MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — Timaya Lewis-Eutsey scored 36 points and Marshall forced 23 turnovers to overcome a strong inside performance by Central Michigan and secure an 88-81 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at McGuirk Arena.

The Thundering Herd, who improved to 20-6 overall, used a disruptive defensive effort to generate a decisive 37-5 advantage in points off turnovers. That margin proved critical in countering the Chippewas’ efficiency in the paint, where they outscored Marshall 40-34.

Lewis-Eutsey, a 5-foot-8 guard from Trenton, New Jersey, was the catalyst. She added four rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes, consistently attacking the basket and converting at the free-throw line, where she went 12 for 14. Her performance continued a torrid scoring stretch, coming off games of 33, 24 and 17 points in her last three outings.

The game’s pivotal sequence came in the third quarter. Trailing 43-35 at halftime, Marshall unleashed a 27-point period, its highest of the game, to seize control. The Herd opened the second half with a 15-3 run, fueled by their signature defensive pressure. Lewis-Eutsey scored eight points during the surge, including a layup off one of her game-high six steals that gave Marshall a 50-46 lead it would not relinquish.

Central Michigan (14-8) struggled to handle Marshall’s ball-hawking defense throughout the second half. The Chippewas committed 12 of their 23 turnovers after halftime, which the Herd converted into easy transition opportunities. Marshall also found its rhythm from beyond the arc in the third quarter, hitting four 3-pointers to stretch the defense.

Despite the turnover woes, Central Michigan stayed within striking distance behind the play of Madi Morson and Taylor Anderson. Morson, a 5-8 guard from Canton, Michigan, led the Chippewas with 27 points, five rebounds and two assists. Anderson, a 5-10 guard from South Lyon, Michigan, delivered a near triple-double with seven points, 15 rebounds and eight assists while also recording two blocks.

Ayanna-Sarai Darrington added 16 points for Central Michigan, which shot a respectable 47.5% from the field but was undone by its ball security issues and a 7-for-19 performance from 3-point range.

Marshall’s offense, while less efficient from the field at 42.6%, compensated with volume from deep and trips to the foul line. The Herd made 12 3-pointers on 32 attempts and outscored Central Michigan 18-10 at the free-throw line. Meredith Maier contributed 19 points and six rebounds for Marshall, while Timberlynn Yeast added 12 points and six rebounds.

The Chippewas opened the game strong, leading 22-15 after the first quarter and extending the advantage to eight at the break. But Marshall’s defensive intensity shifted dramatically in the third quarter, turning the tide for good. The Herd led 62-59 heading into the final period and maintained at least a two-possession lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter.

Central Michigan made a final push in the closing minutes, cutting the deficit to 79-78 on a pair of free throws by Ayanna-Sarai Darrington with 1:41 remaining. Lewis-Eutsey answered immediately with a driving layup, and Marshall closed the game on a 9-3 run, making seven of eight free throws in the final 1:05 to seal the win.

Marshall finished with 15 steals and 15 assists, showcasing a balanced attack. Central Michigan managed only four assists against its 23 turnovers, highlighting its offensive stagnation against the Herd’s pressure.

The game was played in front of 1,306 fans. Marshall returns to Sun Belt Conference play next, hosting Georgia State on Thursday. Central Michigan resumes Mid-American Conference action at home against Akron on Wednesday.