Muskingum adapts to up-tempo style; MC men fall 117-87 on Coaches vs. Cancer night

Jan. 5 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio - The Marietta College men's team went 1-1 in Ban Johnson Arena tonight (Jan. 5). The Pioneers fell 117-87 to rival Muskingum on the court, but off the court both teams came out on top as all of the proceeds from the game went to the American Cancer Society in the name of Leslie Frye and Linda Marshall. Leslie and Linda were both foster parents, former MC employees and friends.

Their memories serve as a perpetual inspiration for MC to continue the battle of Coaches vs. Cancer. Donations will be used exclusively to fund the American Cancer Society-approved research, education and patient services in Ohio.

Marietta (2-10, 0-5 OAC) struggled from the floor early in the game against the Fighting Muskies. MC trailed 16-11 with 14:08 to play, but Muskingum closed the half on a 33-13 run to take the 49-24 halftime lead.

Muskingum (8-4, 3-2 OAC) extended its lead to as many as 36 points in the second frame, before the clock ran out, giving the Muskies a 117-87 victory. Coach Jim Burson's team traditionally plays a very slow paced game, but stayed patient against the up-tempo Pioneers' style, made the extra pass and were able to run away with the victory.

Marietta finished 30-of-84 (35.7%) from the floor, while Muskingum, who came in averaging 70 points per game, shot 52-of-81 (64.2%) from the field. The Pioneers connected on just 9-of-38 (23.7%) from beyond the arc and were out rebounded 54-to-32 in the loss.

Freshman Josh Hull (Nitro, WV/Poca) scored 15 points to lead Marietta, who had five players finish in double figures. Freshman Craig Stewart (Circleville) added 14, while senior Chris Fulton (West Milton/Milton Union) finished with 11 and freshman Kyle Reed (Fairbanks/Northwestern) had 10 points and seven boards.

Senior Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) collected 13 points and six rebounds. His six boards gave him a career total of 504 and he also moved into 13th place on MC's all-time scoring list with 1,235 points.

Muskingum was paced by Zach Ross with 26 points, while four of his teammates also reached double digits in the win. Roy Skidmore (18), Andy Mix (14), Andy Glass (12), Graig Thurson (12) and Matt Dansby (11) all took advantage of the up-tempo style. Dansby added a game-high seven assists.

Marietta take its show on the road Saturday (Jan. 8) to battle the 2004 OAC champion Blue Streaks of John Carroll. Tip-off with JCU is slated for 3 p.m.

Freshman Josh Hull finished with a team-high 15 points against Muskingum

Box Score