Dupler Dominates Pioneer's
Houghton,
N.Y.- Jamestown native Ashley Dupler spoiled Coach Wynn of
Malone College homecoming visit. The 6'1" freshmen center
powered her way to 23 points helping the Highlanders defeat
Malone College 64-53.
today the Houghton College
welcomed back Coach Lori Wynn and her Malone College Pioneers
for this afternoons American Mideast North Division (AMC) match
up. Wynn was a basketball standout under Highlander Head Coach
Harold “Skip” Lord.
The Highlanders pounded the ball inside early, Dupler scored
eight quick points giving the Highlanders an early 3 point lead
(11-8, 14:02)
The Pioneers relied on sheer aggressiveness attacking the
offensive glass, creating numerous second chance points. Pioneer
Jr. Nicole Fheer took advantage, scoring three consecutive
baskets for 7 points for the first half.
The game stayed close until the nine minute mark, when So. Lisa
Skrypnik connected with So. Leah French with 11:03 on the clock,
knocking down an important 3-pointer from the corner (23-18).
She then followed that basket with a steal in transition, taking
the ball the other way for an easy lay-up extending the lead to
eight points (26-18).
Pioneer
So. Bree Zehnder knocked down a 17 ft jumper closing the gap to
6 points with 2:21 on the clock staying that way till halftime.
The Pioneer’s struggled to keep the Highlander offense in check
shooting 57% from the field with Houghton’s Ashley Dupleer
leading all scores with 11 points at the break.
Malone made a big push starting the second half with three quick
baskets, tying the score at 35-35, (14:57). The Pioneers looked
good behind the scoring of Sr. Kellyn Murphy who put the
Pioneer’s up one taking the lead for the first time 36-35
(14:01).
Malone’s aggressiveness played a big role putting Houghton’s
Dupler on the bench with three fouls early and getting into the
bonus with more than 12 minutes left in the half.
The game remained close with each team taking the lead several
times, but never extending that by more than two. Malone
struggled to build momentum with three consecutive traveling
turnovers, opening the door for Houghton to take control of the
game.
Dupler's first basket of the second half came at the 5:15 mark
as she was fouled shooting a put back. Dupler made both the shot
and knocked down the extra point giving the Highlanders a timely
five point lead 50-45.
Malone didn’t have much left in the tank with Dupler continuing
to hit shots down the stretch. Houghton extended the lead to as
much as eleven points closing out the game 64-53.
"It was a well-played game in many
respects. Our goals were to defend and rebound harder and take
care of the ball. We were able to hold them to 29% from the
field and we rebounded better than we have in a while," said
Highlander Head Coach Skip Lord. "We also kept our turnovers to
16 overall, with only 6 in the second half. Ten people played
meaningful minutes and they all contributed. Ashley Dupler was
very strong inside, but Marci Jonathan provided some quality
minutes in relief when Dupler was in foul trouble. This was a
big win for us and hopefully, it will be the impetus to get us
headed in the right direction."
The Highlanders were led by Ashley Dupler with a game high 23
points and Leah French had 12 points.
The Pioneers were led by Kellyn
Murphy's double-double 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Highlanders will be back in
action for AMC action at Point Park University on February 1.
The Highlander's improve to 8-9 overall and 1-4 now in AMC North
Division play.
