CANTON, Ohio – The Thiel College men's basketball team lost a non-conference game on the road to NCAA Division II opponent Malone Pioneers, 82-73, Saturday afternoon to close out the 2023 portion of their schedule.

Thiel held a 14-9 lead with just under 14 minutes remaining in the first half.

Malone closed the first half on a 10-6 run, taking a 41-30 lead into halftime.

The Tomcats pulled within eight points (68-60) with a little over three minutes remaining in the game, but the Pioneers would pull away to earn the win.

Thiel was led by Elijah Harden (Sharon, Pa./Kennedy Catholic) who recorded a game-high 20 points to go along with two rebounds and three assists. Ethan Barnes (Boynton Beach, Fla./Suncoast) tallied 14 points and four rebounds, while Rudy Hyppolite (Lauderhill, Fla./Boyd Anderson) recorded 12 points and nine rebounds. Rayshod Hooper (Baltimore, Md./St. Frances Academy) and AJ Green each recorded eight points apiece.

Malone was led by Simon Blair who recorded 20 points and four assists. Caleb Conard recorded 13 points, while Tahleik Walker recorded 12 points and five rebounds.

The Tomcats will return home and resume Presidents' Athletic Conference play when they host the Bethany Bison. The conference game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.