HONOLULU, Hawaii – Trailing by double-digits for majority of the second half, the Saints were able to close the gap and come within single-digits to end the game 77-70 in their loss to Hawaii Hilo on Friday night.

The Saints came within one with two minutes left in the first half; however, lost their offensive touch just seconds later and struggled to gain it back throughout the rest of the game. Demonte Malloy put together another solid performance for the Saints, leading all scorers with 23 points. Marky Adams continued to lead Saint Martin's defensively, with 13 rebounds while adding 12 points.

Hawaii Hilo jumped out to an early lead minutes into the first half, securing a 15-6 advantage at the 16-minute mark. Saint Martin's responded with six straight points coming from Malloy and Adams.
Both sides continued to trade baskets in the half with the Vulcans holding a comfortable lead, until a 9-2 run for the Saints cut the score to one with 2:21 left on the clock. However, turnovers from the Saints allowed Hawaii Hilo to score the next five points to bring the score to 41-35 to end the half.

SMU and HHU struggled to find an offensive rhythm to start the first half, with both teams unable to score for the opening two minutes. After Adams made a free throw shot, the Vulcans scored seven straight points, cushioning an 11-point lead at the 16-minute mark. Hawaii Hilo continued to hold a lead around the ten-point mark for the most of the second half, despite the Saints' best attempts.

After a free throw basket from Hawaii Hilo made the score 76-66, Saint Martin's chipped away at the lead and managed to cut it down to seven with baskets from Logan Rooney and Malloy. However, the comeback attempt was not enough, as the Vulcans secured the victory 77-70.

Along with 23 points from Malloy, he recorded six rebounds and one steal. Adams acquired his sixth double-double of the season, while adding one steal and one block. John Moore and Alex Schumacher combined for 18 points with Rooney adding 8.

Saint Martin's shot 29-for-66 (43.9 percent) from the floor, 1-for-13 (7.7 percent) beyond the arc, and 11-for-22 at the line. On the night, the Saints collected 46 rebounds, with seven assists on 22 turnovers, along with five steals and two blocks.

The Saints will finish out the Division II Power Invitational with a contest against University of Arkansas at Monticello at 3:15 p.m. with live stats and video at smusaints.com.