Photo by: Christopher Corso

(PAINESVILLE, Ohio) - Justin Miller poured in 18 points as Malone held off Lake Erie 81-68 Monday night in a Great Midwest Athletic Conference match. 

Lake Erie (1-10, 1-10 G-MAC) fell behind 18-9 to Malone (6-5, 5-4 G-MAC) in the first ten minutes of action. The Pioneer lead grew to 14 points with 6:54 to play in the first half, but the Storm showed no let-up going on a ten-point scoring run heading into halftime. 

After one half of play, both teams struggled shooting from behind the arc only converting on four attempts apiece. At the break, Lake Erie outshot Malone 47.1 percent to 40.1 percent, but the Storm found themselves down 40-37. 

Both teams traded baskets at the start of the second half and Lake Erie made a run that found themselves out in front with ten minutes remaining in the game. Malone would overcome the Storm lead and shut down Lake Erie's comeback bid. 

Leon Hughes led the Storm with 16 points and four rebounds. Freshman center Jonny Manning added 13 points and 6 rebounds. Jeramie Burge scored 12 points while Jackson Burdyshaw added 9 of the Storm 37 bench points. 

Malone ended the game with 8 players in the scoring column and finished the game shooting 40.9 percent. 

Lake Erie will remain at home Wednesday as they play host to Ohio Valley at 7:30 pm.