Chandler, Ariz. - The Marian men's basketball team won their fourth consecutive game Saturday afternoon as they played their first game at the Cactus Classic, earning a wire-to-wire 80-70 victory over the University of Providence. Marian's win improves their overall mark on the year to 9-2.

The Knights wasted little time grabbing the lead Saturday, going to Brody Whitaker on the game's first possession as the junior sparked a 6-0 run in the early moments of the afternoon with an open jumper. The combination of Whitaker, Nolan Foster, who made his first start of the season, and Gus Etchison paced the offense after the run, establishing a three-possession lead. A three from Josh Bryan gave Marian a 22-10 advantage through eight minutes, while the offense continued to run through Whitaker as he helped keep the double-digit lead through 10 minutes of play. 

The Argos offense made a surge over the final 10 minutes of the first half, trimming Marian's lead to an even score with 4:06 to play following a Marian turnover and ensuing three-point shot. The Knights collected themselves and went directly back to Whitaker to push the visitors on the scoreboard in the lead, helping Marian hold momentum for the remainder of the half. A Gavin Foe score in the final minute moved Marian in front 41-35, which would stand as a the score with the game moving to break.

Marian continued to go through Whitaker as the junior scored the first bucket of the second half, but Providence was able to match as they whittled their deficit to a single point six minutes into the half. A fastbreak three from Whitaker kept Marian on top moments later as they jumped back in control 53-48. The teams matched shot for shot for much of the second half after Marian went ahead by five, with Providence able to hang around and get within a single point on five different occasions.

Leading 68-67 with 4:48 to play in the game, Marian's offense effectively ended their possessions with points, chewing clock while knocking down a handful of free throws. A knockdown three from Whitaker with 1:24 remaining helped the Knights put the game out of reach, as their seven-point advantage seemed almost too much to overcome with Marian's defense holding the Argos scoreless for over three minutes. Maximus Gizzi and Brody Whitaker iced the game in the final 84 seconds making six free throws, as the Knights allowed just three points in the final 4:48 of the game to claim the 80-70 win.

Whitaker led all-scorers with 28 points in the win, while also leading Marian in rebounding with nine. Etchison finished with 20 points. Gizzi dished out a team-best seven assists, and Josh Bryan led the bench scoring with nine points.

Marian will play against No. 15 Rocky Mountain on Sunday afternoon, as the Knights tip their penultimate non-conference game of the season.

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