ALLIANCE, Ohio – Marietta College upset No. 9 ranked Mount Union by the score of 85-77 Friday (Feb. 19) evening in a key Ohio Athletic Conference matchup. With the win, Marietta moves into first place in the OAC standings with a 6-1 record. Mount Union slips to 6-2 on the season.

"This was a great win for our program. I thought our guys showed a lot of true toughness tonight," Marietta head coach Jon VanderWal said. "We took their best shot in the first half and even though we were down seven, we felt like we were in a decent position because we thought we could wear them out. It came true and our guys made some huge plays down the stretch."

Marietta opened the game with a 9-2 run that spanned just over two minutes of play. Jason Ellis, Lukas Isaly,and Mason Lydic all connected from behind the arc during the run to put the Pioneers on top early.

Later in the half, Mount Union answered with seven straight points that tied the game at 11 points apiece at the 15:23 minute mark of the opening period. The run was halted by a three from Lydic. Over the next five minutes of play the game was back and forth, as the battle was tied or the lead changed hands 10 times.

The Purple Raiders grabbed a 35-25 edge behind a 14-2 run. Marietta instantly responded with a 7-0 spurt that made the score 35-32 with just under seven minutes to play in the half. The Pioneer run was started by a three from Ellis and capped by a pair of layups from Brett Martin, and Lydic.

Mount Union shot a sizzling 64% from the floor, including 69% behind the arc to carry a seven-point lead, 48-41, into the intermission.

The teams traded buckets early in the second half and the Purple Raiders held a 55-49 edge four minutes into the period. The Pioneers tied the game at 55-55 behind a 6-0 run, highlighted by a pair of Kyle Matoszkia layups.

The score remained close as the game was tied or the lead changed hands eight times over the next four minutes of play and the game was tied at 70-70 when Copper Parrott knocked down a three.

With five minutes to play in the game Mount Union led, 74-71. The Pioneers responded with a 14-3 run to close the game and won, 85-77. The late rally was led by Isaly as he had six of the 14 points during the run. Ellis and Lydic each pitched in with baskets during the stretch.

Marietta was led by Lydic's career high 29 points, on 5-7 shooting from behind the arc. Ellis tallied 17 points and pulled down six rebounds. Isaly had 10 points and dished out five assists.

Marietta will return to the court Saturday (Feb. 20) when they host the University of Mount Union, with tip off scheduled for 6 p.m.