UNIVERSITY CENTER -- The Cardinal Men's Basketball team opened its 2019-20 preseason exhibition schedule on Wednesday (Oct. 23) versus Delta College, hosting the Pioneers at O'Neill Arena. Saginaw Valley was in control throughout the contest, building a 52-31 halftime lead and eventually closing-out for a 95-60 win over the Pioneers.
SVSU shot 51.4% in the opening half, going 18-of-35 from the floor to open up the 21 point edge over the Pioneers. Malik Ellison had 13 points with three rebounds in the opening 20 minutes while Myles Belyeu made good on 4-of-7 shots in the first half for a dozen points. Fred John Jr. chipped-in with eight points and four rebounds in the first.
The second half saw the Cardinals hit at a 50.0% clip from the floor, closing-out the 35-point victory. Darnell Hoskins Jr. led the way in the second, hitting on 5-of-7 field goals for 11 points and five rebounds. Ellison added another nine points in the final 20 minutes with two assists and a steal. Jack Roberts netted eight second half points, making all three of his shot attempts, including two three-pointers.
Inside the Boxscore
- Saginaw Valley shot 50.7% from the floor for the entire game and 45.2 from beyond the arc.
- The Pioneers hit at a 40.0% clip and 39.1% number from three.
- Ellison posted a game-high 22 points, adding three rebounds with two assists and a steal.
- Hoskins added 19 points with a team-high six boards, three assists, a steal and block.
- Belyeu had 15 points, seven assists and six steals to go along with two rebounds.
- John had 13 points and matched Hoskins' team-best six rebounds.
- SVSU forced 24 turnovers and committed 15 and had a 36-11 edge in points off turnovers.
- SVSU had a 38-28 edge in points in the paint and each team had 36 rebounds.
Postgame Interview - Darnell Hoskins Jr.
Up Next...
Saginaw Valley plays next at Oakland University on Wednesday (Oct. 30) in another exhibition game. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. from Rochester. you can watch the game live on ESPN3 or follow live stats at svsucardinals.com.
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