Sports
Marietta Holds On To Defeat Heidelberg, 82-80
By: Kellen Becoats
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No. 22 Marietta College stayed undefeated in Ohio Athletic Conference play with a last-minute 82-80 win at Heidelberg on Saturday.
The Pioneers (7-1, 3-0 OAC) almost threw away the game in the second half, letting the Student Princes (3-5) hold a slight lead for the majority of it before finally taking control in the last eight minutes of the game.
Marietta seemed to be resting on its laurels as the second half tipped off and they quickly found themselves behind on multiple occasions, constantly fighting to take back the lead from the Student Princes.
The last two minutes tested the Pioneers’ defense as Heidelberg clawed within two points of tying the game, even coming as close as 81-80 in the final seconds, but it wasn’t enough.
Marietta had a sluggish start, allowing their opponent to gain a 11-4 lead. But they refused to give in, going on a 15-8 run to take their first lead of the game at 19-18 with 11:17 left in the first half.
The Pioneers offense didn’t let up, as Marietta took a 36-29 lead into the locker room with them at halftime.
Junior post player Garrett Stephenson led Marietta, playing a team-high 31 minutes and contributing 18 points, four assists and one rebound.
Other major contributors for the Pioneers’ squad were sophomore wing player Luis Garcia, who had 13 points (3-of-4 from behind the arc) with three rebounds and two assists, and junior wing player Andy Dollman, who also logged 31 minutes and achieved 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Marietta will head back to Ban Johnson Arena to take on Muskingum University on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.