CANTON, Ohio -- The Malone University women's basketball team is back in action tonight, and looking to rebound after a loss their last time out.
The Pioneers dropped a hard-fought battle last week to the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. Malone's next scheduled game (against Trevecca Nazarene) was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Great Midwest Athletic Conference so the Pioneers have had plenty of time to prepare for tonight's matchup against the Ursuline College Arrows.
The Matchup: Ursuline College Arrows (6-8, 6-8 G-MAC) at Malone University Pioneers (5-8, 5-8 G-MAC)
Where: Osborne Hall
When: 5:00 p.m.
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Video: Great Midwest Digital Network
MALONE-URSULINE HARDWOOD SERIES
Tonight will be the second matchup between these schools this season, and is the 28th meeting all-time. Malone holds a commanding 20-7 lead in the series.
The Pioneers won the earlier matchup played up in Pepper Pike by a final score of 87-82.
In that contest Robin Campbell posted a season-best 26 points on 11-18 shooting from the field. The junior guard also pulled down five rebounds, including two on the offensive end of the floor. Holly Groff also eclipsed the 20-point mark for the second-straight game. She finished with 26 points as well, tying Campbell for the game-high. Groff did most of her damage from beyond the three-point line as seven of her eight made field goals came from distance
Overall Malone has now won four consecutive times over the Arrows. The last Ursuline win came back in January of 2019.
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
- In Malone's loss to Kentucky Wesleyan last week, Emma Kallas exploded for 17 points to lead all Pioneer scorers. That effort tied her career high set last season against Waynesburg.
-
Holly Groff, who has eclipsed the double-digit scoring mark in 11 of the team's 13 games this season, currently ranks fifth in the G-MAC averaging 18.8 points per game. Her 45 made three-point field goals leads the entire country. She is also second in the conference in three-point field goals per game (3.5).
-
The Pioneers continue to do a good job of getting everyone involved offensively. They are fourth in the country in assists (232), and their assist/turnover ratio of 1.23 is second-best in the league. Sharing the ball has led to a nice scoring balance for Malone. Holly Groff, Robin Campbell, Madison Hunter, and Alexis Hutchison are all averaging more than 10 points per game.
-
Defensively the Pioneers also continue to make strides. They currently sit fifth in the conference in average points allowed (74.5). They have forced opponents into 231 turnovers this season, an average of 17.1 per game.
-
Robin Campbell is well on her way to surpassing the 1,000 career point mark in just the third season of her Pioneer career. She enters play tonight sitting on 965 career points
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Ursuline comes into tonight's game off a 90-86 loss at Cedarville on Saturday. The Arrows have now dropped four consecutive games. Their last win came on January 18 against Ohio Valley University.
On the offensive side of the floor Ursuline boasts three players who average double-digit point totals per game: Rebekah Green (11.9), Morgan Mattimore (11.9), and Alyssa Evans (11.4). Madison Cloonan is top-10 in the G-MAC averaging a team-best 8.4 rebounds per game.
Defensively the Arrows surrender 80.1 points per game. That mark puts them at ninth in the conference. Katrina Scheuvront is a force inside the paint as her 1.5 blocked shots per game are tied for second in the league.
WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will make the short drive across town on Saturday for a rivalry matchup at Walsh University. Saturday's tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 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.
