Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team wrapped up play at the WHAC/AMC Challenge in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday by rolling to a convincing 90-69 victory over Siena Heights (MI) University, the 25th ranked team in the NAIA Division II Preseason National Poll. After suffering a tough 77-75 loss in the final seconds to WHAC/AMC Challenge host Concordia (MI) University on Friday night, the Pioneers took control early on against the Saints, hitting seven of 16 (43.8%) first-half treys to build a 48-34 lead at intermission. Malone then continued to pour it on in the second stanza, sinking five more three-pointers and 13 of its 28 (46.4%) overall shots from the field to put the contest away. The Pioneers' overall record improved to 5-1 with the win while Siena Heights fell to 2-5.

On the afternoon, Malone connected on 29 of 65 (44.6%) field goals, 12 of 29 (41.4%) threes and 20 of 23 (87%) foul shots. Siena Heights committed 19 turnovers and was unable to keep up with the Pioneers' hot shooting as the Saints made 37.1% (23 of 62) of their attempts from the field 21.4% (three of 14) of their shots from beyond the arc and 72% (18 of 25) of their tries from the foul line. Each team pulled down 40 rebounds and made eight steals.

Malone guard Eric Coblentz tossed in a game-high 24 points after draining all four of his free throws and seven of 16 shots from the floor, including six of his 12 attempts from three-point range. Coblentz also dished out five assists, pulled down four rebounds and snagged two steals. Forward Nick Watts followed with 18 points, 13 of which came in the Pioneers' big first half. Forward Jock Rottman came off the bench to post 14 points, his second straight game in double figures. Guard Cody Miller chipped in with 10 points. Guard Che Richardson netted eight points while fellow guard Isiah Elliott contributed seven points, nine assists and two steals.

Forward Darrell Boswell came off the bench to lead the way for Siena Heights with 15 points. Forward Logan Mathews added nine points while center Jake Schirmer grabbed eight rebounds.

Malone will be back in action on Tuesday when the squad travels to the University of Findlay for a 7:30 p.m. contest. The Oilers, 4-0 overall, are currently ranked third in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA Division II poll. The game will be broadcast live on WNPQ 95.9 FM. Fans can also listen to the action on-line at www.thelight959.com.