HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (Interstat) — The Marshall Thundering Herd will look to close 2025 on a high note and solidify its strong start when it hosts the struggling Georgia State Panthers in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball matchup on Wednesday at Cam Henderson Center.

Marshall (8-5) enters the New Year’s Eve contest with a clear advantage in momentum and record, while Georgia State (4-10) seeks consistency after a season of pronounced highs and lows. The Thundering Herd have won three of their last four, including a dominant 102-52 victory over West Virginia Tech on Dec. 23. In that game, Caleb Hollenbeck led the way with 22 points and four assists in just 22 minutes, highlighting the depth of a Marshall offense that has scored 77 or more points in six wins this season.

Georgia State is coming off its most impressive performance of the season, a 110-72 rout of Columbia on Sunday. The Panthers’ offense erupted, with Micah Tucker scoring 24 points and Malachi Brown adding 17 points and five assists. The key catalyst, however, has been guard Jelani Hamilton. Over his last four games, Hamilton is averaging 20.8 points, including a 24-point effort in a road win at Appalachian State on Dec. 20. His play will be critical if the Panthers hope to challenge on the road.

Despite the Panthers’ recent outburst, their season has been defined by defensive struggles, including losses by 23, 25, and 38 points. Marshall, which has protected its home court with a 5-1 record in Huntington, will aim to exploit those vulnerabilities. The Herd’s balanced attack, featuring Hollenbeck, Noah Otshudi (16 points, six assists vs. WVU Tech), and Wyatt Fricks (19 points), presents a multifaceted challenge.

This game opens the Sun Belt schedule for both teams. The conference foes will meet again in Atlanta on Jan. 10. For now, Marshall is favored to capitalize on its home-court advantage and superior record, while Georgia State must prove its latest win was a turning point, not an anomaly.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday evening. Marshall’s next game is at home against Appalachian State on Saturday. Georgia State continues its road trip at Coastal Carolina on Jan. 3.