Late surge not enough as MC men fall 109-98 to Bethany in home opener

Nov. 23, 2004
MARIETTA, Ohio - The Marietta College men's basketball team dropped its third straight game to open the 2004-05 season tonight (Nov. 23), 109-98 to Bethany (WV) on Fenton Court in Ban Johnson Arena.

The Pioneers (0-3), who were forced out of their "Fun and Gun" style due to injuries, threw a zone at the Bison in the first half. Bethany (2-1) game out of the gate hot and built a 58-43 halftime lead. The Bison went 21-35 (58.3%) from the floor, including 9-of-13 from long range, in the opening frame.

After Bethany increased its lead to 30, 82-52, with 9:33 to play, Marietta went back to its up tempo, pressing style. The Pioneers were able to put together a 44-to-21 run to pull within seven points, 103-96 with 36 seconds to play. Bethany hit its free throws down the stretch to hold of Marietta for the 11-point win.

Marietta finished the game 38-of-93 (40.9%) from the floor, including 15-of-48 (31.3%) from long range. Bethany went 40-of-67 (59.7%) from the field and 9-of-16 (56.3%) from three-point range.

Five Pioneers and six Bison finished in double figures in the high-scoring contest. Freshmen Craig Stewart (Circleville) and Sam Rutherford (Newport/Frontier) each had 19 points for Marietta. Stewart finished 7-of-18 from the floor and 5-of-13 from long range, while adding fours steals and three assists. Rutherford went 7-of-13 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from long range, in just nine minutes of action.

Sophomore Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) added 15 points and nine rebounds, while seniors Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) collected 10 points and eight boards and Brett Atherton (West Milton/Milton Union) had 14 points and eight boards in the loss.

Bethany was led by Jim Deep with 24 points, while the Matt Drahos had 22 points and 10 rebounds and his brother Mike Drahos collected 22 points and 13 boards.

Marietta will return to action as a participant in the OAC vs. NCAC Challenge this weekend. The Pioneers will play Kenyon (at Muskingum) on Saturday (Nov. 27) at 4 p.m. and then play Denison (At Denison) Sunday (Nov. 28) at 4 p.m.

Freshman Sam Rutherford had 19 points in nine minutes against Bethany Tuesday night

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