by John Mulvaney

Donnie Jones has put together a solid collection of talent for this year. But talent alone doesn't win games in college basketball. Part of what makes college basketball so much fun is the atmosphere. It comes from the fans, it comes from the cheerleaders and the bands sure, but most importantly it comes from the 18-23 year olds on the court.

This season on the road, and less frequently at the Henderson Center, Marshall has been lacking some emotion. Call it emotion, enthusiasm, heart or moxy, but whatever you call it Donnie Jones has been waiting for someone to step up and show it.

Saturday afternoon against ECU he got it from two sources. Tyler Wilkerson showed maturity and determination, scoring 16 of his 24 points in the second half. He put his 10th career double-double in the box score. The real spark for Marshall, however, came from a freshman. Dago Pena, playing just his 13th college basketball game showed more emotion against East Carolina than Herd fans have seen all season.

Coming off the bench, Pena hit two quick threes in the first half to match the Pirates sharp shooting. He scored a career high 14 points and added five rebounds. But the signature moment in his 24 minutes came in the second half. After Markel Humphrey knocked away an inbounds pass, Pena chased down the ball and drew a foul as he hit a contested layup. It was enough to fire up the Henderson Center crowd, but they didn't just react to the three point play. It was Pena's own primal scream of triumph that ignited the Herd.

This is what has been missing from the rest of Marshall's roster. Sometimes it isn't enough to be talented and play hard, Pena gets that. He puts emotion into every action he takes on the court. I would expect to see more Dago Pena on the court for Donnie Jones. After the game the coach and Wilkerson praised Pena's play.

If you weren't at the Henderson Center Saturday, check out the highlights. You won't be able to miss Pena's play.