QUINCY, Ill. - The Quincy University men's basketball team welcomed fans back in Pepsi Arena for the first time since February 22, 2020, but QU never held a led as they were defeated by the Findlay Oilers 77-63 on Friday night (Nov. 12). 

The visitors started out the game by scoring the first seven points. The Hawks missed their first three shot attempts coupled with a pair of turnovers which led to a rocky start. 

Transfer forward Malik Hardmon got the Hawks back in it after he scored 13 of Quincy's first 15 points in the game. At the seven-minute mark, QU trailed by just one point, 21-20. 

Three minutes later, it was still a one-possession game with Findlay leading 26-23 when the Oilers gained some separation before the half. Findlay went on an 8-0 run from the four-minute mark until there was two minutes left before halftime. Their lead grew to as much as 11 points at 37-26. 

Quincy made a late charge before the half and scored six straight points to bring their deficit to five, 37-32, at the halftime break. 

Both teams exchanged baskets at the start of the second half, then Findlay put their lead back into double-digits after a 9-2 run over six minutes of game clock brought the score to 50-39. 

The Hawks cut their margin to single-digits with under ten to play, but Findlay's offense was more efficient down the stretch.

The Oilers shot 51% from the field and 44% from deep in the second half, and they kept QU off the charity stripe. The Hawks shot just three free throws all game. 

QU struggled from deep in the opening game. The Hawks made just seven of 27 attempts (26%) from beyond the arc and converted on under 40% of the field goals in the contest (27-of-68).

Malik Hardmon led the Hawks with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Quincy fell by a final score of 77-63. 

Next Up
The men's basketball team will look to regroup quickly as they square off with Cedarville in less than 24 hours. QU and the Yellow Jackets will tip-off at approximately 6:00 PM following the Truman-Findlay game.