SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Marian Knights never trailed in a 68-62 win over Olivet, but that doesn't mean the first round Charles B. Zimmerman Memorial Classic victory was easy.

The Knights built a 22-point first-half lead, only to see the Comets rally to within two points in the final minute of the game. Marian's Aaron Evans hit four straight free throws in the final 41 seconds to secure the victory and send the Knights into the championship game for the fifth time in seven appearances since 1997.

Marian, which is now 9-4 on the season, will face the winner of the first-round match-up between Wittenberg and Monmouth at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. Olivet fell to 2-8 and will play in the consolation game at 2:15 p.m. Friday.

The Knights lost to Wittenberg in three previous tournament championship games, including an overtime decision in 2009. Marian finished fourth in the 2007 competition, with a consolation loss to Olivet.

The first half was all Marian as the Knights jumped out to a commanding 38-16 lead with 4:39 remaining. Even though Olivet scored seven of the last nine points of the half, the momentum appeared to be firmly on Marian's side.

The Comets picked up right where they left off in the second half, scoring the first 14 points of the second half to close within three at the 15:18 mark. From that point, the lead moved back and forth between two and 11 points, but Olivet could never draw even.

The teams shot an identical 39.7 percent from the field and the rebounding battle ended nearly even, as the two teams split 81 boards as equitably as possible. Marian hit five more three-pointers and five more free throws in the game.

Evans led both teams with 23 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Alex Sylvester added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Dwight Cliff was strong off the bench with 15 points and three boards for the Knights.

Olivet was paced by Alvino Ashley with 17 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Jaren Edsall added 14 points and four boards, while Matt El chipped in with 12 points and nine caroms.