CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University women's basketball team defeated cross-town rival Walsh University by a score of 70-60. On the season, the Pioneers improve to 15-4 while the Cavaliers fall to 10-9. In the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), Malone jumps to 8-3 and Walsh drops to 6-5.
 
The Pioneers started the first quarter on fire as they secured a 7-0 run with a layup by Erin Kaufman with 7:22 on the clock. The Cavaliers closed the gap to a one-point game until the Pioneers saw Aila Miller sink back-to-back layups to give Malone a five-point lead with 2:28 left. Walsh could not find an answer as Kaufman made two free throws and Elena Oliver nailed a buzzer-beater to put the Pioneers ahead 17-8.
 
The second quarter started great for Malone as Meredith Randulic drained a three to extend the Pioneers' lead to 24-12 with 6:14 left. Malone kept the pressure most of the second quarter with a layup by Oliver to make the score 30-15 with 3:21 on the clock. Walsh closed their point deficit to 30-22 to end the first half.
 
The Pioneers continued the pressure in the third quarter with three 10-point leads throughout the quarter from Kaufman at 9:14, a layup by Brinn Hunt at 6:30, and a jump shot by Nataley Armstrong at 5:09. The Cavaliers could not keep up with the Pioneers as Randulic created a 40-29 lead on a layup with 1:57 on the clock. Malone closed out the third quarter with a 42-34 lead.
 
The fourth quarter continued to stay in the hands of the Pioneers as they had a 13-point lead from a free throw by Kaufman with 3:49 left. Malone stayed on the offensive with a final shot by Randulic to give the Pioneers a 70-60 win over the Cavaliers. Malone finished the fourth quarter with a 64.29% (9-for-14) from the field and a 75% (9-for-12) from the free throw line.
 
Kaufman (20 points) and Randulic (16 points) were key players for the offense as they combined for 36 points over Walsh. Kaufman also finished the game with 13 rebounds to record a double-double. The Pioneers held a 44-30 advantage on points in the paint and 18-6 edge on second chance opportunities. Malone's defense was tremendous throughout the day and held the Cavaliers to 38.9% (21-of-54) from the floor.
 
The Malone University women's basketball team will look to continue their win streak on the road as they take on the Ashland University Eagles on January 29. Tip-off is at 5:30 P.M.