The Malone University men's basketball team scored on 14 of its first 15 possessions and juniors Jaret Majestic and Marcus Ernst combined for 51 points in an entertaining 99-94 road win Monday night at Tiffin University. With the win, Malone improved to 7-5 on the season and 2-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
 
Recap
In an incredible opening sequence, Malone raced out to a 33-12 lead just eight minutes into the game. The Pioneers scored on each of their first 11 possessions and 14 of their first 15 to take what would be their largest lead of the game. During the stretch, Malone sank two free throws on its first possession and then made 13 consecutive field goals attempts, including five from three-point range. The only possesion not  to result in points was a turnover.
 
Marcus Ernst, who would make his first 12 field goal attempts during the game, scored 13 points across the run. Jaret Majestic, who buried two long balls, added 10 points while Eli Ramsey and Kenneth McCullough-Lomax Jr. both hit treys. Malone finally missed its first shot with 11:02 remaining in the frame.
 
Despite the first miss, the points kept coming at a torrid pace for the rest of the half. Of the 10 shots Malone missed in the first session, six were recovered via offensive rebounds as the Pioneers totaled nine second chance points. By halftime, Malone led 62-44 and maintained an eye-popping 22-7 edge in rebounds.
 
After shooting 72.2% in the first half, the scoring slowed to a normal pace in the second half. Malone maintained a double-digit lead until the 7:49 mark when a Tiffin jumper made it an 81-72 contest. By the 3:42 mark, Malone was back in front 89-74 following back-to-back layups from McCullough-Lomax, but the Tiffin continued to fight.
 
An 8-0 run helped the Dragons close to within just four points, 93-89, with 1:16 remaining, but Majestic delivered the dagger with his fifth three of the game on the ensuing possession. Tiffin closed the gap to 98-94 with 27 seconds left to play, but it was too little too late as Malone held on for the thrilling 99-94 victory.

Game Highlights

• The 62 points in the first 20 minutes were the most scored by the Pioneers in any half since scoring 69 in the first half against Salem in February of 2012.
• Malone finished 38-of-63 (60.3%) from the field, including an 8-of-16 (50.0%) performance from beyond the arc. The Pioneers, however, were just 15-of-27 (55.6%) at the free-throw line.
• Tiffin shot 36-of-69 (52.2%) from the field, 10-of-25 (40.0%) from deep, and 12-of-15 (80.0%) at the charity stripe.
• The Pioneers ended the game with a 38-31 advantage in rebounding.
• Malone scored 58 of its 99 points in the paint, including two dunks each from Ernst and Mouliom.

Pioneer Highlights

• Jaret Majestic (7-13 FG, 5-10 3PT, 7-8 FT) finished with 26 points, three more than his previous career-high. He added six rebounds, four assists, and a blocked shot.
• Marcus Ernst (12-15 FG, 1-1 3PT) tallied 25 points, three more than his previous career mark of 22. He also contributed six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
• In 21 minutes, Sehill Mouliom totaled 14 points and four rebounds.
• Kenneth McCullough-Lomax Jr. registered 11 points and a career-high eight rebounds in 22 minutes off of the bench.
• Daylan Haynie totaled 11 points and a game-high seven assists.
• Eli Ramsey (3-3 FG) posted seven points, six boards, and three assists.
   

Dragon Highlights

• Joshua Williams scored a game-high 29 points.
• Jairus Stevens added 21 points and eight rebounds.

Up Next
The Pioneers host Waynesburg in their 2019 finale this Friday, December 20th at 3:00 pm.