Sports
Marietta men’s basketball: Marietta squanders lead at JCU
< < Back to marietta-mens-basketball-marietta-squanders-lead-jcuThe Pioneers tenacious offense was not enough to get by the John Carroll Blue Streaks. The Marietta College men’s basketball team led by as many as 18 points in the second half, but fell to John Carroll 90-80 Saturday afternoon in Cleveland. Marietta is now 9-6 overall and 4-4 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. The Blue Streaks improve to 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
Last time the two teams met, Marietta dominated. Playing in the championship game of the OAC Tournament last February, Marietta erased a 21-point Blue Streak lead in the second half in route to the conference championship.
After a three-pointer from Corey Shontz the Blue Streaks took the lead for good at the 8:16 mark of the second half. John Carroll out scored the Pioneers 48-20 over the last 14:17 to finally secure the victory.
Senior forward Kevin Knab led the Pioneers with 25 points and five rebounds. Sophomore guard Tyler Hammond added 13 points with three boards. Juniors Jason Humphrey and Brain Crader each chipped in with nine points apiece.
Shontz led the Blue Streaks with a game-high 30 points going 7-of-9 from behind the arch. Patrick Sweeney scored 14 points for the Streaks in the win.
The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 18 against Mount Union. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.