Ashland, OH-- On Thursday night, Malone Traveled up to Ashland for the G-MAC Opener and were looking to secure its first conference win.

In what proved to be a great game, the Eagles prevailed in a 82-77 nail-biter.

Essentials

• Ashland University Eagles 82 - Malone University Pioneers 77
• Records: Malone (5-2,0-1 G-MAC) | Ashland (5-0,1-0 G-MAC)
• Location: Charles Kates Gym | Ashland, Ohio

The Game
This game proved that it was going to be a highly contested, physical game for the entire 40 minutes. From the jump both teams were ready to play and a Tahleik Walker layup put the Pioneers on the board first.

Ashland responded by taking an early 10-5 lead. It looked like the Eagles were going to blow the game open, but Malone continued to battle. Two three pointers by Aaron Badibo cut the Eagle lead to just one. 

Both teams were solid offensively trading buckets back and fourth for the remainder of the half. Both teams were locked even at 38-38 and it was going to be another physical 20 minutes of basketball.

The second half saw Malone take it's largest lead of the game. 

The Pioneers came out scorching hot going on a 12-0 run to start the half. Aaron Badibo, Caleb Conard and Simon Blair all knocked down 3-pointers during the run. The Momentum had greatly shifted towards Malone, but that's when Ashland started chipping away.

Ashland responded with a 13-2 run taking back the lead at 53-52. From that point on it was a back and fourth battle until the Eagle lead was extended to 10 points with 5:41 remaining in the game.

At this point the game was getting dicey. Did Malone have another run in them? 

They sure did! After a Simon Blair three, the lead was 74-70 with a 1:15 left. Ashland held off the late Pioneer comeback and squeaked by with the 82-77 win.

DETAILS

• Simon Blair led Malone with 26 points, 7 assists and 6 three pointers made
• Aaron Badibo was great with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 three pointers made
• Malone had 17 second chance points to Ashland's 9

What's Next
Malone will be back in action this Saturday vs Lake Erie. The Game is set to tip-off at 3:00 PM.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.