CANTON, Ohio -- The Notre Dame Falcons had a tough time scoring on Tuesday evening, as they scored a season low, 45 points in a 75-45 defeat against Malone. (Box)

For the Falcons (10-18, 5-11), the loss marks their fifth in their last six games. For the Pioneers (18-10, 11-5) the victory gives them three out of their last four, and marks their first win at home since Jan. 21.

Things were rough for the Falcons in the early goings, as they missed eight of their first 11 shots (27.2 percent), and turned the ball over 11 times in the first 10 minutes of the half. The early mishaps allowed Malone take a 16-7 lead. NDC didn't fare much better over the next seven minutes, as the Pioneers went on a 14-4 run to take a 30-11 lead.

The first half was not pretty for Notre Dame, as they turned the ball over 15 times, and shot just 28.5 percent (6-for-21) from the floor. They hit just 33.3 percent of their free throws (2-for-6) and found themselves down, 34-15 at the half.

While their offense got going a little in the second half, the Falcons were not able to recover from the 19 point halftime deficit. Notre Dame did go on a 9-2 run, capped at the 14:42-mark on a 3-pointer from #Phil Biggs# which pulled the Falcons within 11 (41-30), but that was as close as they would get the rest of the night.

The Falcons were held to just 15 points after the 3-ball from Biggs, and they shot just 32.7 percent (16-for-49) on the evening, while turning the ball over 22 times. In addition, they were outrebounded, 41-35.

Malone did what no other team that has faced this Falcons had been able to do, by holding #Eric Dummermuth# to single digits, as he scored nine points. #Curtis McClure# was Notre Dame's leading scorer, tallying 12 points. Biggs and #Taylor Rieger# both added seven points each.

"We just did not execute to the best of our ability at either end of the floor tonight," said Head Coach #Kevin Bille#.  "I hope that we can turn it around quickly and give our fans a great effort in our final home game on Thursday night."

The Blue & White are back in action again on Thursday, Feb. 17, when they head to College Road for their final home game of the season. The Falcons will face Point Park (Pa.). The contest is scheduled to tip at 7:00 p.m.


NOTES FROM THE NEST:

AND THEN, THERE WERE TWO: Only two games remain on the NDC schedule this season. Thursday's game against Point Park marks their final home game of the season. The Falcons will then finish their season on Saturday, Feb. 19, in a road tilt against Cedarville.

PIONEER DAZE: The all-time series between the Pioneers and Falcons dates all the way back to the 2001-02 season. The Pioneers defeated the Falcons in the first five meetings between the two, and four of those five meetings were decided by eight points or less. Notre Dame then ran off four consecutive victories against Malone, from 2008-2009. The Pioneers currently own an 8-4 edge in the all-time series. The Falcons have own four out the last seven meetings between the two teams.

CONFERENCE ROADIES: Tuesday's tilt marked NDC's second last conference road test of the season. While they struggled on the road in AMC play last year, the Falcons have been a tough team to beat away from home in AMC action this year. The Falcons are 4-4 against AMC foes on the road this season. During that stretch, they are shooting 45.7 percent (213-for-466) from the floor, while holding their opponents to a 38.7 percent (212-for-547) clip.

THURSDAY NIGHT – A BANNER NIGHT FOR NDC SOCCER: Notre Dame will honor the coaches and players of the Men's Soccer program at halftime of Thursday's game against Point Park. A banner commemorating the team's NAIA Runner-Up season will be unveiled during the special recognition. The Feb. 17 game will be proceeded by an on-campus broadcast of ESPN 850 WKNR's Afternoon R & R. The afternoon sports-talk show starring Kenny Roda and Michael Reghi will emanate from the Falcon Café.