HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marvin Black sprinted across the court Sunday after Marshall's 82-76 overtime upset of Western Michigan, clutching the basketball to his chest.
For Black, it certainly beat the Thundering Herd's previous meeting with Western Michigan -- a 23-point loss that left Black clutching his chest with a bruised sternum.
This time, Black scored a career-high 30 points and Marshall rallied to snap Western Michigan's six-game winning streak.
''It's a really big win because they're the best team in the (Mid-American Conference),'' Black said. ''I think we're a team that believes in each other. Now, we believe in each other's ability and confidence.''
Black forced overtime when his short jumper with four seconds remaining made it 70-70 and capped the Thundering Herd's comeback from a 10-point second-half deficit.
Marshall (9-12, 6-7 MAC) then outscored the MAC West Division leaders 12-6 in overtime to give Western Michigan its second loss in 19 games.
Western Michigan coach Steve Hawkins expressed displeasure with the officiating after his Broncos were called for 23 fouls while Marshall was whistled for just 10.
''There's no question that we are battling for an NCAA tournament berth,'' Hawkins said. ''That's what makes this so frustrating, to come in here and have all this happen here. I'll stop before I say something wrong.''
The Thundering Herd have won two straight since ending their four-game losing streak.
''I thought that we played a determined game,'' Marshall coach Ron Jirsa said. ''Our basketball program really worked well together from the time the game started until it ended.''
Western Michigan (18-3, 11-2) beat Marshall 88-65 last month.
Ben Reed scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half Sunday, but his miss with 30 seconds left allowed Black to force overtime for Marshall.
Reggie Berry scored 16 for the Broncos and Anthony Kann added 12.
Mike Williams, whose 19-point scoring average leads Western Michigan, was held to four points before fouling out with seven minutes remaining.
LaVar Carter, Tre Whitted and A.W. Hamilton scored 10 points apiece for Marshall.
Western Michigan is home against Toledo and Marshall is at Kent State on Wednesday.
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