Box Score

The Malone University women's basketball team collected a 76-65 victory over NCAA Div. II and fellow GLIAC member Northwood (MI) University on Thursday afternoon in its first of two contests at the University of Findlay Holiday Tournament Thursday and Friday. With the win, the Pioneers improved to 6-7 on the season, snapping a two-game losing skid, while Northwood dropped to 6-6 overall.

Malone used a blazing three-point shooting effort, hitting an impressive 10 of 13 for 76.9%, and a solid performance at the free throw line, connecting on 18 of 23 for 78.3%, to pocket the win.

Northwood jumped out to the early lead in the contest, leading by as many as 10 points, at 13-3, before Malone slowly battled its way back into the game, eventually tying the contest at 34-all with just 2:24 left in the first frame. From that point, the Pioneers went on a 6-2 run to grab a 40-36 halftime advantage.

In the second half, the Malone edge quickly blossomed to 13 points, at 51-38, with just over five minutes gone in the final 20 minutes before the Pioneer lead swelled to 17 points, the largest of the game (at 57-40), with just 8:46 remaining.  The Timberwolves would not fold, though, battling back to just a 68-60 deficit with 1:23 left before Malone went on to secure the 11-point, 76-65 victory.

While the treys were certainly raining down for the Pioneers, Northwood also drilled eight from long range, albeit on 26 attempts for a modest 30.8%.  Malone also attempted far fewer baskets overall but made them count, sinking 24 of 45 for a solid 53.3% while the Timberwolves made 22 of 55 for 40.0%.  While Malone sank its 18 of 23 from the charity stripe, Northwood hit 13 of 16 for 81.3%, slightly better than the Pioneers' 78.3% percentage. In addition, Malone held a 34-26 margin on the boards.

Guard Lauren Myers scored a season-high 24 points, including her 3-of-4 effort from beyond the three-point arc, to pace Malone while also collecting five rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Forward Lindsy Snyder followed with 15 points and grabbed a team-best (tied) seven rebounds as well. Guard Sydnee Penn also hit twin figures with 14 points while securing two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Guard Selana Reale chipped in with eight points, a team-high seven rebounds and three assists while forward Sarah Bardall added seven points and a team-best seven boards.

Northwood was led by Rachel Church who tossed in 21 points, with five triples, while Savannah Stedman followed with 15 points. Sarah Susan paced the team in rebounds with eight.

Day two of the Findlay Holiday Tournament will be held on Friday as Malone will compete against the host Oilers (7-3 heading into Thursday night's contest vs. Missouri S&T) in a 3:00 p.m. contest.  The contest can be heard on WNPQ 95.9 FM with a live audio stream also available at www.thelight959.com. Live stats will be available as well.