The Malone University men's basketball team won its home opener against non-conference opponent Silver Lake College (WI) Saturday afternoon by the final score of 91-69.

The Pioneers got right on the board as junior Neil Gingerich made a layup 30 seconds into the game. Malone would continue to go on a 12-2 run before Silver Lake called for a timeout with 15 minutes remaining in the first half. Malone would hold the lead throughout the first half, as the score at intermission was 53-31. The Pioneers were perfect at the free throw line going 10-for-10 in the first half.

In the second half, Malone would maintain its lead by 20 points with 18 minutes left in the game before the Lakers would call a timeout. However, with 6:20 left in regulation, the Lakers would sneak within 11 points making the score 74-63. The defense was solid and the offense was flowing as the Pioneers would then go on a 17-6 run in the last six minutes to seal the victory.

Freshman Ben Haraway and junior Neil Gingerich lead all scorers with 16 points, with Haraway dishing out five assists. A total of six players reached double-digit points today including Brandon Bapst with 13, Mitch Spotleson with 12, Jason Miller with 13 and Brian Stone with 11. Miller finished the game going 5-for-6 in field goals and 3-for-4 at the three point line. Bapst led all rebounders with nine on the afternoon while Spotleson added seven rebounds and five assists.

The Pioneers will return to action on Tuesday, November 25^th as they host non-conference opponent Houghton College (NY) at 6:00 p.m.