Marietta falls to Capital 75-51
Pioneers close out the season Saturday against Wilmington

Feb. 15, 2006
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball team opened its final week of the season with a 75-51 loss to Capital Wednesday (Feb. 15) at Ban Johnson Arena.

With the win, Capital improved to 11-12 overall and 8-9 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while Marietta fell to 4-20 on the year and 1-16 in league play.

Neither team could get anything started early in the contest. The Crusaders took a 3-0 lead with a three-pointer by Nate Stahl at the 18:48 mark. The Pioneers didn't score until 2:18 later when Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) hit a jumper to make it 3-2.

Marietta didn't score again until there was 12:33 left in the half. By that time, Capital got on track and led 10-4. From there, it was the Crusaders all of the way, as they built a 41-21 halftime lead and never looked back.

The Pioneers cut the lead to 15 points, 41-26, with 18:01 to play in the game but never got any closer. Both teams were able to empty their bench as time ticked away on a 24-point victory for the visiting Crusaders.

Stahl paced Capital, who shot 30-of-68 (.441) from the field, with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Pat Stolly added 13 points and six assists in the win.

Marietta managed just 18-of-59 (.305) from the floor, including 5-of-27 (.185) from beyond the arc. Capital out rebounded Marietta 52-34.

Steve Luckhardt (Shadyside) was the only Pioneer in double-figures. He finished with 14 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Craig Stewart (Circleville) added eight points, Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak) contributed seven points and Rucker had six in the loss.

The Pioneers will close out the 2005-06 season at home Saturday (Feb. 18), when Wilmington visits Fenton Court for a 3 p.m. tip-off. Saturday is Dream to Read Day. All of the local elementary students that participated in this year's program will be recognized for their efforts at halftime.

Steve Luckhardt led Marietta with 14 points and eight rebounds Wednesday

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