The Ursuline College basketball team used a 40-point first half to set them up for success in their 77-70 win versus Malone on Monday afternoon.
 
The Pioneers got off to a strong start rattling off nine unanswered points before the Arrows got on the board. Despite the early deficit, UC closed the gap to trail by just three points going into the second quarter 15-18.

The Arrows quickly took control of the game in the second quarter when Bekah Green hit a layup and jumper in the first minute of play. Ursuline's impressive shooting of 69 percent from the field, 57 percent behind the arc and 100 percent at the free throw line led them for the remainder of the half. UC held a 40-34 lead at the break.

The Arrows strong defensive game in the third quarter held the Pioneers to shoot 43 percent from the field and just 16 percent behind the arc. Despite Malone outshooting the arrows 19-18, UC was able to hold onto a five point lead going into the fourth quarter. 

Ursuline knocked out four points to start the fourth before Malone put up a fight. The Pioneers made three shots in a row behind the arc and took at 62-64 lead after a jumper while the Arrows had went scoreless for four minutes of play. Madison Cloonan ended the drought with a layup at the 2:49 mark followed by a jumper from Michaela Cloonan to tie the game. 

It was down to the final two minutes of play when Green drove in for a layup, making the shot and drawing a foul. Green would be fouled three additional times before the end of the game, making a total of six free throws in the last minutes of play. A crucial block by Michaela Cloonan with 13 seconds of play left helped solidify the Arrows 77-70 victory over Malone.
 
Ursuline shot 49 percent (25-of-51) from the field and were 9-for-20 from behind the arc while Malone was 27-of-60 from the floor and 8-of-24 from the three-point line. The Arrows were 18-of-23 from the free throw line while the Pioneers were 8-of-11. The rebounding battle was won by UC, 34-20.
 
Green led the Arrows with 27 points including seven in the fourth quarter to help pull the Arrows pull away. Michaela and Madison Cloonan both finished with double-doubles. Michaela with 17 points and 13 rebounds and Madison with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Evans added in 11 points, two assists and a steal while Ashaolu and Stottberry added six points each. 
 
Ursuline goes into their Holiday break 5-3 on the season. They will look to add one more W to the win column before the year's end in their home game versus Hillsdale on December 31st at 2:00 pm.