MADISON, S.D. - Ashford University men's basketball senior guard Daniel Joiner of West Chicago, Ill., continued his quest to become the school's all-time leading scorer, moving up to second among all players with a 17-point effort on Saturday.
The Saints (9-6, 1-1 overall) succumbed in a tough matchup against No. 6 University of Sioux Falls, 92-66, in the Stewart Center.
The top-ranked Cougars were also crowned back-to-back NAIA National Champions earlier in the day, beating No. 3 Morningside College (Mo.) in Rome, Ga., 25-22.
Joiner's team-high 17 in scoring column gave him 1,435 career points and moved past three-time All-Midwest Collegiate Conference forward Cash Bimm (2004-2008), who racked up 1,424 points in his four-year tenure.
He is now just 81 points shy of becoming the school's all-time leading scorer, trailing former Mount St. Clare All-American Andre Childs' 1,515.
"We weren't ourselves tonight," Joiner said. "A lot of things we're taught to do and what we've been doing it all season, we couldn't carry it through tonight. But it's exciting to be top scorer and just to be up there with those types of players to come through the school is a great feeling. I'm trying to be focused on my senior season to get as many wins as possible."
"In the first half our defense was a little bit better and we were able to hit a couple shots," he added.
Joiner tied USF's Kelly Hubbard to lead all scorers with 17. The Cougars had five players score in double-digits, including Matt Malloy's 15 -- all in the second half.
Joiner's backcourt mates, Rashad Carrington of Milwaukee, Wis., and Mike Relerford of Rockford, Ill., each added 10 points.
Ashford couldn't make it two in a row against the sixth-ranked Cougars, but stayed within striking distance until the second half, facing an eight-point deficit at the half.
The Saints had uncharacteristic struggles from the floor, converting at a 35.6 percent clip, while USF shot over 50 percent on its attempts from the field.
AU concludes its trip in the Mount Rushmore State tomorrow at Dakota State University. Tip is set for 2 p.m.
(Stats are unavailable at this time)
