Box Score

Pocketing its third victory in a row, the Malone University women's basketball team defeated Houghton (NY) College 72-53 in Malone's Osborne Hall Saturday afternoon. After a narrow 48-47 victory the previous night against Roberts Wesleyan (NY) College, the Pioneers were in complete control of today's contest, leading from wire to wire.  Malone led by as many as 20 points in the first half, holding a 39-24 advantage at halftime, and by as many as 27 points in the final frame. In that final 20 minutes of action, the Highlanders drew no closer than the 15-point halftime margin. With the win, Malone improved to 4-5 overall while Houghton dropped to 5-4.

Three Pioneers tallied double figures in scoring paced by guards Caitlin Sharp and Lauren Myers who ripped the nets for 16 points apiece. Sharp was five of six from the floor, with a four-of-five effort from three point range, while netting two of two from the line. She also had a pair of rebounds and three assists. Myers was also perfect at the line (3-3) and collected four rebounds and one assist as well. Forward Lindsy Snyder also hit twin figures with 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-2 FT) and also yanked down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Forward Sarah Bardall was a perfect four-of-four from the field en route to eight points on the night to go along with three rebounds. Guard Sydnee Penn dished out a game-high nine assists and also tossed in seven points for Malone. Penn also secured seven rebounds in the contest.

Houghton was led by Kristen Moose who contributed 19 points while Jennifer Hudson also reached double figures for the Highlanders with 13 points. Alicia Marhefka pulled down a team-best seven rebounds for Houghton.

Malone tossed in a solid 52.9% (27-51) of its field goal attempts while holding Houghton to just 28.8% (19-66). The Pioneers also fared well from beyond the three-point arc at 43.8% (7-16) while the Highlanders sank just six of 27 (22.2%). At the free throw line, each team took 14 attempts with Malone sinking 11 (78.6 %) and Houghton converting nine (64.3%). The Pioneers again had a strong rebounding effort, securing a 43-31 advantage on the glass.

Malone will next compete at the Trinity Christian (IL) College Classic on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Malone faces the hosts at 8:00 p.m. CST (9:00 p.m. EST). Then, on Saturday, the Pioneers will take on Taylor (IN) University at 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST). Both contests are scheduled to have live stats.