Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team suffered a tough 77-75 loss at Concordia (MI) University on Friday evening as Cardinal guard Marius Williams delivered the game-winning bucket with just 2.8 seconds remaining. The Pioneers, who are competing in two games this weekend at the WHAC (Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference)/AMC (American Mideast Conference) Challenge hosted by Concordia, had trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half before they clawed back to take a 75-72 lead in the final minute. However, Williams drilled a clutch three with 30 seconds remaining to knot the game at 75-75. Then, following a Malone turnover with less than 10 ticks remaining on the clock, Concordia drove the length of the floor and took the lead for good on Williams' driving lay-up. The non-conference loss dropped the Pioneers' overall record to 4-1 on the season while the Cardinals improved to 4-2 overall.

Malone trailed 37-26 at halftime after committing 13 turnovers and connecting on just seven of its 31 (22.6%) first-half field goals, including only one of 13 (7.7%) three pointers. The Pioneers managed to find their shooting touch in the second half, hitting 17 of 33 (51.5%) attempts from the field over the final 20 minutes. However, Williams spoiled the Malone comeback with his two big shots in the final 30 seconds.

On the evening, the Pioneers held a 42-38 edge in total rebounds while picking up 10 steals. Concordia struggled to hit just 14 of 23 (60.9%) foul shots, but made up for it from the floor, draining 27 of 57 (47.4%) field goals, including nine of 19 (47.4%) threes. Malone, meanwhile, shot 37.5% (24 of 64) from the field, 23.1% (six of 26) from three-point range, and 80.8% (21 of 26) from the charity stripe over the course of the evening.

Forward Jock Rottman came off the bench to score a career-high 21 points on 10 of 10 shooting from the foul line, five of nine shooting from the floor, including one of four accuracy from three-point range. Guard Eric Coblentz followed with 13 points. Forward Ebiowei Porbeni notched 10 points. Guard Kyle Higgins posted eight points while guard Che Richardson registered seven points and three steals. Guard Isiah Elliott also made substantial contributions with six points, four assists, three steals and a team-high nine rebounds.

Williams poured in 22 points for the Cardinals, 14 coming in the second half. He also totaled seven assists, three steals and six rebounds. Forward Rocko Holmes and guard John Shaefer each added 14 points apiece for Concordia.

Malone will continue play at the WHAC/AMC Challenge in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday with a 1:00 p.m. match-up against NAIA #25 Siena Heights (MI) University. The Saints topped Notre Dame (OH) College 82-75 in Friday's earlier contest. The Pioneers match-up against Siena Heights will be broadcast on WNPQ 95.9 FM. Fans can also follow the action on-line at www.thelight959.com