The Malone University men's basketball team registered its fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday night with an 83-68 win at home over visiting Clarion University.

The Pioneers were extremely efficient on the offensive end of the floor, shooting an impressive 65.4% from the field over the course of the game.  Malone connected on 34 of its 52 attempts which marked the highest field-goal percentage for the Pioneers since February of 2002 when the squad knocked down 67.4% of its attempts in a win over Shawnee State University.

Malone improved to 4-2 overall with the victory while Clarion dropped to 1-2 on the season.
 
Game Recap
The Golden Eagles jumped out to a 13-8 lead seven minutes into the contest before Malone went on 13-2 run.  The Pioneers' scoring barrage turned the five-point deficit into a six-point advantage at 21-15 with nine minutes to go in the opening period.  Forward Marcus Ernst contributed five points during the surge, throwing down a fast-break dunk and later converting a three-point play after being fouled on a made lay-up.

The Pioneers would extend their lead to 39-27 at halftime as guards Nate Sheppard and Daylan Haynie each posted 13 points during the opening frame.

Clarion would not go away quietly over the final 20 minutes as the Golden Eagles cut Malone's lead to nine on three separate occasions during the second half – the final time coming at 68-59 with just under five minutes to play.  However, Malone answered back, scoring nine of the game's next 11 points to effectively put the contest out of reach.
 
Game Highlights
-The Pioneers went two-of-nine from beyond the three-point arc in the first half but then made four of eight treys in the second half to finish the game at 35.3% (six of 17) from deep
-Clarion shot 43.1% from the field (28 of 65), 28.6% (four of 14) from three-point land, and 88.9% (eight of nine) at the foul line
-Malone handed out 19 assists on 34 made baskets and committed 17 turnovers against the Golden Eagles pressure defense
-Clarion held a 31-29 edge in total rebounds and turned 13 offensive boards into 19 second-chance points
-The Pioneers grabbed nine steals and blocked four shots
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Sheppard posted his third 20-point performance of the season, finishing with a game-high 25 points (10-of-18 FG, 3-of-8 3-PT, 2-of-3 FT).  He also grabbed six rebounds.
-Haynie registered a season-high 18 points (on seven of 10 shooting) to go with six assists and three steals
-Ernst stuffed the stat sheet, posting a season-high 14 points (on six-of-seven shooting) along with six boards, three assists, three steals and three blocked shots
-Bryce Butler made five of seven shot attempts, ending the night with 13 points, five assists and four rebounds
-Despite battling foul trouble, Ben Evans tallied seven points and four rebounds
 
Clarion Individual Highlights
-Elijah Cottrill paced the Golden Eagles with 24 points and five steals
-Lawrence Lemon followed with 19 points
-Stevan Rodriguez added 13 points and eight rebounds
 
Up Next:
Malone will begin Great Midwest Athletic Conference play on Thursday night with an 8:00 pm contest against Ohio Valley University.