With year-two of the Fun & Gun off to a slow start, Foote mixed up his game plan against the Wolverines and it worked. Marietta (3-7, 0-4 OAC), who usually subs in groups of five every few minutes, had a more traditional substitute pattern Thursday. Playing mainly veterans, the Pioneers had the intensity needed and executed a balance of inside and outside play against Grove City (3-6).
Action was tight over the first 20 minutes, with Marietta taking a 41-39 lead into intermission as a result of a three-pointer by sophomore Seth Amburgey (Champmanville, W. Va.) with time running out.
The Pioneers never relinquished that advantage, extending their lead to as many as 10 points in the second half en route to a 90-81 win.
Junior Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) made the most of his opportunities, finishing 7-of-9 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the line to score a game-high 22 points. He also added 10 rebounds (eight offensive), four assists and four blocks.
Sophomore Matt Phillips (Williamson, W. Va./Tug Valley) hit four three-pointers to finished with 18 points to go along with seven rebounds.
Sophomore Craig Stewart (Circleville) added 14 points on four more three-pointers and had four steals, while junior Ryan Wilkinson (Wilmington/Clinton Massie) contributed 10 points, seven assists and four steals in the win.
Grove City was paced by Craig Hallman with a career-best 20 points. He also added 10 rebounds. Chuck Cotherman added 13 points, while Joe Capotosta, Matt Phiilps and Mark Smith each finished with 10 points.
As a team, Marietta finished 29-of-78 (.372) from the field, including 13-of-41 (.317) from long range to go along with 19-of-24 (.792) from the line. Grove City went 31-of-61 (.508) from the floor, 4-of-10 (.400) from beyond the arc and 15-of-18 (.833) from the charity stripe.
The Wolverines out rebounded the Pioneers 41-40, but MC had 19 offensive boards compared to GCC's 11. Marietta also forced Grove City into 28 turnovers and had 16 steals in the win.
With the win, Marietta advances to the championship game against Adrian (Mich.) tomorrow at 7 p.m. Adrian needed a bucket as time expired to defeat Bridgewater (Va.) 64-62 in game one. The Wolverines and Eagles will meet in the consolation at 5 p.m.