A Night of Triumph and Tribute

Old Dominion University made history on Saturday night as they celebrated the legacy of their women’s basketball program while securing a vital win in the Sun Belt Conference. The Monarchs overcame a significant challenge to defeat Marshall, 84-82, in an overtime thriller at Chartway Arena. This victory not only solidified their position in the conference standings but also marked a memorable evening filled with tributes and celebrations.

The game was part of the annual Anne Donovan Classic, a tribute to the former ODU All-American and national champion who passed away in 2018. Members of Donovan’s family were honored during the first half, highlighting her lasting impact on the program and the sport itself.

Honoring Legacy and History

Halftime brought a special ceremony as the jersey number 24 was retired, worn by Adrienne Goodson, a two-time All-American. Goodson played a pivotal role in the 1985 Monarchs team that secured the program’s first NCAA national championship. The retirement of her jersey was a momentous occasion for ODU, celebrating the achievements of one of its most iconic players.

The evening also served as alumni night, drawing around 50 former players, coaches, and team personnel. Attendees included Wendy Larry, the winningest coach in program history, and Marianne Stanley, who led ODU to three national titles. These figures represent the rich history of the program and its continued success.

Anne Donovan’s influence extended far beyond her collegiate career. She later became one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball, guiding the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 2008. Current ODU head coach DeLisha Milton-Jones was a member of that Olympic team. Although the Monarchs missed the halftime festivities, they had the opportunity to connect with alumni and honorees during a reception held Friday night at Chartway Arena.

Key Performances and Game Highlights

On the court, En’Dya Buford led the Monarchs with 21 points, showcasing her scoring ability throughout the game. Simaru Fields contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, playing a crucial role in the overtime victory. Simone Cunningham added 15 points and seven rebounds, playing nearly 42 minutes. Riley Stack, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Coastal Carolina, scored 10 points, including four in overtime, despite limited playing time.

This win moved ODU to 12-7 overall and 4-3 in Sun Belt play, tying the Monarchs for sixth place in the conference. This position keeps them within reach of the top four spots, which offer significant advantages in the conference tournament.

Marshall entered the contest with a strong record of 15-5 overall and 6-2 in league play. However, their nine-game winning streak had come to an end earlier in the week with a loss to James Madison. Despite this, the Herd put up a strong fight against the Monarchs.

A Back-and-Forth Battle

ODU controlled the first half, taking a 52-35 lead into the break thanks to efficient shooting and strong interior play. The Monarchs connected on 69 percent of their shots before halftime, including several layups that highlighted their dominance.

Marshall responded in the second half with increased defensive pressure, limiting ODU’s interior scoring opportunities. The Monarchs struggled to adjust, shooting just 25.9 percent in the second half. The Herd methodically closed the gap and tied the game at 70 late in regulation.

ODU had a chance to end the game in the final seconds, but a missed layup sent the contest into overtime. Marshall briefly gained momentum in the extra period before ODU responded with timely free throws and a key basket from Fields. After another late tie, Fields was fouled on the Monarchs’ final possession and converted both free throws. Marshall, out of timeouts, failed to attempt a final shot, sealing the victory for Old Dominion.