The Pioneers (1-3) fought back from an 18-point halftime deficit against the Lords (2-1) to pull within six, 91-85, with 6:47 to play. Kenyon, however, was able to regroup down the stretch and held on for the 115-99 victory.
Overall, Marietta shot 33-of-94 (.351) from the floor, including 12-of-43 (.279) from long range. Kenyon, meanwhile, connected on 46-of-70 (.657) from the field and did not attempt a three-pointer. The Lords out rebounded the Pioneers 53-to-41. Kenyon had 30 turnovers, while Marietta finished with 17.
Sophomore Craig Stewart (Circleville) led Marietta with 20 points, hitting 6-of-10 three-point shots.
Freshman Steve Luckhardt (Shadyside) dished out eight assists and and had four steals.
Sophomore Matt Phillips (Williamson, W. Va./Tug Valley) added 12 points and seven rebounds, while junior Ryan Wilkinson (Wilmington/Clinton Massie) finished with 10 points in the loss.
Six Lords finished in double figures. Korey Haddox led the way with 30 points, while Tyler Rehm added 20.
Matt Formato finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, awhile Josh Klinger contributed 10 points and 11 assists.
In game one, Denison's Tony Julian nailed a runner in the lane as time expired to lead the Big Red past Muskingum 78-77.
Robb Hern and Dan Hodgkinson paced Denison (2-1) with 22 points each, while Muskingum was led by Zach Ross and Brandon Todd with 18 and 17 points, respectively.
The four teams will return to action tomorrow (Nov. 28) when action moves to Kenyon. The Pioneers will take on the Big Red at 2 p.m. and the Lords and Fighting Muskies will battle at 4 p.m.