Canton, Ohio – The University of Findlay men's basketball team went on the road on Saturday, January 10 for a matchup with the Malone Pioneers. Despite trailing for much of the game, the Oilers used a small 12-5 run midway through the second half to pull in front and grind out a 77-71 victory. With the victory the Oilers improve to 11-5 overall with a 5-3 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while Malone drops to 10-5 and 3-4 in the league.

Over the course of the 40-minute contest, neither team led by more than eight points as the two conference opponents battled in a back-and-forth affair. Malone built its' largest lead of the game at 30-22 just before halftime, but a six-point burst by Findlay close the gap to 30-28 through 20 minutes.

The second half saw much of the same with the two teams trading buckets in a game that saw ten lead changes. Findlay took control midway through the second half, but the Pioneers clawed back and pulled even at 68-68. The Oilers got a bucket by junior Anthony Johnson and free-throws from sophomore Alex Kendal to pull ahead 72-68.

After a free-throw by Malone, senior Mekhi Elmore delivered the dagger with 24 seconds left, a triple from the top of the key that put Findlay in front 75-69. Findlay's largest lead of the game came at the end of the game, a six-point lead that would end up being the final, 77-71.

 Findlay shot 44% (28-for-63) in the game including 36% (8-for-22) from deep. The Oilers were outrebounded 47-to-28, but forced Malone into 15 turnovers while committing just seven of their own.

Johnson and senior Jagger Landers led the way for UF with 16 points while Elmore chipped in 11. Senior Mason Brandt had six rebounds to lead Findlay while Alex Kendall had five to go along with eight points.

Findlay is back in action on Thursday, January 15 with a home game against Lake Erie College. Tip is set for 7:30 pm.