MARIETTA, Ohio – Marietta College posted a convincing 91-69 win over Wilmington College Saturday (Feb. 13) evening to sweep the season series. The Pioneers improve to 5-1 overall and 5-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while the Quakers fall to 2-6 overall and 2-6 in the OAC.

"We just shot the ball better tonight. Last night we couldn't throw it in the ocean and never got into a rhythm," Marietta head coach Jon VanderWal said. "We finished the first half really strong and kind of wore them down. That was the best half of basketball we've played defensively this season."

The first half got off to a slow start, as the game was tied at seven points apiece six minutes into the opening period. The early Pioneer offense was sparked by five points from Brett Martin and a layup from Jason Ellis.

The teams swapped buckets for a couple of possessions before Marietta outscored the Quakers, 7-3, in a two-minute span to take the lead, 27-20. The quick Pioneer spurt was led by five points from Mason Lydic and capped by a layup from Lukas Isaly.

Marietta finished the half on a 13-1 run and entered the intermission with a 40-23 edge. The run was led by a well-rounded offensive attack as Sahmi Willoughby, Kyle Matoszkia, Ellis and Lydic scored during the rally. The Pioneer defense held strong and only allowed one point over the final seven minutes of play.

Early in the second half Marietta scored 10 straight points to lead 52-30 and force a Wilmington timeout at the 16:31 minute mark. Martin, Ellis, Tim Kreeger and Lydic all scored during the run.

The teams traded baskets through the middle of the second half and the Pioneers maintained a 57-32 edge. Later in the half, a 7-0 Pioneer run extended the lead to 64-38 with just under 12 minutes to play in the game. The run was sparked by five points from Copper Parrott.

The Quakers trimmed the lead to 64-45 with a 7-0 run that forced a Marietta timeout with 10 minutes to play in the game. Out of the timeout, the teams battled for the final 10 minutes of action, but the Pioneers were able to maintain solid advantage and won the game 91-69.

Marietta was led by Willoughby as he had a career high in points and rebounds with 13 and 10 respectively. Ellis pitched in with 15 points and pulled down five rebounds. Lydic and Martin each tallied double digit points, with 11 and 10 respectively.

Marietta will return to the court Friday (Feb. 19) when they travel to take on the University of Mount Union, with tip off scheduled for 7 p.m.