Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Marshall Thundering Herd Picks and Prediction for Friday, January 2nd, 2026
The Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, WV, will host a Sun Belt Conference matchup Saturday afternoon as the Appalachian State Mountaineers visit the Marshall Thundering Herd. Appalachian State comes into Saturday playing good basketball at 9-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play, having won four of the last five following an 8-point road victory against Old Dominion. The Marshall Thundering Herd remains at home Saturday afternoon with nine wins through 14 games played and a 1-1 conference record, riding a 2-game-winning streak after a 4-point victory against Georgia State. Read more about this Appalachian State vs Marshall prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
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Appalachian State tries to stay Hot!
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, having won four of the last five games, including their second conference win of the season. The Appalachian State offense has carried the team this season, averaging 73.9 points on 46% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Appalachian State has held its own this season, allowing 66.4 points per game through 15 games played. Kasen Jennings leads the Appalachian State offense this season, averaging 15 points per game. Alonzo Dodd is second on the roster, averaging 12.2 points to go along with the team-leading 3.5 assists. Big man Luke Wilson averages 10.1 points and leads Appalachian State, averaging 6.7 rebounds per game.
The Appalachian State defense anchored their win in their last outing, giving up 73 points after just 19 in the first half as Old Dominion shot 42% from the floor. The Mountaineers won the rebounding battle by 15 and forced 8 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Appalachian State rolled, scoring 81 points on 54% shooting from the floor and knocking down 6 triples in the game. Michael Marcus Jr. led the way for the Appalachian State offense against Old Dominion with 20 points on eight shots and 32 minutes. Jalen Tot led the way off the Appalachian State bench with 16 points on eight shots in 17 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Appalachian State:
- KJ Vasser (Foot)-Out
Marshall on the hunt for second Conference Win
The Marshall Thundering Herd comes into Saturday playing some of their best basketball of the season, winners of four of the last five, including two in a row. The Marshall offense has been the team's anchor this season, averaging 80.2 points on 46% shooting from the floor, and the Thundering Herd have upped their scoring as of late, averaging 84.75 points per game over their last four victories. Defensively, Marshall allowed 75.2 points per game this season and has locked in allowing 66.75 points per game during their previous four wins. Jalen Speer leads the Marshall offense this season as one of three players on the roster averaging double digits. Speer averages 14.4 points to go along with a team-leading 5.9 assists per game. Wyatt Fricks also averages 14.4 points this season in 27.3 minutes per game. Noah Otshudi is third on the roster, averaging 13.3 points per game. Big Matt Van Komen adds a 4th best 9.1 points per game and leads Marshall, pulling in eight rebounds per contest.
The Marshall offense carried the Thundering Herd to a win against Georgia State in their last outing, scoring 84 points, including 51 in the second half, to erase a 2-point halftime deficit on 49% shooting from the floor. Marshall knocked down 12 triples in the game. Defensively, Marshall did just enough, giving up 80 points as Georgia State shot 44% from the floor. The Thundering Herd lost the rebounding battle by two but forced 13 turnovers to secure the victory. Jalen Speer led all scorers in the game with 26 points on 16 shots. Wyatt Fricks was the second Marshall starter in double digits with 21 points on 11 shots in 36 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Florida State:
- Xavier Osceola (Undisclosed) – Questionable
Appalachian State vs Marshall Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Appalachian State vs Marshall Spread Pick
- Marshall Thundering Herd -7 (3 Units)
Both teams have found some success thus far this season, with each already accumulating nine wins. Marshall, however, is the better team in this matchup, playing good basketball coming into this game. Each team has won four of the last five, but Marshall is blowing out opponents, and that will be the difference in this game, period. Look for the Thundering Herd to use their edge on offense and home fans on Saturday afternoon. Take Marshall to the job as they get the win and cover at home to pick up their 10th victory of the year and second win in conference play.
Appalachian State vs Marshall Over/Under Pick
- Over 142.5
Both teams have been scoring in bunches as of late, and that will continue Saturday. Appalachian State has seen its games go over this total in three of the last five, while Marshall has busted this number in three of the last five as well. Both teams score the ball at a high rate, and each has a mediocre defense. Look for points in bunches on Saturday as each team looks to keep a 1 in their conference loss column. Take the over on Saturday afternoon when Appalachian State visits Marshall in West Virginia.
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