Sports
Marietta Defeats Muskingum, Stays Perfect In OAC
By: Kellen Becoats
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The Marietta College men’s basketball team continued its strong home play with a 79-70 win over Muskingum University to bring its record to 4-1 at Ban Johnson Arena.
The Pioneers (8-1, 4-0) really didn’t get started until after both teams took the court for the second half.
Muskingum (3-4, 0-4) held a 36-35 lead coming into the period, but quickly fell apart on defense, as Marietta used a 5-0 run to take their second lead of the game at 40-36.
The Fighting Muskies struggled throughout the first five minutes of the half but found a way to tie it at 53 with just over 11 minutes left.
Marietta didn’t let their opponent get the better of them, though, as it went on an 8-2 run over the next three minutes to take a commanding lead that the Pioneers wouldn’t relinquish throughout the rest of the game.
But in the first half, Muskingum was the team to beat, as it opened the game with six unanswered points and held a 30-16 lead with 6:30 left in the half.
The Pioneers’ offense finally seemed to click, as it took its first lead of the game at 35-34 with 36 seconds left and ultimately ended the half with a 19-6 run.
Marietta had a strong offensive night, making 42 percent of its field goal attempts and 32 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. They also outrebounded the Fighting Muskies 43-31.
Junior wing player Andy Dollman led the Pioneers offensively with 20 points, going 3-for-3 from 3-point range, along with three assists and one rebound. Sophomore wing player RaNeal Ewing had another strong showing with 18 points, a team-high 12 rebounds and two assists.
Marietta faces its next challenge against Ohio Wesleyan University on Sunday, Dec. 29, in the first game of the Defiance College Purple and Gold Tournament. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.