Feb. 1, 2007

Men’s Basketball pushing to make OAC Tournament
Mattie Unger
Ungerm@marietta.edu

Close games has been the story of the Men’s Basketball team this season. Unfortunately for the team and fans, the Pioneers have only been able to come up with 5 wins. They currently stand 5-14 overall, 1-11 OAC. Despite only coming up with one OAC victory, the team remains confident about the remainder of their season.

To look at the team’s record does not exemplify how hard the Pios have worked this season. They opened their season dominating the Case Alumni Association Tip-Off Tournament held at Case Western Reserve. From the start, the team showed promise for a successful season.

Players working well as a team. Senior Matt Rucker leadership was named the tournament’s MVP. Rucker was joined on the All-Tournament Team by junior Matt Philips.

Then weeks later, Marietta played for the tournament championship at their host tournament, The Marietta Shrine Tournament. This once again showed the potential of our Men’s Basketball Program.
More players continued to stand out for the Pioneers. This time, sophomores Isaiah Creasap and Tyler Morando earned the right to be named to the All-Tournament Team.

After the unfortunate loss in the championship, Marietta remained quiet. It wasn’t until they shocked OAC fans with a win over No. 8 Ohio Northern. Creasap lead the offense with a career-high 34 points securing the win 72-68.

At moments, Marietta has shown greatness on the court. They have what it takes; it’s now a question of “Can they pull it off?” With the end of their season closing fast, the Men’s Basketball team will need to show some of their greatness if they hope to make tournament.
The Pioneers will return home Saturday, Feb. 10. They will face John Carroll at 3 p.m.