Marietta College defeated California Lutheran University by the score of 83-82 in the championship game of the 54th annual Marietta Shrine Tournament Saturday in Ban Johnson Arena. The Pioneers improve to 4-0 on the season. California Lutheran falls to 2-1 overall.

California Lutheran tried to pull off a last second comeback, but Aiden Crawford’s three-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark.

Jake Singleton hit one of two free throws with 59 seconds remaining to give Marietta an 83-78 lead. A jumper from Ryder Mjoen cut the lead to three. The Kingsmen forced a Pioneer turnover, and Crawford got an offensive rebound and tip-in with 1.3 seconds on the clock to get within one, 83-82.

Following a timeout, Marietta failed to inbound the basketball on the Kingsmen baseline turning the ball over on a five-second call. After another timeout, California Lutheran inbounded the ball to Crawford in the left corner, but his game-winning attempt couldn’t find its mark.

California Lutheran held a small lead in the opening minutes of the game. A Singleton three-pointer at the 18:27 mark gave Marietta the lead, 8-7. The Pioneers led by as many as 15 points in the first half and took a 46-39 advantage into halftime.

The Kingsmen slowly chipped away at the Marietta lead and a layup from Jaden Young with 2:54 left in the game gave them their first lead, 78-77, since the opening minutes of the first half.

Marietta answered with five straight points to go back in front, 83-78. The Pioneers got a bucket and free throw from Elijah Harden, a layup from Singleton and one of two free throws from Singleton setting up the frantic final minute of the game.

Harden was named the Most Valuable Player after leading all scorers with 30 points. Singleton joined Harden on the All-Tournament Team after pouring in 25 points and grabbing six boards. Despite being in foul trouble all game, Mason Wisniewski finished with eight points and four rebounds, while Trenton Collins chipped in with nine points and a game-high seven rebounds.

Crawford finished with 22 points and six rebounds earning All-Tournament honors. Jaden Young added 14 points and was also named to the All-Tournament team. Ryder Mjoen was in double figures with 10 points.

In the consolation game, La Roche University defeated Manchester University by the score of 87-74. La Roche’s Bryce Epps earned All-Tournament honors after scoring 30 points in the win. Manchester’s Ty Lynas was also named to the All-Tournament team.

Up next for the Pioneers is a pair of games in the Great Lakes Invitational being hosted by Washington and Jefferson College on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 21-22). The Pioneers play Trinity (Texas) University at 3 p.m. on Friday and Trine University at 1 p.m. on Saturday.