CANTON, Ohio. — The Malone University men's basketball team (14-12, 7-11 G-MAC) won its third straight G-MAC contest, taking down Ashland University (16-9, 10-8 G-MAC) by a score of 67-60 on Saturday afternoon, February 24 in Osborne Hall.

Prior to the game, Malone held Senior Day and honored its three seniors— Aaron Badibo, Jaelyn Etheridge, and manager Ace Waldron. The team went on to make it their responsibility to win for the seniors and keep their G-MAC Tournament hopes alive. They went ahead and did just that in what Malone play-by-play announcer Clint Scroggs called a "gritty and gutsy win" over Ashland.

The Pioneers traveled to Ashland early in the season and walked away sullen after blowing a 12-point lead in a 82-77 loss to the Eagles in the team's G-MAC opener on November 30. This time around, however, Coach Charlie Wallrapp's team seemed to find their form and caused problems for the visitors all afternoon. Simon Blair led the way for the Pioneers as he scored 23 points, dished out four assists, and had three rebounds. Blair was involved in 35 minutes of non-stop play and helped the Pioneers finish off the Eagles.

With just under a minute remaining in the game and a one-point lead, Malone extended its lead through a big Aaron Badibo three-pointer. The Pioneers proceeded to make 5-of-7 free throws via Caleb Conard and Simon Blair to secure the win. Badibo had 12 points and four boards. Tahleik Walker and Jaelyn Etheridge each had eight points and four rebounds. Walker had two blocks and two steals and Etheridge had a block.

The win keeps the Pioneers in the hunt for a G-MAC Tournament berth. Malone will need to win out and get some help from some fellow G-MAC teams to find a way in.

What's Next

The Pioneers are back on the road on Thursday, February 29 as they travel to Tiffin University to face off with the Dragons. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.


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