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Marshall came within one final jumper of escaping Wakefield with a win Jan. 13, but Osteen Fraser’s baseline attempt missed at the buzzer as the host Warriors survived 35-34 in a bruising Liberty District boys basketball game.

The low-scoring contest featured the physical play that has become familiar when the two teams meet. Wakefield coach Tony Bentley said the Warriors established that tone early and weathered Marshall’s expected rallies.

“Games like that are what you get between Marshall and Wakefield,” Bentley said. “The referees let them play a bit.”

Neither team found much offensive rhythm. Wakefield shot 29% from the floor, while Marshall finished at 33%. The Warriors led 6-4 after the first quarter, 17-10 at halftime and 28-26 through three periods.

Wakefield held a 35-30 advantage with 4:59 remaining. Marshall narrowed the deficit to one with 3:25 left, but neither side scored again.

Marshall coach Jerry Lin said his team adjusted after Wakefield dictated the physical play early, but its shooting proved costly. The Statesmen made only 2 of 14 three-point attempts and 4 of 9 free throws.

“You can’t do both of those and still win,” Lin said.

Jeremiah Poole put Wakefield ahead for good, 32-30, with a running 10-foot bank shot in the lane at the 5:55 mark. Antonio Posey then connected from three-point range to extend the Warriors’ lead to five.

Trey Lonardo answered with two baskets for Marshall, cutting the margin to 35-34 and completing the game’s scoring. He finished with nine points and four rebounds.

Senior center Anderson Krisko led Marshall with 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Wesley Ochsendorf contributed four points and six rebounds off the bench, while Jackson Fraser recorded two points and four assists.

Wakefield also won the teams’ previous meeting, 38-32. Marshall captured the matchup before that one, 48-32.