After not playing a basketball game for 260 days, the Marshall University men’s basketball team took the court at the Cam Henderson Center and defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 70-56.

The Herd started off its season 1-0 overall while the Red Wolves fell to 0-1.

“I thought defensively, we played well,” Marshall head coach Dan D’Antoni said. “I thought we handled it pretty well. Obviously I have to find the mechanic score for the offense. We were hesitating and we weren’t seeing the passes. We’re either not making quick enough decisions or tunnel vision. We run an offense with a lot of moving parts. That’ll come. I was pleased with our defense. I thought that was played really well.”

Marshall was led by junior guard Taevion Kinsey, who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Senior forward Darius George followed with 15 points, five rebounds and one assist. Senior guard Jarrod West had nine points, two rebounds and eight assists, while senior forward Mikel Beyers finished with nine points, five rebounds and one assist. Freshman newcomer forward Obinna Anochili-Killen had eight points, three rebounds and three blocks.

“I think we adjusted pretty well,” Kinsey said. “A lot of first game jitters. Our new guys played really good. Our defense was pretty good. To play and just win is a sigh of relief. We’ve been waiting for this for so long. Our jitters raised higher than what they were. This was a great game for us to win. It was pretty awesome.”

For Arkansas State, senior Marquis Eaton finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Sophomore Caleb Fields had 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Junior Keyon Wesley had nine points and six rebounds.

The Herd shot 44 percent (29-for-66) in field goals and the Red Wolves shot 38 percent (21-for-55). Marshall outrebounded Arkansas State 39-38 and had less turnovers, 18-14.

“This one felt great,” George said. “We finally got this win and to play with my teammates after waiting for so long.”

Up next for the Herd, it will travel to Dayton, Ohio and face Wright State on Thursday, Dec. 3 with a time to be announced.

Taylor Huddleston can be contacted at [email protected].