MARIETTA, Ohio — Host Marietta College and Maryville (Tenn.) College will meet in the championship game of the 40th annual Marietta Shrine Tournament, sponsored by Dixie Sporting Goods and the Holiday Inn, after both posted victories in the opening round Friday (Nov. 19) evening inside Ban Johnson Arena.

Tip-off of Saturday (Nov. 20) afternoon's featured match-up with be at 4 p.m. Thomas More (Ky.) College will battle Salem International (W.Va.) University in the consolation game at 2 p.m.

Six Marietta players scored in double figures en route to a 98-95 victory over Salem International. Marietta's bench played a key role as it produced 49 points in the win.

Sophomore Jacob Owens (Mansfield/Mansfield) connected on 5-of-8 three-pointers to lead the Pioneers (2-0) with 19 points, junior Conner Kilpatrick (Bowling Green/Bowling Green) had 13 points, sophomore Brian Crader (Thornville/Sheridan) contributed 11 points and sophomore Tyler Worstell (Prospect/Franklin Heights) finished with six points and four assists.

In addition, sophomore Kevin Knab (Lakewood/Lakewood) posted a second straight double-double, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Jason Humphrey (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier) added 13 points and seven boards and freshman Tyler Hammond (Cleveland/St. Ignatius) had 10 points and four assists.

Allen Boyd led Salem International (1-1) with 20 points. Ray'Mar Porter added 15 points and Demetric Walker had 11 points.

Marietta handled Salem's full court pressure throughout the first half, allowing it to build a 41-32 lead at intermission. The Pioneers extended their lead to 15 points, 73-58, with 10:43 to play in the game, before the Tigers clawed their way back to as close as two points, 95-93, with 53 second remaining. Marietta, however, held on for the three-point victory.