The Warriors held five of the six Wildcat scorers to single digits, but were unable to check freshman Trey Unrau, who totaled 34 points.
?There were too many instances of us not getting back fast enough,? McMillen said.
Layups and foul shots ensued, and the advantage Moundridge gained at the line proved decisive.
?They made 18 free throws to our seven, which in a 6-point game is huge,? McMillen said.
After a near-even opening, Marion stumbled while Moundridge banked a 29-20 halftime advantage after cultivating a 14-12 lead in the first quarter.
But the Warriors rallied during the intermission.
?The second half was better as we really challenged them at halftime to be tougher and play with a more competitive attitude,? McMillen said. ?We had our highest scoring quarters of the year in the third and fourth.?
The Wildcats countered by putting the ball in Unrau?s hands and sapping the clock.
When the Warriors were forced to foul in the fourth quarter, Unrau hit 11 of 12 free throws?and finished 16 of 17 at the line for the game.
?The attitude and fight that we showed in the second half is what we want to build on as we get into the second half of the season,? McMillen said. ?We are still very early in the process, but I am seeing small improvement every day.?
Elliot Hett?s 18 points led Marion, with 16 from Isaac Hett and 12 from Luke Gordon in support.
With 12 steals, Marion forced 19 turnovers. In the second half, Marion made 18 of 25 shots?an extra-terrestrial 72 percent?from the field.
