Feb. 10, 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball team hosted first place John Carroll University in game two of a men and women's Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday (Feb. 10) afternoon. The twin bill was a part of the Pioneers' annual Winter Weekend. The Blue Streaks dominated the game from the outset and coasted to a 85-58 victory. [Box Score]

The victory improves John Carroll's record to 16-7 overall and 12-4 in the OAC. It remains in a tie for first place with Capital, who knocked off Ohio Northern 74-70 Saturday. Marietta falls to 5-18, 1-15 in league play.

For the second straight game, a slow first half forced the Pioneers into a hole so big that they could never dig themselves completely out. John Carroll used its up tempo style to force Marietta into 11 first-half turnovers, allowing the Blue Streaks to take a 41-19 lead into intermission.

The Pioneers nearly traded basket for basket in the second half, being out scored just 44-39, but the Blue Streaks big early lead held up.

Marietta finished the afternoon 20-of-54 (.370) from the floor, including 8-of-22 (.364) from deep. It added 10-of-17 (.588) from the line in a game where the Pioneers were out rebounded 38-33. John Carroll shot 30-of-56 (.536) from the field, 4-of-14 (.286) from long range and 21-of-34 (.618) from the line. Marietta turned the ball over 22 times and forced John Carroll into 11 turnovers.

Senior Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) and sophomore Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) paced the Pioneers with 12 points each, while sophomore Tyler Morando (Wheeling, W.Va./Wheeling Central) added nine. Rucker also pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

John Carroll's Terry Walsh and Derek Smith each scored 16 points, while Brandon Mimes added 12 in the win.

Marietta returns to action Wednesday (Feb. 10) when it visits Mount Union for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

Senior Matt Rucker had 12 points and six rebounds Saturday against John Carroll

Box Score