ASHLAND, Ohio — It was far from easy, but Ashland still managed to take a successful first step in their run for another Division II women's basketball championship.
Despite blowing a big lead late in the fourth quarter, the top-seeded Eagles hung on to beat Great Midwest Athletic Conference rival Malone 72-65 Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. AU improved to 32-0, but not before getting the scare of a lifetime from the Pioneers.
In a rematch of last week's G-MAC semifinals, Hallie Heidmann led Ashland with 18 points and nine rebounds, and conference Player of the Year Annie Roshak scored 16 while shooting only 4 of 11 from the field. The Eagles built a 14-point advantage late in the third quarter and still led by 13 with 8:16 left to play.
However, 8-seed Malone (21-10) stormed back behind the play of Alexis Hutchison, who tallied 32 points and nine boards in what could be her final collegiate game. Brinn Hunt had only nine, but did hit a big 3-pointer with 4:05 to go, and just like that, the Pioneers were shockingly ahead 59-57.
From there, it was Macy Speilman to the rescue, as she tied things back up with a lay-in before putting AU back in front with a 3 of her own. Malone had one last chance to even things up, but Hutchison's long-range attempt with 22 ticks on the clock was no good, and the Eagles made 10 consecutive free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Ashland finishes the season 4-0 against Malone, and will continue to host the Midwest Regional games at Kates Gym. Their second round opponent will be another G-MAC foe in fifth-seeded Trevecca Nazarene (22-9), with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday.