Maryville University Athletics

CANTON, OHIO – Oliver Puljic posted a team-high 18 points but Maryville men's basketball dropped an 81-72 decision at Malone University. Eric Hackett added 16 points, while Brady Sights finished with 13 points and tied for team high honors in rebounding with six.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing by five a halftime, Hackett scored on the opening possession to cut the deficit to 36-33. Malone went back ahead 40-33 but Sights threw down a dunk, and a John Brigham tip-in made it 40-37. The Pioneers made one free throw before Nick Horras scored in the lane. One free throw by Hackett pulled the Saints to within one at 41-40.
 
Malone tried to pull away but the Saints stayed close. Greg Ballard knocked down a 3-pointer to make it 51-49. Puljic answered a Malone basket with two free throws as Maryville closed to 53-51 with 8:27 left. However, the Pioneers used a 10-1 run to go back up 63-52 with just over three minutes remaining to hold off the Maryville rally. The Saints outshot Malone from the field and committed three fewer turnovers than the Pioneers.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Oliver Puljic - 18
Rebounds: Nick Horras and Brady Sights - 6
Assists: Dylan Craven - 5
3-Pointers: Greg Ballard and Alex Johnson - 1
Steals: Dylan Craven - 3
Blocked Shots: Brady Sights - 2
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 0-2
Malone: 2-0
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints stay on the road in Ohio and face Ashland Saturday, Nov. 14, to close out their three game road swing to start the season.