The Malone University women's basketball team suffered a 79-61 loss to Northwood University Wednesday afternoon in a  non-conference road contest in Midland, Michigan. The Pioneers, who have now lost five of their last six games, fell to 4-8 on the season. Northwood, meanwhile, improved to 4-7 with its Midwest Region victory.
 
Recap
After an 8-0 run put the Timberwolves up 8-5 four minutes into the first quarter, Malone countered with four straight points as a layup from freshman guard Mikayla Poole put the Pioneers up 9-8 at the midway point. Northwood answered, however, with a bucket two possessions later and never trailed again. Poole finished with six first-quarter points, but the Pioneers trailed 18-13 after one. Malone would go down by as many as 13 points in the second quarter and eventually went to the half down 37-29.
 
Senior guard Paiten Strother led an offensive charge in the third quarter, knocking down back-to-back triples during a 10-4 run that brought the Pioneers to within two points at 41-39 with 6:06 remaining in the period. The Timberwolves, however, maintained their advantage and led 55-50 heading into the fourth, despite 11 third-quarter tallies from Strother and a 7-2 run by Malone to end the frame.
 
Down by just five entering the fourth quarter, Malone surrendered layups on its first two defensive possessions as the Timberwolves began to pull away. Northwood outscored the Pioneers 24-11 over the final 10 minutes to cruise to the 79-61 triumph.
 
Game Highlights
-Northwood shot 56.3% (9-of-16) in the fourth quarter and 31-61 (50.8%) for the game. The 50.8% mark and the 79 points were the most by a Malone opponent this season.
-The Timberwolves dominated the interior, outscoring the Pioneers 46-28 in the paint and 13-4 in second chances. They outrebounded Malone 32-27, including 12 offensive boards.
-Northwood also held a 24-8 advantage in points of off turnovers and a +12 (19-7) turnover margin.
-Malone shot 22-of-48 (45.8%) from the field, marking is second-best shooting performance of the season.
-The Pioneers were 8-of-21 (38.1%) from three and 9-of-10 (90%) at the free throw line, but could not overcome Northwood's efficiency.
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Paiten Strother finished with a career-high 20 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 3PT, 7-8 FT), a team-high six rebounds, and three assists. She scored 18 of her 20 points in the second half.
-Mikayla Poole scored nine of her season-high 11 points in the first half.
-Chrissie Vaughan added eight points, five rebounds and three assists
-Sydney Wentling chipped in with eight points
-Robin Campbell contributed four points and a game-high five assists.
 
Northwood Individual Highlights
-Grace German totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds.
-Zakiya Wells (7-9 FG) totaled 17 points and five steals in 27 minutes off the bench.
 
Up Next
Malone will face Division I Akron in an exhibition on December 29th.