SAN ANTONIO, Texas — No. 14 ranked University of St. Thomas made 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch to hold off Marietta College, 73-65, Sunday evening in the second round of the Leslie Robinson Holiday Classic being hosted by Trinity University. Marietta moves to 6-6 on the season, while St. Thomas improves to 9-1 overall.

“Tough outcome tonight. We are not accepting of the outcome but are proud of our team’s fight to give us chances at the end of the game against a great team. They mostly likely will be a Top 10 team in the country in the next poll,” Marietta head coach Andy Bucheit said. “Our guys did not back down. If we continue to stack days, compete in practice and games, and handle adversity, our team will be dangerous. We all have a sour taste in our mouth, and we are ready to get back into OAC play.”

St. Thomas jumped out to an early lead, but a 3-pointer from Elijah Harden tied the game, 15-15, with eight minutes left in the first half. After the Harden triple, St. Thomas went on a 14-0 run building a 29-15 lead with two minutes on the clock and took a 34-20 advantage into halftime.

The Celts opened the second half with two quick buckets extending the lead to 18 points, 38-20. Midway through the second half Marietta went on a 17-6 run to get within five points, 59-54, with 5:35 left in the game. Three straight buckets from Mason Woisniewski triggered the Pioneer run.

Jai Guerra-Howard cut the deficit to four, 63-59, with a layup at the 3:32 mark. The Pioneers forced a St. Thomas turnover on the ensuing possession and had a chance to make it a one possession game, but Guerra-Howard was whistled for an offensive foul giving the ball back to the Celts.

Marietta missed shots on its next three possessions, while St. Thomas was converting free throws. Late 3-pointers from Jake Singleton and Guerra-Howard were not enough as St. Thomas escaped with the 73-65 victory.

Guerra-Howard led the Pioneers with 23 points and seven rebounds. Darius Carden came off the bench to score 13 points and grab five boards. Wisniewski added 10 points.

Corey Thompson finished with 21 points for St. Thomas. Reyce Allen had 16 points and eight rebounds, while Nathan Kongolo added 15 points. Angel Johnson chipped in with 11 points and five boards.

Marietta is off until the New Year. The Pioneers host Wilmington College on Saturday (Jan. 3) at 1 p.m.