Box Score

The Malone University women's basketball team picked up an impressive 77-70 non-conference victory on the road Saturday afternoon against NCAA Division II Ohio Dominican University. The Pioneers led 31-26 at halftime and then shot a blistering 73.7% (14 of 19) from the field and 88.9% (16 of 18) from the foul line in the second period to secure the seven-point win. Malone's overall record improved to 4-7 with the victory while the Panthers dropped to 1-6.

ODU grabbed a 39-35 lead early in the second half after outscoring the Pioneers 13-4 over the first four minutes of the period. The lead then changed hands back-and-forth several times before seven unanswered points put Malone on top for good with five minutes to play. Guard Amy Kittle got the scoring spurt started with a three-pointer. Forward Alison Schloz followed with a jumper before guard Tyler Darland tossed in a pair of free throws to put the Pioneers in front 62-56. A three by Panther guard Meredith Fox cut the Malone advantage to 64-61 moments later but the Pioneers then proceeded to sink 13 of their next 14 free throws to ice the victory.

After hitting just eight of 32 (25.0%) first-half field goals, including only two of 13 (15.4%) three-pointers, the Panthers found some offensive rhythm in the second stanza, knocking down 18 of 33 (54.5%) shots from the field over the final 20 minutes. However, Ohio Dominican's second-half improvement was not enough to keep up with Malone's net-scorching accuracy during the final period as the Pioneers ended the game having made 25 of 45 (55.6%) field goals, three of seven (42.9%) three-pointers and 24 of 30 (80%) foul shots. ODU countered by making 40% (26 of 65) of its shots from the field, 20% (five of 25) of its threes and 68.4% (13 of 19) of its free throws. Malone committed 17 turnovers but also held a 33-30 advantage in total rebounds.

Kittle tossed in a game-high 23 points as she connected on eight of 13 field goals, including three of five three-pointers, while also knocking down four of six foul shots. Guard Allyson Wilson followed with 16 points, three assists and a game-high 12 rebounds. Forward Sarah VanVoorhis came off the bench to post 13 points. Schloz contributed 12 points and five boards while Darland totaled nine points.

Fox paced the Panthers with 16 points and seven boards. Forward Summer Hale added 14 points.

Malone will be back in action next weekend when it travels to Florida to compete in the Cruzin Classic. The Pioneers will open play at the event on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale with a 10:00 a.m. contest against Manchester (IN) College. The squad will then wrap up play in the sunshine state on Monday (Dec. 20) in Miami Gardens with a 1:00 p.m. contest at Florida Memorial University. Live streaming video of each game will be available for a fee. Live statistics will also be provided free of charge. Click here for links to both.