UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — No. 3 ranked John Carroll University defeated Marietta College by the score of 88-69 Thursday (Feb. 22) evening in the semifinal round of the Ohio Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. The Blue Streaks improve to 24-2 and will host the championship on Saturday. Marietta finishes the season with a 17-10 record.

John Carroll jumped out to a quick 14-1 lead and never looked back. The Blue Streaks never trailed in the game. A three-pointer from Ethan Andersen at the 7:33 mark of the first half got the Pioneers within six points, 28-22.

The Blue Streaks responded with an 8-2 run pushing the lead back into double digits. JCU ended the first half on a 10-2 run and led 47-30 at halftime.

John Carroll opened the second half with a 9-2 spurt extending the margin to 24 points, 56-32, just two minutes into the half. The Blue Streaks led by as many as 33 points in the second period and cruised to the 19-point victory.

Sahmi Willoughby, David Sanford and Ethan Andersen each scored nine points to lead the Pioneers. Willoughby pulled down a game-high eight rebounds. Jake Singleton added eight points and Jack Main finished with seven points.

Luke Frazier led all scorers with 26 points and pulled down seven boards for the Blue Streaks. Luke Chicone scored 19 points and also had seven rebounds.