Box Score

Spurred on by an 18-4 run to open the game, the Malone University women's basketball team (11-5, 6-4 GLIAC) knocked off the defending NCAA Division II National Champions, Ashland Univerisity, on the road 70-53 Saturday afternoon.

After losing their first three conference games, the Pioneers have now won six of their last seven GLIAC contests to move into a tie with Ashland for first place in the GLIAC South Division. The win also snapped a 16-game home win streak for Ashland against opponents from the GLIAC South.

Perhaps most impressive in the win was the fact that the Pioneers led virtually wire-to wire. Junior Lindsy Snyder made a layup on the game's first possession to give Malone its first lead. After an Ashland layup knotted the game at two, junior guard Selena Reale put the Pioneers up 4-2 with a jumper. The Pioneers would lead for the remaining 37 minutes and 30 seconds.

Malone led 32-20 at halftime and scored the first five points in the second half to open up a 17-point advantage. With 12:42 remaining in the game, Malone boasted its largest lead of the contest, 46-24. Ashland tried to mount a comeback, pulling to within 10 at 50-40 with 7:23 to play, but jumpers from junior Logan Pastor and sophomore Tara Schaffter pushed the lead back to 14 points. At no point in the second half was Ashland within single digits of the lead.

Reale and senior Deborah Simmers tied for a game-high 18 points, while Pastor played an impressive all-around floor game, scoring 10 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing five assists.

Malone played stifling defense holding the Eagles to 29% shooting and 1-15 (7%) from three-point territory. Malone shot 39% from the field but was better from deep, connecting on seven of its 14 (50%) three-point attempts. The Pioneers also out-rebounded the hosts 44-39.

Malone will try to extend its win streak to five next Thursday when the squad hosts Tiffin University for an 6:00 pm tip.  Live streaming video will be provided during the contest at www.malonepioneers.com/showcase. Live stats will also be available at http://livestats.prestosports.com/malone/