Box Score

The Malone University women's basketball team improved its record to 3-0 for the 2013-14 season with a convincing 82-59 home non-conference victory over St. Joseph's College (IN) Monday evening. 

Malone opened up an early 11-2 lead but the Pumas quickly rallied to grab a 14-13 lead with 11:10 left in the first half. The visitors still held a 21-20 advantage with 7:45 left in the period before Malone went on a 14-0 run to stretch its lead to 34-21.  Then over the final few minutes of the first period, St. Joe's closed the gap to just seven points as Malone led 36-29 at the intermission.

In the second half, Malone pulled away throughout the stanza, opening its largest lead of 26 points at 82-56 with two minutes remaining, before securing the 23-point win.

Malone poured in a solid 57.1% of its field goal attempts (28-49) while holding the Pumas to just 35.3% (18-51).  The Pioneers also held the advantage from beyond the arc, hitting eight of 22 three-point attempts for 36.4% to the visitors' four of 19 for 21.1%.  Both teams fared well at the free throw line with Malone converting 18 of 23 (78.3%) and St. Joe's sinking 19 of 26 for 73.1%.  The rebounding battle also went to the Pioneers by a 39-21 margin.

Two Pioneers led the team in scoring as guards Selana Reale and Deborah Simmers tossed in a game-high 20 points each.  Reale was an impressive 7-for-9 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, and also tallied a team-best (tied) six rebounds and three assists. Simmers sank three baskets from long range and grabbed four rebounds.

Guard Sydnee Penn posted 10 points, including a 4-of-5 effort from the field, while also contributing a team-high (tied) six rebounds and a team-best four steals.  Forward Sarah Bardall also hit twin figures in scoring with 10 points as her shooting was perfect on the night (2-2 FG, 6-6 FT).

St. Joseph's was paced by Tonisha Sanders who tossed in 16 points.  Sanders and Courtney Kvachkoff led the team in rebounds with four apiece.  With their loss, the Pumas fell to 1-3 on the year.

Malone will next compete in another home contest on Wednesday (Nov. 27th) as the squad hosts Ursuline College (2-2) in a 6:00 p.m. game.  Live stats will be available for this game.