SALEM, Virginia — Sophomore Jac Alexander scored No. 3 Marietta College's final six points as the Pioneers came from behind to defeat Christopher Newport University by the score of 86-83 Friday (Nov. 12) evening. Marietta opens the season 1-0 overall, while the Captains fall to 2-1 overall.

"That was two heavyweights duking it out," Marietta head coach Jon VanderWal said. "Our backs were against the ropes most of the game, but our guys didn't flinch. We just kept battling and pulled it out in the end. I couldn't be prouder of our guys."

The Pioneers jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead on a pair of Jason Ellis buckets. The lead was short lived as Christopher Newport responded with a 10-2 run to go in front 10-6 six minutes into the first half.

The Captains would lead the remainder of the first half. CNU built a 12-point lead, 36-24, with five minutes left in the opening period. Marietta finished the half on a 9-1 run cutting the deficit to four, 37-33, at the break.

Sahmi Willoughby started the second half with two free throws to get Marietta within two, 37-35. Christopher Newport managed to push its advantage back to seven points before the Pioneers went on a 7-0 run to tie the game, 48-48, with 15:35 left in the game. Lukas Isaly scored five of the seven points with a jumper and a three-pointer.

A layup from Addy Black at the 12:20 mark gave Marietta its first lead, 54-53, since the opening minutes of the game. The game remained close with neither team leading by more than five points and several ties over the next ten minutes.

CNU's Ty Henderson converted a pair of free throws with 1:34 left on the clock to even the game, 80-80. But Alexander sank a jumper on Marietta's next possession to give the Pioneers the lead for good. He converted four free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Alexander finished with 16 points. Ellis led Marietta with 18 points. Isaly added 16 points and three assists. Tim Kreeger grabbed a team-high six rebounds and had three steals.

Jahn Hines led Christopher Newport with 18 points. Matthew Brodie scored 14 points, while Trey Barber chipped in with 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Marietta will play the host, No. 20 Roanoke College, in the championship game Saturday (Nov. 13). Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.