News Release

MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball team opened its final week of the season with a 75-51 loss to Capital Wednesday (Feb. 15) at Ban Johnson Arena.

With the win, Capital improved to 11-12 overall and 8-9 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while Marietta fell to 4-20 on the year and 1-16 in league play.

Neither team could get anything started early in the contest. The Crusaders took a 3-0 lead with a three-pointer by Nate Stahl at the 18:48 mark. The Pioneers didn't score until 2:18 later when Matt Rucker (Proctorville/Chesapeake) hit a jumper to make it 3-2.

Marietta didn't score again until there was 12:33 left in the half. By that time, Capital got on track and led 10-4. From there, it was the Crusaders all of the way, as they built a 41-21 halftime lead and never looked back.

The Pioneers cut the lead to 15 points, 41-26, with 18:01 to play in the game but never got any closer. Both teams were able to empty their bench as time ticked away on a 24-point victory for the visiting Crusaders.

Stahl paced Capital, who shot 30-of-68 (.441) from the field, with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Pat Stolly added 13 points and six assists in the win.

Marietta managed just 18-of-59 (.305) from the floor, including 5-of-27 (.185) from beyond the arc. Capital out rebounded Marietta 52-34.

Steve Luckhardt (Shadyside) was the only Pioneer in double-figures. He finished with 14 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Craig Stewart (Circleville) added eight points, Chad Sponseller (Canton/GlenOak) contributed seven points and Rucker had six in the loss.

The Pioneers will close out the 2005-06 season at home Saturday (Feb. 18), when Wilmington visits Fenton Court for a 3 p.m. tip-off. Saturday is Dream to Read Day. All of the local elementary students that participated in this year's program will be recognized for their efforts at halftime.