Preview: Marshall at Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Ark. (Interstat) — Two Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball teams with nearly identical records will meet Saturday when the Marshall Thundering Herd visits the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2026, at the Convocation Center.

Marshall (13-8) arrives after a narrow 72-68 road loss at Texas State on Wednesday. The Thundering Herd have been inconsistent in league play, mixing dominant home wins, like a 115-60 rout of Louisiana-Monroe, with close road defeats.

Arkansas State (13-9) also looks to rebound from a home loss, falling 75-71 to Old Dominion on Wednesday. The Red Wolves have struggled to find consistency, particularly away from Jonesboro, but have proven dangerous at home with conference wins over Troy and Texas State this month.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top performers. Marshall’s Wyatt Fricks enters as a versatile force, averaging 16 points in his last outing against Texas State and posting a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds) at Georgia State on Jan. 10. His ability to score, rebound and protect the rim will be central to the Herd’s game plan.

Arkansas State will counter with guard Christian Harmon, who is coming off a 20-point performance against Old Dominion. Harmon has been a high-volume scorer, tallying 23 points at Georgia State on Jan. 24 and 18 in a win over Troy earlier this month. His backcourt production is vital for the Red Wolves’ offense.

The series and conference standings add stakes to the contest. Both teams sit in the middle of the Sun Belt table and will be jockeying for position ahead of the conference tournament. Marshall will aim to improve its road form, while Arkansas State seeks to defend its home court and build momentum for a challenging February schedule.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro.