Baines scores 12, Pitts hits late free throws in Marshall’s 63-60 win over Middle Tennessee

Marshall holds off Middle Tennessee 63-60

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Tirrell Baines scored 12 points and Damier Pitts sank four free throws in the final 35 seconds to help Marshall hold off Middle Tennessee State 63-60 on Tuesday night.

The Thundering Herd (2-0) trailed 54-51 with just over 4 minutes to play, but Pitts hit a pair of free throws and Baines had consecutive dunks to put Marshall up 57-54 with 3:37 remaining.

Baines then dropped in a layup with 2:05 left to seal the Herd’s game-winning 8-0 run.

The Blue Raiders (1-2) never got closer than three points the rest of the way, as Pitts’ foul shots sealed the game.

Tyler Wilkerson and Shaquille Johnson scored 11 apiece for the Herd, who lead the all-time series against Middle Tennessee 4-1.

James Washington scored 14 to lead the Blue Raiders, who were without last season’s leading scorer Desmond Yates. The senior forward is out due to a knee injury.