The Malone University men's basketball team dropped its non-conference contest at NCAA Division II #1 West Liberty (WV) University on Wednesday night by a final tally of 96-73.

The Hilltoppers (9-0 overall), who entered the game ranked second in the nation in scoring and third in three-pointers, took a 47-33 lead into the locker room at intermission and then maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half.

A three-pointer by guard Stephen O'Daniel III gave the Pioneers (3-6) an early 3-0 lead before West Liberty rattled off seven straight points.  Malone would fall behind 18-8 before eventually fighting back to within 28-26 on a three-pointer by guard Jason Miller with 7:25 remaining in the first half.  However, this two-point margin was as close as the visitors would get as West Liberty out-scored the Pioneers 19-7 over the remainder of the period.

Malone shot nearly 46% (26 of 57) from the field and 37% (7 of 19) from three-point range over the course of the evening, but made just 14 of 23 (61%) free throws and was out-rebounded 47-32, which included a 19-8 deficit on the offensive glass.

Forward Neil Gingerich had a big night for the Pioneers, hitting 8 of 11 field goals on his way to a career-high 18 points.  Gingerich also grabbed four rebounds and handed out three assists in his 30 minutes of action.  Miller and forward Gus Simmers provided a lift off the bench, both netting 10 points.  O'Daniel and fellow guard Nate Sheppard each finished with eight points.

Seger Bonifant, who entered the game as the NCAA Division II scoring leader, tossed in a game-high 28 points to pace the Hilltoppers.  CJ Hester pulled down nine boards in the contest to become West Liberty's all-time leader in rebounds, now with 965 career boards.

Malone will be back in action on Friday at Notre Dame College in its final non-conference game of the season.  Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m.