TIFFIN, Ohio - The Malone University men's basketball team (9-12, 5-8) traveled to Tiffin University (5-15, 3-9) to face the Dragons on the road in another Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) matchup. The Pioneers were victorious behind a huge second-half comeback to down the Dragons 68-60.
 
The first half was a close physical game as both teams traded momentum-driving plays. The Pioneers had to manufacture much of their offense in the half court as Dragon's defense made it tough for the Pioneers to score. Tiffin's length and shot contesting made it difficult for the Pioneers to get inside shots to fall. It was a team effort for Malone to keep the score close at 10-10 through the first 12 minutes.
 
The Dragons would then go on a 9-0 run to force the Pioneers to call a timeout. Tiffin went up by as much as 13 in the first period, but despite the deficit, Malone persevered as they battled for rebounds and second-chance opportunities offensively. Ryan Bartley led the comeback effort with a big three-point field goal in the closing minutes of the first half, but the Dragons led 30-26 at the break.
 
The Pioneers came out refocused and ready to steal the road win in the second half. Simon Blair took over offensively with 16 second-half points as Malone built their lead up to 15 points, 55-40. Tiffin did not go away, however, and trimmed the deficit down to as little as five on a dunk with two minutes remaining. A block by Fraser LaRocque helped solidify the defense in the final minutes to secure the 68-60 victory.
 
Bartley led the Pioneers with a double-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and was 3-for-6 from deep. Blair assisted with 16 points and a 7-for-9 mark at the free throw line. Tahleik Walker was huge for the Pioneers with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Malone beat Tiffin on glass 40-31 and in second-chance points, going 10-4 in that department. The most significant difference for the Pioneers in the game was a 17-for-20 (85.0%) mark from the free throw line.
 
Malone needed this gritty win on the road to improve their conference record. The Pioneers will take a week off from games as they prepare for their matchup against G-MAC frontrunner and national-ranked University of Findlay Oilers inside Osborne Hall on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 P.M.