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The Malone University women's basketball team came up short in its upset bid of the University of Akron on Saturday afternoon, falling by the final score of 63-52 in an exhibition contest with its I-77 counterparts. The Pioneers led at halftime and trailed by just two points entering the fourth quarter, but the NCAA Division I Zips pulled away late to secure the victory in their season opener.
 
The Zips took an early lead with a layup in the game's opening possession, but proceeded to miss each of their next 10 shots from the field as the Malone played well on the defensive end. After missing their first three shots, the Pioneers caught fire on the offensive end, making eight of their next 13 shots to take the upper hand. Junior transfer Baylen Dyrlund put up eight points in the quarter as Malone held the 17-9 lead after one.
 
The Pioneers struggled on offense in the second quarter, going just 3-of-15 from the field and turning the ball over five times. Akron had some struggles of its own but managed to outscore Malone 14-9 in the frame. Despite their scoring deficiencies, Malone still led 26-23 at the half thanks in large part to a stifling defense that forced 10 turnovers and held the Mid-American Conference (MAC) squad to just 26.7% (8-30) shooting.
 
The shooting struggles continued for the Pioneers after halftime as they managed just eight points in the third quarter. Akron junior forward Alli Ball outscored Malone by herself in the quarter, tallying 11 of Akron's 14 third-quarter points.
 
Only trailing by two points entering the final frame, the Pioneers would knot it up at 39-39 following an old-fashioned three-point play by Hannah McCue. The Zips answered back immediately with and-1 opportunity of their own to regain the lead at 42-39. Another basket by McCue made it 42-41 but Malone would never regain the lead as the victors outscored Malone 21-11 down the stretch to hang on for the 63-52 victory.
 
Game Highlights
-Akron finished the game 18-of-23 at the free throw line, making 12 of its 15 fourth-quarter charity tosses
-Malone failed to overcome a poor shooting contest for the second straight night, finishing 19-of-60 (31.7%) from the field
-The Pioneers made just five of their 28 three-point attempts (17.9%) and turned the ball over 18 times.
-Malone played very well on defense, though, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Zips to 34.5% shooting (20-58)
-The Pioneers held a slim 43-41 rebounding advantage but were outscored in bench points 13-5
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Baylen Dyrlund was a force in the paint for the Pioneers, scoring 20 points and collecting a game-high 13 rebounds along with two blocks and a steal
-Hannah McCue added 13 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and a steal
-Rachel Goddard finished with eight points, eight boards, three assists, and two steals
-Chrissie Vaughan chipped in six points on a pair of threes
 
Akron Individual Highlights
-Hannah Plybon led the Zips with 20 points, including 11-of-11 makes from the free throw line
-Alli Ball finished with 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds
-Shaunay Edmonds contributed 10 points and three steals

Up Next
The Pioneers will be off until next Saturday, November 19th when they open the home portion of their schedule against rivals Walsh University. Tipoff is slated for 1:00 pm.