ASHLAND, Ohio – The Malone University women's basketball team played in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Quarterfinal on Friday against familiar foe Ashland University.

It was the fourth time meeting this season between the two teams, and third matchup in a 16 day span.

The Pioneers held the lead for the majority of the first quarter, but ultimately the Eagles took the lead.

Malone mounted a comeback and overcame the 14 point deficit to tie the game with less than four minutes to go.

However, Ashland came out on top with the 72-65 victory and will advance in the tournament. 

It was the Pioneers second appearance in the NCAA Tournament in program history and the first time earning an at large bid into the tournament.

The Pioneers finish the season with a 21-10 overall record and a 14-6 mark in conference play.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: No. 1 Ashland University 72 – No. 8 Malone University 65
• Records: Malone (21-10, 14-6 G-MAC) | Ashland (32-0, 20-0 G-MAC)
• Location: Ashland University | Charles Kates Gymnasium

THE GAME
With both teams coming up empty on their opening possessions, Alexis Hutchison got the ball rolling with a three pointer.

Erin Kaufman pushed the lead back to three after an Ashland layup.

Brooklyn Troyer helped put some more distance between the teams with two shots from deep just 40 seconds apart with about four minutes left in the first quarter.

Unfortunately the Pioneers lost offensive momentum after the media timeout.

Troyer's points proved to be the last points the Pioneers scored in the opening frame as Ashland scored seven unanswered to end the opening quarter with a 13-11 lead.

Hutchison ended the Malone scoring drought at the 8:09 mark of the second quarter with a free throw to close the gap to six.

She later brought the Pioneers within four with a layup.

Ashland went on another big run, before Hutchison got the Malone crowd into the game again with a deep three-pointer.

The Eagles ended the half with a layup to send the teams to the locker rooms with Ashland up 33-23.

The first point of the second half came from Kaufman as she split a pair of free throws.

The Eagles responded by pushing the lead out to their largest of the night at 14.

Malone's offensive and defensive efforts became to come alive.

Troyer and Hutchison combined for seven unanswered points while the defensive end had five defensive rebounds before Ashland could score again on a layup.

The Pioneers worked to continue to break into the Eagles' lead, but the third quarter finished with Ashland up 11 points.

Hutchison started the scoring the final quarter with another shot from behind the arc.

Ashland responded with their own three and a layup. But Brinn Hunt hit a three-pointer to start a scoring rally for the Pioneers and really get the Pioneer crowd back into the game.

Hunt hit back to back threes, while Kaufman and Hutchison combined for six points from within the paint to cut the lead to just 1 point.

The scoring run sparked "Let's Go Malone!" and "Defense" chants from the Malone fans seated behind the team bench.

A third three ball from Hunt in the span of a few minutes gave Malone a 59-57 lead with just 4:05 left in the game to complete the comeback. In the process it electrified both the Malone bench and faithful while quieting the home crowd.

Ashland tied up the game and retook the lead with a three-point shot.

The teams started to trade free throws, but with Ashland sank six of six within the final minute while Malone was able to only score on an Alexis Hutchison layup.

Ashland ended the game on top 72-65.

THE DETAILS

• Alexis Hutchison had multiple game highs with her 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. She finishes her Pioneer career at 8th all-time in assists, 11th all-time in scoring, and tied for 10th all-time in steals.
• Brooklyn Troyer was the only other Pioneer in double-digit scoring with her 3 three-pointers en route to 13 total points.
• Brinn Hunt scored all nine of her points from beyond the arc in the Pioneers fourth quarter comeback effort.
• Emma Kallas will conclude her Malone career inside the top 30 on the all-time scoring list with 910 career points. She also contributed to the Pioneer effort with five rebounds.
• Malone's defense came away with 7 steals in the fourth quarter. The Pioneers also shot 66.7% from the field in the final frame. 

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
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 www.malonepioneers.com.