CANTON, Ohio. -- The Malone University women's basketball team (15-11, 11-7 G-MAC) stumbled to a 76-50 loss against No. 1 Ashland University (25-1, 18-0) on Saturday afternoon, February 24 in Osborne Hall. 

The Pioneers looked ready to face off against the defending National Champions as they jumped to a 2-0 lead 30 seconds into the game and held the Eagles on back to back defensive stops. However, the visitors were not to be stopped. Ashland, who came into the game undefeated in the conference and beating their opponents by an average of 27 points per game, started rolling on offense and showed why they are the top-ranked team in the country in Division II. Though the Pioneers hung around in the first quarter, Ashland pulled away with a huge second quarter and finished the half on a 15-0 run to go into the break with a 46-21 lead. 

The Pioneers came back out for the second half and went on a 13-8 run to try and get themselves back into the game. Despite decreasing the deficit a little, the Eagles were able to keep the Pioneers at bay and continued to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor to see out the 26-point victory. 

The Eagles out-rebounded the Pioneers 41-28 on the afternoon, including 12 offensive rebounds to Malone's five. The visitors shot 45.6% (31-68) from the field and 36.4% (8-22) from three-point range while the Pioneers shot 35.6% (21-59) from the field and just 15% (3-20) from beyond the arc. Ashland scored 19 points off 14 turnovers while Malone scored four off 10. 

Inside the Box Score

Brooklyn Troyer led the way for the Pioneers as the junior had 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists. 

Erin Kaufman had 11 points, five rebounds, and a block.

Aila Miller had seven points and three rebounds. 


What's Next

The Pioneers will be back in action on Thursday, February 29 as they travel to Tiffin University for an important G-MAC game with the Dragons. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.


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