CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University men's basketball team opened its 2026 season with a 108-77 victory over Bryant & Stratton College on Tuesday evening. The Pioneers are now 1-0 and the Bobcats are 0-1. The win is the first in the career of Tae Gibbs as Head Coach of the Malone Pioneers.
Malone began the 2026 season with fast play on both ends of the floor and the Pioneers got out to a 22-6 lead with 14:58 left in the first half. Aaron Chapman added four straight three point baskets in that stretch for the Pioneers. The Pioneers extended the lead to 27-8 after a Tate Aljancic layup. The Bobcats cut the lead to 27-15 after a three point basket with 11:49 left. Gabe Sisk added a fastbreak dunk and extended the Pioneer lead to 41-22 with 7:12 left in the first half. The Malone offense continued the offensive attack with an Austin Niekamp three that was assisted by Joey DeGeorge and took a 50-25 lead. DeGeorge followed that action with a steal that led to a Jake Bruns fastbreak layup for the Pioneers. Malone held a 60-33 lead over Bryant & Stratton at halftime.Â
Chapman began the second half with a three-point basket and Malone extended the lead to 63-33. The Pioneers extended the advantage to 30 with a Sisk a three and Malone led 74-44. DeGeorge added a tip-in layup that extended the Malone lead to 88-59 with 8:56 left in the second half. Chisom Ibe added to the Pioneer lead with a layup late in the second half. Malone finished the contest with a Khalif Bettis layup and earned the 108-77 victory.
Malone set a team game record in steals in this contest with 24. The Pioneers held the rebound advantage by a 52-43 mark. Malone had 23 second chance points to Bryant & Stratton's nine. Sisk led the Pioneers with 21 points and Chapman was second with 19. Malachi McNair led the team in rebounds with nine. Brandon Heath and DeGeorge led the team in steals with five each.
The Pioneers are back in action on Friday, November 13Â at 1:00 P.M. at home against Maryville University.
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