11 points, respectively. Abby Beeman had a remarkable game, achieving a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.

“Heck of a game,” Caldwell said of Beeman. “She’s very efficient. She’s a selfless player. She makes everyone better.”

Meanwhile, Gabriella Legister led the Pioneers with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

The game counted as a regular season match for Marshall, but an exhibition for Point Park, an NAIA school. Monday’s game marked the second exhibition for the Pioneers, who will next visit Malone and Rio Grande.

In attendance was Sarah Evans Moore, former women’s basketball coach at Marshall. She observed the contest and will provide color commentary on future Herd TV games.

“We have to find a way to keep getting better,” Beeman said. “Games like this are super important. We haven’t shot well. Didn’t hit shots until near the end. We knew they’d fall if we kept shooting. Let it fly. You’re going to make those shots.”

“We’ve not been as consistent as I’d like,” Caldwell said. “You don’t want one pass, then jack it up. If you’re open, there’s trust to hit the three. It’s a lot more fun to watch and play this way.”

Marshall (2-2) is set to play its next two games on the road against Wright State and Morehead State before returning home on Dec. 2 against Florida.

“We have to be more consistent,” Caldwell said. “We don’t want to be different teams all the time.”