Canton, OH-- After a long layoff, Malone men's basketball (8-4,1-3 G-MAC) was back in action in a non-conference match against Thiel College (3-9,2-5 PAC). The Tomcats who are Division lll members of the President's Athletic Conference came in with just a 3-8 record, but they battled for 40 minutes to keep the game close. In the end Malone got an 82-73 win.

Thiel was coming in with nothing to lose and wanted to bring the energy from the jump. The Tomcats were able to jump out to an early 14-9 lead to start the game. However, that lead didn't last long after two Simon Blair three pointers helped guide Malone back in front at 15-14. Moment's later Aaron Badibo knocked down a three to give the Pioneers another spark offensively. Both teams preceded to exchange buckets throughout rest of the first half and saw the Pioneers up 41-30 at the break.

Coming out of halftime, The Pioneers exploded with energy. Carter Piatt knocked down a three to give Malone a 14 point lead with 16:57 left in the second half. Thiel fought back courtesy of Elijah Harden. He was tough to stop leading the Tomcats with 20 points. After Malone went up by 19 points, it looked like the game was over. Thiel never gave up and they continued to battle. The lead was cut to just 8 with 50 seconds left, but in the end the deficit was to large to overcome. Malone escaped with an 82-73 win.
 
Inside the Box Score

Simon Blair led Malone with 20 points

Caleb Conard was spectacular scoring 13 points and grabbing 8 rebounds

Tahleik Walker finished with 12 points

Aaron Badibo finished in double figures with 11 points, while Biggz Johnson added 10

What's Next
Malone will be back in action on Thursday, January 4th for a G-MAC road contest at Kentucky Wesleyan College. The game will tip-off at 7:45 PM. CT and 8:45 ET.

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