The Malone University women's basketball team came up short against Walsh University in a rivalry matchup Monday night in Osborne Hall. The #11 ranked Cavaliers led from start to finish in an 81-75 victory as they improved to 23-2 on the season and 16-0 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Malone, meanwhile, dropped to 17-7 on the year and 11-3 in G-MAC play. Despite the loss, the Pioneers remained in third place in the conference standings.
 
Recap
Walsh, which would earn its 18th consecutive victory, rushed out to a 20-8 lead at the end of one quarter while enjoying a 17-5 edge in rebounding and holding Malone to just 4-of-15 shooting.
 
The second quarter saw the Pioneers make up some ground as they outscored the guests 17-12. Freshman Alexis Hutchison totaled eight points in the session, helping Malone close the gap to 32-25 at the break.
 
A three-point basket by Holly Groff two-and-a-half minutes into the third quarter cut the deficit to 37-35, but the Pioneers were never able to lock it up or take the lead. Walsh stretched the advantage to 55-47 by the end of the frame and then maintained a double-digit edge for most of the final quarter before holding on for the 81-75 victory.

Game Highlights

• After a slow start in the first quarter, Malone shot 56.9% (25-44) over the final three frames and 49.2% for the game. The Pioneers were 8-of-20 (40.0%) from deep
• The Cavaliers finished 28-of-62 (45.2%) from the field, 5-of-16 (31.3%) from three, and 20-of-26 (76.9%) at the free-throw line.
• Taking advantage of its length and size, Walsh outrebounded Malone 41-25, including a 16-6 edge in offensive boards and a 13-9 margin in second-chance points.
   

Pioneer Highlights

• Holly Groff, the G-MAC's second leading scorer (19.0 ppg) registered a team-high 23 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
• Alexis Hutchison totaled a career-high 19 points, three boards, a steal, and a blocked shot.
• Robin Campbell accounted for 16 points in just 21 minutes, but was plagued by foul trouble for much of the contest.
• Sydney Wentling added five points and four assists.
   

Cavalier Highlights

• G-MAC leading scorer Quionche Carter recorded a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
• Tyler Newkirk tossed in 21 points along with three steals.
• Mayci Sales collected 15 points, nine rebounds, and five steals.

Up Next
Malone will play its second game of the week this Thursday, February 20th when it hosts Lake Erie for a 6:00 pm tip.