The Malone University men's basketball team opened its 2014-15 season Friday night at the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge in Romeoville, Illinois but lost to the University of Indianapolis, who was also competing in its first contest of the season, by the score of 87-66.   
 
The Greyhounds, a formidable team who were among others receiving votes in the preseason NCAA Division II national poll and who just recently lost to Indiana University 76-63 in an exhibition contest, jumped out to an early lead in the first half and extended their margin to 46-26 at the half although the Pioneers did outscore their opponents 17-12 over the final eight minutes of the initial stanza. 
 
In the second half, although the Pioneers were down by as many as 35 points, at 76-41 midway through the final period, Malone continued to battle in that final 10-minute stretch trimming the deficit to the final 21-point margin.
 
Three Pioneers tallied double-digit scoring as point guard Ben Haraway and guard Stephen O'Daniel III led the way with 13 points each.  O'Daniel hit three of his field goals from long range while Haraway nailed two from three-point range. In addition, Haraway grabbed three rebounds on the night while both athletes dished out a pair of assists.
 
Forward Mitch Spotleson followed with 11 points and added a team-best seven rebounds while center Brian Stone chipped in with eight points.
 
The Greyhounds also had three players in double figures led by Joe Lawson who tossed in a game-high 21 points.  Brennan McElray paced the team on the boards with 11 rebounds.
 
The Pioneers will compete against NCAA Division II #17 ranked Lewis University (IL), on the Flyers' home court, tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon in a 4:00 p.m. EST (3:00 p.m. CST) contest in their second game of the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge.  Live video will is available at http://www.glvcsports.com/watch/?Live=526 while live stats can also be seen at http://sidearmstats.com/lewisu/mbball.