HILLSDALE, Mich. - No. 4 seed Malone pulled away in the second half to stop No. 6 Cedarville, 77-59, in the G-MAC Men's Basketball Championship Game at Hillsdale's Potter Arena.

The outcome halted the Yellow Jackets' tournament run as well as their COVID-challenging season at 12-9.

It turned out to be a contest of key runs with the Pioneers firing the final salvo.

They scored 17 unanswered points in a five-minute span midway through the second period to build a 57-42 margin and Cedarville never recovered.

The Jackets fell into a 34-19 hole, but scored the final 15 points of the first half and the first four of the second.

The spurt of 19 consecutive points gave them a 38-34 advantage. CU's last lead was 42-41 with 13:30 to go.

Conner TenHove recorded a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Branden Maughmer added 13 points.

Stinger Notes:

• Cedarville made its first G-MAC title game appearance since winning the first one in 2013.
• It was the 105th meeting between the two schools in men's basketball.
• Malone beat the Jackets three times this winter and lead the all-time series, 59-46.
• CU is slated to return its top eight scorers for next season.

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