CANTON, Ohio – The Malone University men's basketball team made a comeback in the second half to earn an 80-75 win over Kentucky Wesleyan College. The Pioneers now hold a 11-5 record overall and 4-4 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Panthers fall to 10-7 overall and 4-5 in the conference.
 
Emmanuel Oladeru started the game with a good layup but coming out of the first media timeout Kentucky Wesleyan took a slight lead that they maintained for a majority of the first half. They did so despite baskets from Nic Williams, Logan Forbes, and Tate Aljancic. Shots from Williams and Joey DeGeorge brought Malone within one possession with 9:17 to go in the half, 20-18.
 
A dunk followed by a layup, both from Oladeru, around 7:50 on the clock made the score 24-23. Kentucky Wesleyan extended their lead plus nine after they netted two triples. To end the half, the two teams went basket-for-basket to make the score 41-30. The Pioneers shot 53.85% from the field the first half at 14-for-26.
 
Josiah Pierre had a pair of field goals early in the second half to cut the lead down 46-41. DeGeorge and Forbes hit the first triples of the game for Malone which brought them within four points at 12:23 on the clock, 53-49. Williams joined the triple crew at 9:44 to bring the score within two, 58-56. At 6:23 Oladeru went on a run to give the Pioneers a 65-63 lead. Free throws from Kentucky Wesleyan allowed them to regain the lead but Williams answered with another three at 3:52 that put Malone in front for the remainder of the game. The Panthers kept it close with late threes but the Pioneers went 10-for-12 from the line to secure the 80-75 win.
 
Malone shot 53.60% from the field going 30-for-56. Oladeru was 10-for-15 and led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds. He also earned two steals and a block. Williams ended with 14 points and led in assists with seven total. Malone dominated in points the paint, 52-26.
 
Up next, the Pioneers host Thomas More University for the Athletics Hall of Fame Recognition and Alumni Game. Tip off will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 17.