CANTON, Ohio. -- The Malone University women's basketball team (8-6, 4-2 G-MAC) defeated Walsh University (3-10, 1-6 G-MAC) by a score of 62-60 in overtime on Thursday evening, January 11 in Osborne Hall. 

Malone-Walsh games are always highly anticipated and the January 11 rendition did not disappoint as the crosstown rivals met on a cold winter's night. However, despite it being cold outside Osborne Hall, the action on Hal Smith Court was hot. The Pioneers jumped out to an early 11-2 lead and set the pace for the game. A pair of free throws by Kyli Horn right before the end of the first quarter gave Malone a 20-9 lead at the end of the first frame. In the second quarter, the Cavaliers came charging back and outscored their opponents 19-12 and found themselves trailing just 32-28 at the intermission. 

The second half was back and forth and had a few fiery moments, including a double-technical on Walsh, which led to Horn going 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. However, Walsh hung around and made life very difficult for the hosts. The visitors fought all the way back and took a late 48-45 lead with under a minute to play. However, Brinn Hunt made a jumper with 30 seconds left and Erin Kaufman made the game-tying free throw with a second remaining to send the game to overtime. 

In overtime, both teams took turns holding the lead before Walsh's Alycia Triplett broke the tie with a free throw to make it 60-59 with 28 seconds to go. The Pioneers brought the ball down the court and with 16 seconds remaining in overtime, Horn found Hunt on the wing for a deep, open three-pointer that ultimately won the game for the Pioneers. With the few seconds the Cavaliers had left to salvage the game, the visitors attempted to score quickly but Aila Miller blocked the final two attempts and helped secure the rivalry win for the Pioneers.

Inside the Box Score

Horn led the Pioneers with 17 points. She added four assists, three steals, and went a perfect 8-8 on free throws.

Kaufman added 13 points and eight rebounds on the night.

Hunt chipped in with 11 points and four boards.

Brooklyn Troyer had 10 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.

Miller had six points, seven rebounds, and two very timely blocks off the bench. 


What's Next

The Pioneers will be in action on Saturday, January 13 as they host Tiffin University at 1:00 p.m. in Osborne Hall.


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