CANTON, Ohio -- Tonight the Malone University women's basketball team returns to Osborne Hall for a Great Midwest Athletic Conference matchup against Kentucky Wesleyan College.

The Pioneers are seeking a fourth straight win, after defeating Lake Erie College, Ohio Valley University, and Ursuline College over the last two weeks. 

MALONE-KENTUCKY WESLEYAN HARDWOOD SERIES
Tonight is the second meeting this season between these two programs. Kentucky Wesleyan won the earlier matchup, played on January 4 in Owensboro, 75-74 on a buzzer-beater layup.

This will be just the ninth time overall these schools have played. The Panthers hold a slight 5-3 edge in the series. 

KWC has now won the last two meetings. The last Pioneer win came back in February of 2019.
 

The Matchup: Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers (8-3, 8-3 G-MAC) at Malone University Pioneers (5-7, 5-7 G-MAC)

Where: Osborne Hall

When: 6:00 p.m.

Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network 

Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network 

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS 
Due to current local health regulations, a limited number of spectators will be permitted to attend each game played inside Osborne Hall. Right now, this access is limited to families of Malone University players and coaches. There is also a ticket allotment given to the visiting team. These tickets will continue to be pre-sale only, and must be redeemed ahead of time through our online ticketing partner Eventbrite. There are still no walk-up transactions permitted at the gate.

Malone University will adhere to school, local and state guidelines as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. If patrons are feeling ill, we ask that you remain home.

All patrons are asked to wear a mask and social distance inside the gym. We also ask that patrons exit the building immediately following the contest.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PIONEERS

1. In Malone's last game on Saturday, an 87-82 win against Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Robin Campbell and Holly Groff both scored a game-high 26 points. That was a season-best scoring effort for Campbell, and the sixth time this year that Groff has totaled 20+ points. The duo combined to shoot 19-33 from the field, 9-15 from three-point territory, and 5-6 from the free throw line. 

2. In that same contest Emma Kallas and Madison Hunter each finished with 11 points to add to the team's double-digit scorers and Hunter pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

3. Individually this season, Groff leads the G-MAC in three-point field goals (43), and is second in points scored (230) and total field goals made (86). She is also tied for the top spot in the conference in minutes played per game (36.8). 

4. As a team, Malone ranks third in the conference in turnover margin (3.50) and second in assist/turnover ratio (1.24). 

5. Robin Campbell enters tonight's game sitting on 951 career points. She is looking to join Holly Groff as the second Pioneer player to make the 1,000 point club this season. Groff eclipsed that mark in an overtime loss at Tiffin back on December 19.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Kentucky Wesleyan enters tonight's game coming off a 97-73 Senior Day win over Hillsdale on Saturday to improve to 8-3 in conference play. In that contest Senior Lily Grimes-Miller led the Panthers with 18 points scored; followed by Kaylee Clifford with 17 points.

The Panthers currently sit in second-place in the G-MAC standings. They also rank second in the conference for team field goal percentages. They are third in total team defense, giving up just an average of 67.6 points each game. KWC is ranked fourth as a team in offense, averaging 80.3 points per game.

Individually, Clifford leads the conference in 3-point field goal percentage, shooting 45.2% from beyond the arc.
 

WHAT'S NEXT
Due to the COVID-19 protocols within the G-MAC, Saturday's contest against Trevecca Nazarene University has been postponed. The Pioneers next scheduled game is set for Wednesday, February 3 at home against Ursuline College. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.