Slow start dooms Marietta men at Muskingum
Fighting Muskies top Pioneers 77-64

Jan. 7, 2009
NEW CONCORD, Ohio — Marietta College could not overcome a slow start and its opponent’s hot shooting as the Pioneers’ fell 77-64 to host Muskingum College in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) men’s basketball action on Wednesday (Jan. 7) evening. With the win, the Fighting Muskies improved to 6-7 overall and 3-3 in league play. Marietta fell to 6-6, 1-4 in the OAC.

Muskingum built an early 10-0 lead just 2:25 into the game. Marietta cut it to five points, 16-11, four minutes later. The Fighting Muskies, however, shot 60% (18-of-30) in the first half and took a 42-26 lead into the locker room.

Marietta made a run in the second half, cutting the deficit once again to five points, 62-57, with five minutes to play, but Muskingum reclaimed its composure and ended the game on a 15-7 run to secure the 13-point victory.

Pioneer freshman wing Trevor Halter (Malvern) paced the squad with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Junior post Daun Lutes (New Matamoras/Frontier) added 16 points and five boards and freshman Kevin Knab (Lakewood) contributed 12 points in the loss.

Tyler Felt, one of four Muskingum players to finish in double figures, led the Muskies with a game-high 23 points. Pat Byrne and Nick Hershberger both had 12 points, while Trevor Scott and Cory Bourquin added 11 points in the win. Byrne posted a game-best nine rebounds to go along with six assists.

Marietta finished the game by shooting 50.9% (27-of-53) from the field, 42.9% (6-of-14) from beyond the arc and 36.4% (4-of-11) from the free throw line. The Pioneers finished with 10 turnovers; just two turnovers came in the second half. Muskingum connected on 62.3% (31-of-49) from the floor, also hit 42.9% (6-of-14) from three-point range and finished 75.0% (9-of-12) from the charity stripe. The Muskies, who matched the Pioneers with 10 turnovers, won the battle of the boards 29-23.

Marietta is back in action on Saturday (Jan. 10) afternoon when the Pioneers play host to John Carroll University. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m.

Freshman Trevor Halter sets up for one of his three three-pointers against Muskingum.

Box Score