Box Score

The Malone University men's basketball team used a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort to register a convincing 84-60 home win over Waynesburg (PA) University Saturday afternoon.  The Pioneers led from start to finish, jumping out to an early 8-0 advantage after grabbing steals on each of the Yellow Jackets' first three possessions of the contest.  The hosts' lead swelled to 41-25 at halftime and then to as many as 31 points late in the second half.  Malone's overall record improved to 6-4 with the 24-point victory while Waynesburg slipped to 2-7.

Guard Eric Coblentz paced four Pioneers in double figures with a game-high 18 points.  The senior from Hartville, Ohio also grabbed six rebounds while handing out two assists and snagging two steals.  Forward Zach Bates followed with 16 points after connecting on five of seven shots from the field and six of seven attempts from the foul line.  Guard Isiah Elliott added 13 points, six boards, and four steals. 

Forward Cory Veldhuizen posted 12 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season while guard Michael Shull chipped in with nine points off the bench.

Forward Kurt Bonnet led the way for the Yellow Jackets with 12 points.

Malone held a substantial edge inside during Saturday's contest, registering a 52-44 advantage on the glass and outscoring the Yellow Jackets by a 52-28 margin in the paint.  The Pioneers also grabbed 11 steals, netting 22 points off 20 Waynesburg turnovers.

The visitors struggled to find an offensive rhythm for much of the game, ending the afternoon having made 23 of 65 (35.4%) shots from the field, six of 25 (24%) three-pointers and just eight of 18 (44.4%) free throws.  The hosts managed to hit just six of 27 (22.2%) treys, but fared better inside the arc and at the line, sinking 33 of their 79 (41.8%) overall field-goal attempts and 12 of  their 17 (70.6%) foul shots.

Following a week of final exams, the Pioneers will travel to Florida Southern University in Lakeland, Florida over the weekend for a pair of games against NCAA Division II opponents.  On Saturday, Malone will take on the University of Tampa (2-5 overall) in a 5:15 p.m. contest.  The Pioneers will then wrap up their trip to the Sunshine State on Monday, December 19th with a 7:30 p.m. contest against the host Moccasins (6-2 overall). 

Florida Southern is planning to provide live statistics for Saturday's game against Tampa while Monday's game will have a live video webcast to go along with live statistics.  Check back to www.malonepioneers.com next week for links to the multimedia coverage.