GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport mounted a strong third-quarter rally to close the gap to 53–48, but the comeback came up short as the Panthers fell 70–56 to Malone on Wednesday afternoon at the DU Student Center. DU's defensive pressure created 24 turnovers and 14 steals, but consistent shooting proved difficult, as the Panthers finished 37% from the field and 22% from beyond the arc. Malone's 47–28 rebounding advantage - and 30 points in the paint - proved to be the deciding factor.
Davenport opened with early momentum, jumping out to a 4–0 lead before Malone responded with a dominant stretch on the offensive glass. The Pioneers pulled down 11 offensive rebounds in the first quarter and turned them into 15 second-chance points, building a 21–10 lead after the opening frame.
Malone continued to pressure DU in the second quarter, capitalizing on turnovers with nine points in transition. Davenport countered with improved rebounding and a pair of timely threes, but the Pioneers edged the period 18–16 to take a 39–26 lead into halftime.
The Panthers made their strongest push in the third, forcing nine Malone turnovers and converting them into nine points. DU hit eight free throws, added two three-pointers, and stacked seven steals and two blocks in their most energetic stretch of the game, cutting the deficit to 53–48 entering the fourth.
But Malone regained control in the final quarter, outscoring DU 17–8 while holding the Panthers to three field goals on 16 attempts. The Pioneers cleaned up the defensive glass, limited second-chance opportunities, and knocked down six free throws to secure the 70–56 victory.
Looking ahead, Davenport returns to action next week, hosting Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, Dec. 4, for their first GLIAC matchup of the season.
Top Performers
Malone
Erin Kaufman – 14 points, 6-of-7 FT, 5 rebounds
Bridget Barber – 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
Elena Oliver – 12 points, 5 rebounds
Abbey Price – 11 points, 5 made field goals
Davenport
Ellie Toney – 13 points, 2 threes, 8 rebounds
Maddie Geers – 13 points, 6 made field goals, 3 steals
Nevaeh Williams – 7 points, 7 steals, 5 assists
Reese Polega – 6 points, 4 blocks, 4 rebounds
