Canton, Ohio- The University of Findlay Oilers kicked off a series of road trips on Saturday, Jan. 20 to take on the Pioneers of Malone University.The Oilers suffered a 65-61 defeat at the hands of the Pioneers to fall to 7-10 on the year and 3-6 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). Malone, meanwhile, improves to  10-7 overall and starts the year 6-3 in conference play.

The first quarter saw back-and-forth action as neither team held more than a four point  lead. The Oilers entered the second quarter down by two but a quick layup by sophomore Alyssa Ziehler tied the game. However, the Pioneers would go on a 9-2 run to pull ahead by seven with five minutes remaining in the second quarter. The Oilers couldn't quite reach Malone as they would fall another four points to leave themselves down 39-28 heading into the half. 

Through nine minutes of the third quarter, Findlay was able to pull within three thanks to a three-pointer by junior Janae Hoying. Malone earned two points from the charity stripe after a late foul, and then made a jumper just as the buzzer sounded to conclude the quarter. This extended the Pioneers' lead to seven points heading into the final ten minutes. 

Findlay found themselves down 13 midway through the final frame but ended the contest on a 10-1 run. The comeback came too late as the Oilers would fall by four to the home team. 

Both teams performed well from the floor as the Pioneers made 22-of-53 (41.5%). On the other side, the Oilers made 24-of-59 (40.7%). Malone was hot from beyond the arc, making 7-of-21 (35.0%) while Findlay hit just 4-of-17 (23.5%). Rebounding was also a big factor in the outcome as Malone held a 36-to-22 advantage on the glass.

Ziehler led Findlay, recording 18 points. She also added a team high five rebounds and two blocks. Freshman Addisyn Freeman also recorded double-digit scoring, chipping in eleven points. 

Senior Kate Ellis and junior Janae Hoying both recorded nine points. Hoying led the team with four assists. 

Findlay will be back in action as they face Ohio Dominican On the road on Thursday, Jan. 25. That game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30pm inside Alumni Hall.