The Malone University women's basketball team showed its resolve Saturday afternoon, responding to a 78-53 loss to the University of Findlay just three weeks ago with a 74-70 triumph of their own, spoiling the Oilers' senior day and their postseason hopes.
 
The Oilers, who shot 52.5% from the field in the previous meeting, came out hot, knocking down five of their first eight shots while opening an 18-11 advantage late in the first quarter. The Pioneers, however, didn't back down, limiting Findlay to 4-of-18 (22.2%) shooting (including 0-of-8 from three-point range) for the rest of the first half. Malone, meanwhile, connected on five first-half triples and trailed just 30-29 at halftime.
 
The Pioneers came out scorching in the third quarter, hitting seven of their first ten shots including four more from deep. Senior forward Tara Schaffter, who was in first-half foul trouble and held scoreless in the first 20 minutes, scored ten in the quarter as Malone outscored Findlay 22-16 and took a 51-46 lead into the final period.
 
In an exciting fourth quarter, the Oilers came within three points on five separate occasions but Malone had an answer every time and never relinquished the lead. Midway through the fourth quarter with Malone up by three, junior Rachel Goddard hit a jumper and then a three on consecutive possessions to give Malone a 64-56 advantage and its largest lead of the game. The tireless guard then proceeded to take a charge on the following possession.
 
With just over a minute to play, Findlay knocked down a pair of free throws and managed to bring the game within three points again at 70-67. Malone failed to score on its next look, giving Findlay a chance to tie with 31 seconds left. Findlay junior Karli Bonar, who leads the GLIAC in made three-pointers, had an open look from the top of the key but missed the rim entirely. With the shot clock off, Malone hit four free throws down the stretch and pulled away for the upset win.

Malone Individual Highlights:

• Rachel Goddard led the Pioneers with a season-high 24 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3PT, 8-10 FT) while distributing seven assists...the 24 points was her 2nd highest career total after scoring 31 at Wayne State a year and a day ago
• Tara Schaffter followed up her career-high 22-point effort on Thursday with 13 tallies and six rebounds in Saturday's win
• Senior forward Bri Libertore picked up her third double-double in the last four games, recording 10 points and 10 boards
• Sophomore Alahna Singleton collected 10 points in just 14 minutes off the bench
• Freshman Chrissie Vaughan added eight points, four rebounds, and two steals

Findlay Individual Highlights:

• Margaret Wuebker scored a team-high 19 points and hauled in a team-high eight rebounds
• Haley Horstman and Karli Bonar each added 10 points 

Game Highlights:

• The Pioneers buried 11 of their 26 three-point attempts (42.3%) while holding the GLIAC's best three-point shooting team to just three makes on 18 attempts (16.7%)
• Malone held a slight 31-29 rebounding edge
• Findlay outscored Malone 32-18 in the paint
• Both teams scored 17 points at the charity stripe...Findlay was 17-of-19 (89.5%) while Malone was 17-22 (77.3%)...the Pioneers hit 15 free throws in the 2nd half
• The win was just Malone's third all-time win over Findlay in 25 games

Up Next:

• Malone (9-17, 6-15 GLIAC) will conclude the 2015-16 season with a rivalry showdown at home against Walsh (18-8, 15-6 GLIAC) on Thursday, February 25th at 6:00 pm.