Big Red top Pioneers 121-102 in men's hoops

Nov. 28, 2004
GRANVILLE, Ohio - Marietta fell to Denison 121-102 this afternoon (Nov. 28) in day two of the OAC vs. NCAC Challenge which featured Kenyon, Muskingum, Denison and Marietta. The Pioneers (1-4) got a 28-point performance from sophomore Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak), but it wasn't enough to take down the Big Red in nonconference action.

Sponseller finished 10-of-20 (50.0%) from the floor, including 8-of-15 (53.3%) from long range.

Freshman Josh Hull (Nitro, WV/Poca) added 16 points, while senior Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) collected 12 and sophomore Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) finished with 10 in the loss.

Marietta shot 35-of-98 (35.7%) from the floor, while attempting an OAC record 62 three-point field goals, knocking down 17. The 98 shots is a new single-game school record.

The Pioneers held an early 24-14 lead in the game, but Denison (2-3) entered the half with a 52-49 advantage. Marietta tied the game at 67-67 with 14:11 to go in the contest, before the Big Red pulled away for the 19-point victory.

Denison finished the game 45-of-65 (69.2%) from the floor and out rebounded MC 58-to-29. Marietta forced 31 turnovers, but could not convert them into points in the loss.

Six Big Red players scored in double-figures, including all five starters. Robb Hern came off the bench to lead the way for Denison with 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Marietta will introduce its "Fun and Gun" to its first OAC opponent in the team's next game, a match-up with the Student Princes in Tiffin on Saturday (Dec. 4) at 2 p.m.

Sophomore Chad Sponseller had a career-high 28 points in MC's 121-102 loss to Denison Saturday

Box Score