UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball team earned its first win of the season, holding off Malone University Saturday at the James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena.

The Cardinals led by 10 points with four minutes to play, but the Pioneers rallied to cut the deficit to two with 1:42 left on the clock. James Toohey made a late layup and hit a pair of free throws to put the game away for SVSU 85-80.

The win moves SVSU to 1-1 to start the season.

How it Happened:

• Malone came out fast and led the contest 11-6 just over four minutes in.
• After a layup from Delano Smith with 5:38 remaining in the first half, SVSU took the lead 29-27.
• A 10-0 run for the Cardinals pushed the home team to a 47-39 lead at the break.
• Malone cut the SVSU lead to five, but a 9-0 run pushed the Cardinals back in front 63-49 with 13:32 to play.
• Malone chipped away at the Cardinal lead the rest of the way, and a pair of free throws from Jaret Majestic pulled the Pioneers to within two.
• James Toohey hit a layup and followed up with two free throws putting the Cardinals up seven and closing out the game.

Inside the Box Score:

• Maurice Barnett led the Cardinals with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding six rebounds.
• Delano Smith scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
• Darnell Hoskins Jr. added 17 points, two 3-pointers, and three steals.
• SVSU shot 33-of-60 from the field, 4-of-10 from deep, and 15-of-23 at the line.
• The Cardinals had 14 assists and nine turnovers.
• Justin Miller scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Pioneers.

Up Next:

The Cardinals remain home to host Olivet College at 7 pm on Wednesday at the O'Neill Arena.