HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Elijah Pittman scored 19 points to lead three Marshall players in double figures as the Thundering Herd stormed by Tulsa 79-61 in their Conference USA opener.

D.D. Scarver and DeAndre Kane backed Pittman with 16 points each, with Kane adding seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Dennis Tinnon added six points and 11 rebounds for Marshall (8-8).

Pittman hit a layup for a 7-6 lead about 4 minutes into the game, and Marshall scored the next 17 points for a 24-6 lead. Tulsa missed 12 field goals during the 8-plus minute run.

Shaquille Harrison and James Woodard scored 12 points each for Tulsa (9-7, 1-1), and Kauri Black had five of the Golden Hurricane's 15 steals.

Tulsa forced 20 turnovers, but were clobbered on the boards, 47-32, and shot just 36.5 percent (23 of 63) from the floor. Marshall made 45 percent (27 of 60) of its shots.