Box Score The Hillsdale College men's basketball team fought back from a double-digit second half deficit to come within one possession of taking the lead with under six minutes to play, but ultimately couldn't get enough done offensively in a 63-57 road loss at Malone on Thursday night in both teams' G-MAC opener.

The Chargers held a 24-22 halftime lead but Malone surged early in the second half with 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions to take a 10-point edge, and the Pioneers led 48-38 with under 13 minutes to play.

Hillsdale clawed its way back into the game with defense, stringing together stops. Freshman Braylon Morris hit a 3-pointer to end Malone's big run, and Cole McWhinnie had six quick points on and-one and a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 50-48 with 5:35 to play.

It wouldn't be enough, however, as the Chargers couldn't sustain their momentum offensively, and Malone made a couple of clutch shots, including a big 3-pointer to push their lead back to multiple possessions. With Hillsdale forced to foul, Malone went 6 for 6 at the line to keep the Chargers at bay late.

The Chargers were able to keep the game close by playing solid defense and taking 10 more shots than the Pioneers, thanks to an edge in both offensive rebounds (10-6) and turnovers (12-7). But ultimately those advantages couldn't overcome a cold shooting night as Hillsdale finished just 38.7% from the floor and 27.3% from 3-point range in the loss, while Malone shot 50% both from the floor and from deep.

Ashton Janowski and Cole McWhinnie each finished with 13 points to lead the Chargers, with McWhinnie also chipping in three rebounds and two steals. CJ Yarian added nine points, four rebounds and five assists for Hillsdale, and Tommy Morgan finished with six points and five rebounds as well.

Hillsdale (2-4, 0-1 G-MAC) returns home on Saturday with a 3 p.m. contest against Lake Erie, looking to get back on track against the Storm.