Sports
Marietta Rides Second Half Surge To Defeat Wilmington
By: Kellen Becoats
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The Pioneers remained undefeated in Ohio Athletic Conference play Saturday against the Wilmington College Quakers, 98-77.
Marietta’s offense thrived against the Quakers, especially in the second half where they outscored their opponents, 53-40. The biggest lead the Pioneers held was at the 4:43 mark in the second half where they led by 25 points.
The Pioneers struggled early on, as they fought to string together positive possessions over Wilmington, but they quickly picked up the pace in the second half.
The game was close in the first half as the Quakers came from 10 down to tie the score at 22 with 10:43 left in the first. Wilmington took advantage of the Pioneers’ offensive trouble and took its first lead of the game at 28-26 with 7:36 left.
But it was all Marietta from there, as it went on a 9-4 run to end the half with a comfortable 45-37 lead.
The second half was uneventful after Marietta established its lead, as it dominated the Quakers both offensively and defensively to entertain the fans in Ban Johnson Arena.
Junior wing player Brennan McKean led the Pioneers offensively with 29 points, three rebounds and two steals alongside sophomore wing player RaNeal Ewing who contributed 26 points and eight rebounds.
The Pioneers were led by RaNeal Ewing, who had a game-high 26 points and eight rebounds.
Other major contributors for Marietta included Andy Dollman, who had 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Malcolm Heard II led the Quakers with 23 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
The Pioneers go back on the road to face Heidelberg University on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. Last year, Marietta beat Crusaders 75-63 during the regular season.