MIDLAND, Mich. - The Malone University Pioneers traveled to Midland, Michigan to play Northwood University in a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) game on Saturday. In a closely fought game, the Pioneers were defeated 59-54 to fall to 20-6 overall and 14-4 in conference play. The Timberwolves are now 15-11 and 12-5 in the G-MAC.
 
The game was very tight through the first quarter. Both teams shot close to 35% from the field. Erin Kaufman got the Pioneers on the board with a layup and Brinn Hunt hit a three-pointer to put Malone up 5-0 in the opening minutes. Despite the early scoring, Northwood was in control through the first quarter, 17-14.
 
The second quarter featured a red-hot Northwood offense that was 7-of-13 from the field. The Pioneers remained in the game with 17 points in the period, but the Timberwolves held a 34-28 lead at the break.
 
The third quarter was as if the lid was on the rim with a combined 17 points between the two teams. Malone had just two makes in the period, three-point tries by Kylee Bruce and Nataley Armstrong and trailed 43-36 through three quarters.
 
The Pioneer offense tried to mount a comeback with 18 fourth quarter points, but Northwood did just enough to prevail 59-54. A 7-0 scoring run cut the deficit to just two with eight minutes to play, but the Timberwolves were able to call a timeout to regain their composure and pull off the upset.
 
Kaufman had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead Malone, most of which came in the second half of play. The teams were even with 12 turnovers each, but Northwood was able to make the Pioneer mistakes hurt with a 19-6 difference off opposing miscues.
 
Malone plays their remaining two regular season games at home, beginning with Ohio Dominican University on Thursday, February 27 at 5:30 P.M.