Marshall ousts UH

The Cougars were eliminated from the Conference USA Tournament on Wednesday, suffering a 97-87 defeat to Marshall.

The Cougars held a 36-33 lead at halftime and led 62-60 after two Zamal Nixon free throws with 8:52 remaining in the second half, a 18-2 Thundering Herd run shortly after put UH too far behind to rally back.

The four-and-a-half minute offensive outburst was powered by 3-point daggers from Dago Pena, who scored all nine of his points during the run.

The Cougars did a better job of boxing out, but still lost the rebound battle 33-29. They also still had their usual bouts with turnovers and poor shooting from the free-throw line.

Nixon led UH with 21 points on 4-of-8 shooting and a perfect 12-of-12 from the line.