The Pioneers (1-8, 0-4 OAC) started the game at a much slower tempo than what they have typically played this season. Success however, didn't come any easier, as Wilmington (6-4, 3-1 OAC) shot 18-of-34 (52.9%) in the first half to build a 44-20 halftime lead. Marietta was held to just 7-of-29 (24.1%) from the floor in the first frame.
Coach Doug Foote's team turned back up the tempo in the second half and Marietta was able to climb back into the game, 86-78, with eight seconds to play, but time ran out on the comeback and Wilmington prevailed 88-78.
The Pioneers finished the game 29-of-72 (40.3%) from the floor and 15-of-43 (34.9%) from beyond the arc. The Quakers went 33-of-63 (52.4%) from the floor, in route to their fourth straight win.
Sophomore Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak) paced Marietta with 13 points, all of which he scored in the second half. He also added four assists.
Freshman Craig Stewart (Circleville) finished with 12 points and six rebounds and senior Matt Hines (Waverly/Eastern Pike) added 11 points and six boards in the loss.
Wilmington was led by senior Deon Short with 18 points, junior Eric Sterling with 15 points and junior Josh Rohrbacher with 13 points. Sterling also dished out seven assists and pulled down a team-high eight boards.
Marietta out rebounded Wilmington 43-to-35, but committed 20 turnovers to the Quakers' 17. The Quakers stretched their lead to as many as 26 points, before Marietta began its second half run.
The Pioneers will return to action Wednesday (Dec. 29) when they host the 34th annual Shrine Tournament, hosted by the Holiday Inn and Schob Team Sport. Action will get underway when Thomas More (KY) takes on Manchester (IN) at 6 p.m. Marietta will host Waynesburg (PA) in the second game at 8 p.m.