Box Score

The Malone University women's basketball team suffered a 75-55 defeat in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon at Ashland University.

The Eagles (24-0 overall, 17-0 GLIAC), ranked No. 1 in the most recent NCAA Division II National Poll, led by a slim 32-28 margin with 6:30 remaining in the first half.  However, Ashland then closed out the opening period on an 18-5 scoring run to take a commanding 50-33 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

A three-point play by guard Deborah Simmers pulled the Pioneers (12-9 overall, 8-9 GLIAC) to within 15 at 53-38 in the early stages of the second half, but that was as close as Malone would get the rest of the way.

Playing without the inside presence of injured forward Kari Daugherty, the Eagles relied on some sizzling outside shooting to build their big halftime lead.  Ashland knocked down 18 of 29 (62.1%) first-half field goals, including seven of 11 (63.6%) attempts from beyond the arc over the first 20 minutes.  Malone countered with 50% (15 of 30) first-half shooting accuracy, but the Pioneers were unable to keep up with the Eagles' three-point barrage, hitting only two of their eight (25%) treys in the opening stanza.

Ashland's high-flying shooting percentage would come back to earth somewhat in second half as the Eagles finished the game at 50% (28 of 56) from the field, 52.4% (11 of 21) from beyond the arc and 61.5% (eight of 13) from the foul line.  Malone, meanwhile, concluded the afternoon at 42.9% (24 of 56) from the floor, 20% (three of 15) from three-point range and 50% (four of eight) from the charity stripe.

Guard Logan Pastor led the way for the Pioneers with 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists.  Simmers added 12 points and five boards while guard Selana Reale came off the bench to contribute six points.

Taylor Woods hit five of six three-pointers on her way to a game-high 22 points for the Eagles.  Lindsay Tenyak followed with 17 points on four-of-seven accuracy from beyond the arc.

Malone will look to bounce back on Thursday evening when the squad hosts an 8:00 p.m. contest against Tiffin University (10-11 overall, 7-10 GLIAC).  Live statistics will be available during the game at http://livestats.prestosports.com/malone/