The Malone University men's basketball team was unable to overcome its second-half shooting struggles on Thursday evening in a tough 61-57 road loss to Trevecca Nazarene University.

The Pioneers took a 35-31 lead to locker room at halftime after knocking down 52% of their shot attempts in the opening stanza, including six of 12 three-pointers.

However, Malone went cold over the final 20 minutes, shooting just 14.3% (four of 28) from the field in the second half.

Despite its offensive struggles, the Pioneers would keep things close throughout the final period thanks to defense, rebounding and free throws.

A pair of made foul shots by forward Djuro Pantos gave Malone its largest lead of the night at 40-34 with 17:35 to play.

The Trojans fought back into the game with a 12-2 scoring run over the next eight minutes that put TNU in front 46-42 with a little more than 10 minutes remaining.

Malone twice cut the deficit down to one point over the next few possessions, but was unable to tie or take the lead.

The Pioneers would get one last chance in the final minute as an offensive rebound and put-back by Malone guard Ty Jordan made the score 59-57 with 44 ticks to go.  The Trojans misfired on a three-pointer on their next trip down the floor, but the Pioneers were unable to convert on their ensuing possession as a missed shot and then a traveling call gave the ball back to Trevecca.

TNU's Michael Thompson then sank a pair of free throws with under two seconds to go, sealing the Trojans' first Great Midwest Athletic Conference victory of the year.

TNU improved to 2-12 overall and 1-5 in conference play with the win while Malone dropped to 9-6 overall and 2-5 in the Great Midwest.
 
Game Highlights
-Trevecca shot 42.1% (24 of 57) overall, including 27.3% (six of 22) from long range
-The Pioneers made a season-low 32.1% (17 of 53) of their field goals and 26.9% (seven of 26) of their three-pointers
-Malone held a 38-33 advantage in total rebounds, including a 14-8 edge on the offensive glass
-TNU blocked five shots and grabbed seven steals
-The Pioneers committed 15 turnovers compared to 11 for the Trojans
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Jordan posted 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists
-Pantos tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists
-Nate Sheppard added 12 points and six boards
 
Trevecca Individual Highlights
-Deion Johnson led all scorers with 17 points.  He also grabbed six rebounds
-Michael Thompson followed with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals
-Jacob Williams tallied 11 points and five boards
 
Up Next:
Malone will look to bounce back on Saturday when the squad travels to Owensboro, Kentucky for a 4:15 pm ET contest against Kentucky Wesleyan College.