HOUSTON, Texas -- Saturday night in the Lone Star State was a game of runs.

Eerily reminiscent of the Herd's current status.

After starting the year on a 15-2 tear, Marshall's drop their fourth consecutive game, 81-66 to Houston.

The Herd and the Cougars each took their turn going on long scoring stretches.

After Marshall scored the opening bucket, Houston ripped off ten straight points.

The Herd countered with seven straight, before the Cougers countered with another 12-2 run, to go up 22-11.

Donnie Jones's crew cut the deficit to just five at the break, but a second half burst put the Cougers up by 19.

No stat was more telling than turnovers.

The Herd committed 22 of them, as opposed to only five by the Cougars.

Four Herders finished with double digit scoring tallies, led by Chris Lutz's 13.

A small point tally when placed next to Aubrey Coleman's statline.

Coleman finished with 37 points and 13 rebounds.

Marshall returns to action on Wednesday on the road, in another tough conference clash.

Tulsa tips off with the Herd on Feb. 3 at 8 p.m.