Pioneers can't extinguish Crusaders' hot shooting; MC falls 127-100

Dec. 8, 2004
MARIETTA, Ohio - The Marietta College men's basketball team hosted Capital in a heated Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) match-up Wednesday night (Dec. 8) on Fenton Court. The Crusaders were able to escape with a 127-100, but not before the teams had to endure some second-half drama.

The Pioneers (1-6, 0-2 OAC) stayed within striking distance throughout most of the first half, trailing by just six, 42-36, with five minutes to play in the period. The Crusaders (6-2, 2-0 OAC) however, closed the half with a 17-to-6 run to take a 59-42 lead into the locker room.

Less than three minutes into the second half the game had to be delayed when the fire alarm went off and officials made everyone evacuate. Play was resumed 15 minutes later, but the extra intermission failed to cool off Capital's hot shooting as they rolled to the 27-point victory.

The Crusaders shot a blistering 54-of-76 (71.1%) from the field, while MC went 33-of-88 (37.5%) from the floor and 11-of-45 (24.4%) from long range. Capital did not attempt a three-point field goal in the game. Capital also set an OAC record with 39 assists.

Five members of each team finished in double figures on the evening. Marietta was led by freshman Sam Rutherford (Newport/Frontier) with 18 points, while Josh Beck scored a career-high 37 to lead Capital.

Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) added 17 points and six rebounds and Craig Stewart (Circleville) finished with 11. Both Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) and Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak) each scored 10 in the loss, while Capital's David Kalb added 20 points and 10 assists in the win.

Marietta will return to action Saturday (Dec. 11) when it visits Ohio Northern for a 3 p.m. match-up with the Polar Bears.

Freshman Sam Rutherford had a team-high 18 points in MC's 127-100 loss to Capital Wednesday

Box Score