INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian men's basketball team eclipsed the century mark for the first time this season on Friday evening, as the Knights blew past East-West University by a final score of 105-54. Marian's win improves their record to 7-7 overall on the season, as they wrap their non-conference schedule.

The final game of 2024 on the Marian schedule started out back and forth, as East-West challenged Marian in the early minutes of the game. A three from Noah Lovan put an end to the spell as Marian jumped in front 8-4 after three minutes, vaulting their lead to six over the next handful of minutes. Leading 21-17 with 11:50 to play, Marian turned to the foul line to extend their lead beyond two possessions, as Aidan Franks and Hayden Nahra cashed in on their opportunities to make the advantage eight. 

After the game stood in a scoreless drought of over two minutes, a three from Dylan Moles cemented Marian's mark on the game, starting an 11-0 run with 7:30 to play to give Marian a one-sided 18-point advantage. With a 36-18 lead at Marian, Marian would continue to attack the basket over the final 3:45 of the period, out-pacing the Phantoms 17-4 going into the break.

Marian led 53-22 at halftime, shooting a white-hot 55 percent from the field and 58 percent from downtown.

In the second half, Marian continued to pour it on, as the starters pushed the lead to 40 points within the first five minutes of the period. Ehladj Diallo and Noah Lovah highlighted the 15-6 sprint, while Dylan Moles started the next streak to add to the team total. Leading 75-30 with 12:10 to play, the Knights incorporated their bench, getting similar results from Nahra, Franks, and Luke Carroll. Reis Butcher and Jackson Ames would get their hands on the rock as Marian pushed their lead to 50 points for the first time in the game with 8:29 to play, leading 87-36. 

Over the final eight minutes the Knights controlled the clock and ball, getting open makes from Aidan Franks as they put the finishing touches on the landslide 105-54 win. 

Dylan Moles led the Knights in scoring for the third time this season with his team-high 21 points, while Noah Lovan finished the game with 20 points and five assists. Ehladj Diallo scored 19 in the win, and Aidan Franks led the bench unit with 16 points. Luke Carroll would finish as Marian's leading rebounder with seven boards, while Josiah Gustin led the team in assists with six. Gavin Foe had four assists, four steals, and five rebounds in the win. 

All 10 Knights scored one or more points in the victory, while the Knights eclipsed 100-points for the first time in the 2024-25 season. The Knights assisted on 29 of their 39 made baskets, finishing the night shooting 57 percent from the field. 

Marian will resume their Crossroads League slate in 2025, as Marian returns to action on January 4. The Knights host Huntington in their return, tipping off at 3:00 p.m. on the ISC Sports Network. 

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