WATERLOO - Waterloo Columbus has enjoyed stretches of good basketball through the early portion of the 2011-12 boys season.

There have also been stretches that have proved costly for the Sailors, like their slow start Tuesday that ultimately sent Marion on its way to a 59-46 Wamac Conference victory.

"It seems like we always dig ourselves into a hole to start," said senior guard Tyler Welcher, who tossed in 22 points to lead all scorers. "When we have started out strong this year, we have won those games. We need to put forth a little more effort and heart.

"Right now we are dealing with a lot of adversity," Welcher added, referring to the absence Tuesday of ailing coach Troy Ersland and several banged-up players.

Marion jumped out to a 9-0 lead early and was in control by a 34-17 margin at halftime.

"These slow starts have really plagued us this year," Columbus assistant coach Brad Kinsinger said. "We have good players on this team and we just need to find that discipline needed to overcome that and play a full 32-minute game.

"I really think it is there and we will get better with practice and game experience."

The Indians (5-6) had three players hit double digits in scoring with Tyler Gunderson leading the pack with 15 points.

The Sailors turned up the defensive pressure in the final quarter, cutting the Indians' lead to eight points with three minutes remaining, but Marion put the game away from the free-throw line.

"Our record doesn't really matter right now," said Welcher. "We will be ready when the time comes and that is all that matters."

MARION (59): Cale Connoy 0 0-0 0, Tyler Gunderson 5 4-5 15, Brenden Landuyt 3 3-4 10, Jared Huhndorf 5 0-0 10, Isaac Frazier 2 1-1 5, Mark Stone 1 2-5 5, Mitch Wagner 2 4-7 8, Jake McDonald 0 0-0 0, Andrew Davis 3 0-0 6. Totals 21 14-22 59.

COLUMBUS (46): Mitch Maiers 1 0-1 2, Chris Sink 3 0-0 6, Jacob Pratt 4 0-1 11, Tyler Welcher 9 4-6 22, Mitch Eighme 0 0-0 0, Andrew Huff 1 0-0 3, Mike Letkewicz 1 0-0 2. Totals 19 4-8 46.

Halftime - Marion 34, Columbus 17. 3-point goals - Marion 3 (Gunderson, Landuyt, Stone); Columbus 3 (Pratt 2, Huff). Total fouls - Marion 16, Columbus 17. Fouled out - Pratt. Technical foul - Letkewicz.