CANTON, Ohio -- The Malone University women's basketball team will celebrate their senior class prior to this afternoon's Great Midwest Athletic Conference showdown with the University of Findlay.
The Pioneers are looking to make it back-to-back wins at home, coming off of Thursday's 78-64 victory over Hillsdale College.
The Matchup: University of Findlay Oilers (9-9, 9-9 G-MAC) at Malone University Pioneers (7-9, 7-9 G-MAC)
Where: Osborne Hall
When: 1:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
MALONE-FINDLAY HARDWOOD SERIES
This afternoon will be the second matchup between these schools this season. Findlay came out on top in the earlier meeting in January with an 80-72 win.
In that contest the Pioneers attempted 53 three-point shots, shattering the previous program record of 44. Alexis Hutchison led Malone with 17 points. She also had six rebounds and four assists.
Overall it will be the 32nd meeting all-time between the Pioneers and Oilers, with Findlay holding a commanding 28-3 lead in the series.
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
- Alexis Hutchison has been virtually unstoppable lately. The sophomore guard led all scorers with 27 points in Thursday's win over Hillsdale. That number surpasses her career-high of 22 that she just set in Malone's last game at Walsh. The sophomore guard was 11-21 from the field and 4-8 from distance.
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On Thursday night, Robin Campbell became the second member of the Pioneers to eclipse the 1,000 career point threshold this season. Her pair of free throws late in the fourth quarter pushed her over the mark. She now stands at 1,001 career points. Earlier this season Holly Groff surpassed 1,000 with an overtime three-point basket at Tiffin. Groff is now 15th on the Malone University all-time scoring list with 1,205 points.
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As a team Malone ranks within the top five of the conference in: team defense, rebounding defense, field goals made, turnover margin, and assist-turnover ratio.
- Prior to today's tip-off Lexi Manos will be honored. Lexi is a graduate student from North Canton, Ohio. She played her high school basketball at North Canton Hoover High School and transferred to Malone this season after playing three seasons at Lipscomb University. Manos has been a vital member of the Pioneer rotation this season, appearing in 13 of the team's 16 games, and playing an average of 18.5 minutes per game. She has scored 56 total points, including a season-high 10 at Cedarville. Lexi is currently third on the team with 35 total assists, and tied her season-high with 5 in Thursday's win over Hillsdale.
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Thursday night's update to the G-MAC Point Rating System has the Pioneers in ninth. The PRS is used to qualify and seed teams for the 2021 Great Midwest Championship Tournament.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Findlay comes into today's contest after losing two heartbreakers at home this week. On Monday they played nationally ranked Cedarville and held a slight lead at halftime, but a slow third quarter for the Oilers contributed to the Yellow Jackets 77-69 win. Thursday saw the Oilers host the Walsh Cavaliers for Senior Night. Findlay led by nine points late in the game, but Walsh closed the contest with a 13-0 run in the final four minutes to steal the victory.
The Oilers are led by junior Sydney Kin, who leads the G-MAC by averaging 22.4 points per game. Kin also leads the conference in field goals made, field goal percentage, free throws made, total rebounds, and averaging rebounds per game.
Another key player for the Oilers is junior Bridget Landin who is in the top ten of the conference in field goals made, field goal percentage, free throws made, free throw percentage, total rebounds, and average rebounds per game. Findlay also has junior Amber Schweiger. She ranks in the top five in the conference in steals and average number of assists, as well as leads the G-MAC in total number of assists (115).
Beyond the arc, senior Allison Utterback leads the Oilers, shooting just under 38%.
As a team, Findlay ranks sixth in the conference using the G-MAC PRS, and is looking to secure a spot in the post-season tournament in early March.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pioneers will head to Ohio Valley University on Tuesday February 16. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit malonepioneers.com.
