Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team began its weekend trip to the University of Southern Indiana's Bill Joergens Memorial Classic on Friday night by enduring a tough 83-47 loss to the host Screaming Eagles.  Southern Indiana, ranked 12th in the NCAA Division II Pre-season National Poll, shot over 52% from the field (33 of 63) on the evening while holding a decisive 47-19 advantage in total rebounds.  The Pioneers' overall record slipped to 2-2 following Friday's contest while the Screaming Eagles remained undefeated, improving to 3-0.

Two free throws by Malone guard Isiah Elliott had pulled the visitors to within 12-9 a little over five minutes into the contest before Southern Indiana used an 11-2 surge to push its advantage to double digits.

The Pioneers then managed to remain within striking distance for a majority of the first half as a basket by Malone forward Zach Bates made the score 37-24 with 2:20 to play in the opening stanza.  However, the Screaming Eagles then went on an 11-0 scoring run to open up a commanding 48-24 lead, outscoring the Pioneers 4-0 over the remainder of the first half and 7-0 over the first two minutes of the second period.

Malone knocked down 15 of its 42 (35.7%) field goal attempts, three of its 10 (30%) three-pointers and 14 of its 23 (60.9%) free throws over the course of the evening.  USI countered by connecting on three of its 13 (23.1%) attempts from beyond the arc and 14 of its 15 (93.3%) free throws.  In addition to their advantage on the boards, the Screaming Eagles also blocked seven shots and outscored the Pioneers by a 44-8 margin in the paint.

Elliott paced Malone with 12 points, three rebounds and two steals.  Forward Che Richardson added eight points.  Bates, guard Eric Coblentz and forward Shane Maier each tossed in five points while forward Zach Wasson came off the bench to grab a team-high six rebounds.

The Screaming Eagles had four players reach double figures, led by forward Taylor Wischmeier who ended the night with 19 points and seven boards.  Guard Brandon Hogg added 15 points.

Malone's demanding early-season schedule continues on Saturday as the squad wraps up its trip to the Bill Joergens Memorial Classic with a 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST) match up against Bellarmine (KY) Univesity, the No. 1 ranked team in the NCAA Division II Preseason National Poll.  Bellarmine topped Indiana Southeast 79-69 earlier Friday evening to improve to 4-0.  Saturday's game will be broadcast live on the Malone Sports Network (on the radio at WNPQ 95.9 FM or streaming live on the internet at www.thelight959.com) with pregame starting at 1:50 p.m. EST.  Southern Indiana University will also provide live statistics for Saturday's contest (Click here for the link).