ASHLAND, Ohio -- The Malone University men's basketball team began the final week of the 2022-23 regular season on the road. 

The Pioneers traveled to Ashland University for their second matchup this season with the Eagles. 

Malone led by as many as 21 points in the game, but was forced to hold off a huge Ashland comeback down the stretch to secure the 87-80 win. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: Malone University Pioneers 87 - Ashland University Eagles 80
• Records: Malone (15-10, 10-9 G-MAC) | Ashland (18-9, 14-5 G-MAC)
• Location: Ashland, Ohio | Charles Kates Gym

THE GAME
It was not a mathematical must win for the Pioneers, but the win does go a long way in securing their spot in the 2023 Great Midwest Championship Tournament. 

Malone got that effort out to a great start in the first half. The Pioneers shot over 62% from the field, including 61.5% from three-point territory to help build up a 50-33 halftime lead. 

Ashland opened up the scoring with the game's first basket, but it would be another 36 minutes before the Eagles led again. 

Bo Myers gave Malone their first double-digit lead of the night with his three-pointer at the 4:24 mark of the first half. 

Justin Miller poured in eight points in the last seventy seconds of the first half to help send Malone to the break with a 50-33 advantage. 

Back-to-back baskets by Simon Blair to open up the second half gave the Pioneers their largest lead of the night at 54-33. 

Unfortunately the Eagles came roaring back.

Ashland had the deficit down to just ten points at the 14:47 mark of the second half. The Eagles then tied the game at 60-60 with 9:39 still left to play in the game. 

Malone went on a quick 6-0 run, but Ashland responded with six unanswered of their own. 

Eventually the home team fought back to take a 70-69 lead with just over four minutes to play. 

The Pioneers broke a 71-71 tie with a pair of free throws by Levi Seiler. Justin Miller then connected on back-to-back triples to put MU up 79-73 with 1:47 left. 

Ashland got to within four points twice down the stretch, but Malone was able to hang on in the end for the 87-80 win.

DETAILS

• Justin Miller led all scorers with 24 points. He also finished with 10 assists to complete his fifth double-double of the season.
• Bo Myers finished with 23 points. He pulled down 14 rebounds to also finish with his fifth double-double of the year. 
• Levi Seiler added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tonight was his ninth straight game with at least 15 points, and his second double-double performance of the season. 
• Simon Blair's 12 points rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Pioneers. 

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will close out the regular season on Saturday when they host Northwood University. 

Prior to the 3:00 p.m. tip-off the Pioneers will honor seniors: Bo Myers, Levi Seiler, Justin Miller, and Erwin Gutic. 

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.