Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team, ranked 22nd in the most recent NAIA Division II National Poll, pulled away early for a 79-44 victory in an American Mideast Conference game at Houghton (NY) College on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers fell behind 9-6 in the opening minutes but then took command of the contest by rattling off 15 unanswered points to build a 21-9 lead midway through the first half. A three pointer by Highlander guard Devin Paige brought the Houghton scoring drought to an end, trimming the deficit to 21-12. However, this nine-point margin was as close as the hosts would get the rest of the way. With the lop-sided victory, Malone improved to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in the AMC while Houghton dropped to 4-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

After struggling to shoot the ball effectively in a four-point loss at home to Geneva (PA) College on Wednesday evening, the Pioneers bounced back in a big way on Saturday, draining 51.8% (29 of 56) of their field goals, 52.2% (12 of 23) of their three-pointers and 81.8% (nine of 11) of their foul shots. Houghton, meanwhile, posted its lowest offensive output of the season. The Highlanders fared well at the line, hitting 14 of 18 (77.8%) free throws, but struggled from the floor, making only 13 of 59 (22.0%) field goals and four of 18 (22.2%) attempts from beyond the arc. Malone also held a 43-31 advantage in total rebounds and blocked four Highlander shot attempts.

12 different Pioneers scored in the game, led by guard Kyle Higgins with 14 points. Forward Jock Rottman followed with 12 points and six rebounds. Forward Cory Veldhuizen notched nine points and seven boards. Guard Eric Coblentz also registered nine points while forward Bradson Ephraim contributed eight points and seven rebounds.

Paige led the way for Houghton with 17 points.

Malone will be back in action on Monday evening when the squad travels to Youngstown State University for a 7:05 p.m. contest against the NCAA Division I Penguins. A tape-delayed audio broadcast of the action will begin at 7:30 p.m. on WNPQ 95.9 FM and on the internet at www.thelight959.com.