Tiffin University (4-3, 0-2 G-MAC) put together a second-half comeback to make it close but could not overcome crippling turnovers, falling to Malone 76-61.
Malone came out red hot, shooting 58 percent in the first quarter to lead the Pioneers to a 27-15 lead. They pushed their lead to as much as 17 points midway through the second quarter before entering the halftime lockerroom with a 41-31 lead.
Midway through the third quarter, Malone continued to stay in control with a 52-39 lead when Tiffin made its move. Over the next 8:00, the Dragons outscored Malone 19-7 to pull to within 59-58 with 7:28 left to play.
Tiffin continued to hang close, trailing just 67-61 with 2:22 remaining. The Pioneers outscored TU 9-0 the rest of the way to put the game away.Â
Tiffin's 18 turnovers proved costly, leading to 26 Malone points. Malone also outrebounded the Dragons 42-30 while outscoring them inside 36-30. Malone also outscored Tiffin at the line 15-8.
Isabelle Niederst led the Dragons with 12 points while
Hailey Unger had 11 points and 5 rebounds.
Myka Richardson also tallied 11 points off the bench.
Serenitee Johnson also contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
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