MC's Stewart hits eight three-pointers, but Cardinals best Pioneers 123-108

Jan. 19 2005
WESTERVILLE , Ohio - "We're so close." That is what Marietta College's men's basketball coach Doug Foote had to say after the Pioneers' 123-108 road loss to Otterbein Wednesday (Jan. 19).

Coach Foote knew entering the season that it would take a while for his team to adapt to its new style of hoops and his forecast has proven to be accurate. The Pioneers (2-14, 0-9 OAC) however, are showing signs that they are getting closer to the results they are looking for with the Fun and Gun style of play.

Tonight, Otterbein (11-5, 6-3 OAC) shot 28-of-42 (66.7%) from the floor to build a 63-49 lead at intermission. Marietta however, opened the second frame with 17-4 run to pull within one with 16:48 to play in the game. Otterbein was eventually able to take advantage of some quick baskets to build its lead back up to double digits and send Marietta home with a 123-108 loss.

Freshman Craig Stewart (Circleville) had the hot hand for Marietta, who connected on an OAC record 19 three-pointers for the second straight game and third time this season. Stewart went 8-of-17 from long range to finish with a career-high 29 points.

Senior Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) continued his solid season by adding 18 points. His 18-point output tonight moved him into a tie for 11th place on MC's all-time scoring list with 1,295 points.

Sophomore Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak) also finished in double figures with 14 points, while freshman Seth Amburgey added eight points and seven assists.

Marietta went 43-of-106 (40.6%) from the floor and 19-of-62 (30.6%) from beyond the arc, while Otterbein shot 52-of-79 (65.8%) from the floor and 1-of-5 (20.0%) from long range.

Otterbein had six players finish in double figures on a night in which it set the school record for points in a game (123). Scott Hadley led the way with 23 points and 10 boards, while Kevin King added a double-double, 21 points and 10 rebounds, in the win.

Marietta will look to take its next step against John Carroll Saturday (Jan. 22), in game one of a men and women's double header at Ban Johnson Arena. Tip-off with the Blue Streaks is at 3 p.m.

Freshman Craig Stewart connected on eight three-point attempts to finish with a career-high 29 points against Otterbein.

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