Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team (9-8, 7-6 GLIAC), despite receiving 20 points from senior Cory Veldhuizen and 16 points from sophomore Christian Graves, couldn't quite overcome a 16-point halftime deficit, falling on the road to Hillsdale (MI) College (13-4, 9-4 GLIAC) 86-71 Thursday night.

The Pioneers and Chargers were deadlocked at 24-24 when Hillsdale put together the game's most pivotal run, a 22-6 spurt over the final 6:43 of the the first half. Hillsdale shot 8-of-10 during the stretch, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Malone responded well to start the second half, cutting the lead from 16 to nine within three minutes. The visitors would trim the lead to six points twice in the half, once after a three-pointer from senior Che Richardson with 9:20 to play, and once after a trifecta from Graves with 6:37 left in regulation. On both occasions, Hillsdale responded with points on its next offensive possession and Malone would get no closer than six the rest of the way.

Senior Isiah Elliott and sophomore Brian Stone also reached double-digits in scoring for the Pioneers. Elliott finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Stone poured in 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Malone shot 47% from the field and 29% from behind the arc. Hillsdale went 55% from the floor and an impressive 15-of-27 (56%) from three-point range. The 15 three's by an opponent were a season-high. The most the Pioneers had previously given up in a game this season was 11, which also resulted in a loss to Lake Erie College.

Malone will look to rebound Saturday, Feb. 1st when it hosts the University of Findlay at 3:00 p.m.  Live streaming video and statistics will be provided during the contest.  Click here for links to each.