Boys Basketball: Marshall holds off Farragut in Red-West showdown

Updated: January 11, 2012 8:24PM

Marshall assistant coach Shawn Harrington, a former Commando himself, introduced the starting lineups Wednesday and had a message for his team afterwards.

“Marshall Commandos: protect this house,” Harrington yelled into the PA.

His words didn’t have an impact in the first half, but by the fourth quarter they reached the ears of Marshall junior Cris Carter, who erupted for 13 points to lead the Commandos to a 60-56 win over Red-West rival Farragut.

“We just wanted to protect our house,” said Carter, apparently remembering Harrington’s pre-game war cry. “Arms in our mouth, whatever. Play defense and win the game.”

Farragut (7-5, 4-1) dominated the first half and led 30-17. Halftime was extended because of a malfunction with the lights in the gym. When the lights came back on Carter opened the second half with a three, the momentum shifted and Farragut just wasn’t the same.

Both teams shot poorly in the first half, but the second was classic Red-West basketball, with passionate play and creative scoring all over the floor. Marshall star Milton Doyle was out of sync in the first half, scoring just four points. His floor presence and shot returned in the second and he finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and several key assists.

The Commandos cut the lead to five after three quarters and took the lead on a fast-break lay-up by Tony Lewis with 2:54 to play.

Farragut’s Rashaun Stimage responded with a three to make it 53-52 with 2:20 left, but that was the last field goal the Admirals would manage.

Marshall (14-4, 5-0) closed the game on a 9-3 run. Carter, who finished with 18 points, scored seven in the run.

“At halftime [Marshall coach Henry Cotton] said don’t let anyone come in and take your gym,” Carter said.

Lewis finished with 15 points and senior Korbin McClain added 12 points.

Stimage led Farragut with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Deonte Terrell scored 13 and John Carter and Lavell Boyd each had 10.

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