Box Score GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College tuned up for its big game with St. Norbert College by using a huge finish to knock off Ashford University 50-44 in a non-conference contest Wednesday night at Darby Gymnasium.

After trailing by as many as six in the first half, Grinnell evened the score at 24-all by halftime. After Ashford took a 42-35 lead midway through the final half, the Pioneers reeled off 15 of the game's final 17 points to secure the win.

Tolu Alabi '13 paced the Pioneers, who improved to 10-10, with 14 points. Michelle Briggs '13 added 12 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and two steals, while Cristal Coleman '15 tallied eight points and a pair of steals. Alissa Hirsh '16 contributed five assists and two steals.

Madison Wagner scored 18 points for the Saints, who fell to 11-15.

Ashford scored eight of the game's first 10 points before the Pioneers chipped away, tying it at 12-all on a jumper by Alabi. Ashford went up by four a few times after that before Grinnell tied it at halftime when Abby Jaeger '14 sank two free throws and Hirsh another pair.

The Saints went up 42-35 with 10:10 left, but then it was all Pioneers. Alabi made a free throw, Briggs sank two and hit a jumper and Alabi scored a layup to even the score at 42-all with 6:07 left.

Boldt then drained a 3-pointer with 4:34 to go, giving the Pioneers the lead for good. Ashford did make two free throws, but Jaeger answered with a layup at the 2:42 mark to make it 47-44.

Jaeger had two more free throws at the 2:12 mark and Hirsh drained two with a second to go to finish off the victory.

In all, Grinnell held the Saints to 0-of-14 shooting from the field in the final 10 minutes while also forcing three turnovers. Grinnell finished with just 11 turnovers, about 10 under its season average.

The Pioneers will attempt to keep in the hunt for a spot in the Midwest Conference Tournament Saturday when they entertain St. Norbert College. The Senior Day clash is slated for 1 p.m.