HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (Interstat) — Jalen Speer scored 24 points to lead Marshall to a 77-61 men’s basketball victory over Western Kentucky on Wednesday night at Cam Henderson Center.

The Thundering Herd used a decisive 48-point second half to pull away after leading 29-28 at halftime. Marshall improved to 6-4 overall, while the Hilltoppers fell to 6-3.

Speer’s efficient performance keyed the win. Matt Van Komen added 12 points and five blocks for Marshall, which shot 43.3% from the field and blocked nine shots. Ryan Myers led Western Kentucky with 11 points, but the team struggled offensively, shooting 30.8% overall.

An announced crowd of 4,420 watched as Marshall secured the non-conference win.