CLEVELAND (Interstat) — Cleveland State used a dominant first quarter to build a lead and held on to defeat Robert Morris 68-61 in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Sunday at Wolstein Center. The Vikings opened a 26-19 lead after the first period and maintained a multi-possession advantage the rest of the way despite a late push from the Colonials. Myriam Traore led all scorers with 18 points for Robert Morris. Colbi Maples paced Cleveland State with 15 points. Cleveland State improved to 15-5 overall. Robert Morris fell to 12-6. An announced crowd of 508 attended.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Interstat) — In a Horizon League clash defined by runs and resilience, the Cleveland State Vikings weathered a furious first-half challenge from the Robert Morris Colonials to secure a 68-61 victory in women’s basketball on Sunday at Wolstein Center. The game’s pivotal sequence arrived late in the third quarter, transforming a tight contest into a cushion the Vikings would not relinquish. Leading 45-42, Cleveland State unleashed a decisive 6-0 spurt to close the period. The run was capped by Colbi Maples, who converted a driving layup while being fouled and made the ensuing free throw, followed by a layup from Ayisse Magassa in the final seconds. This pushed the Viking lead to 51-42, a critical nine-point margin heading into the final frame. Robert Morris, which had fought valiantly to erase a large early deficit, could never fully recover. The Colonials had opened the game ice-cold, missing their first seven field goal attempts and committing four early turnovers as Cleveland State raced to a 14-2 lead. The Vikings’ early dominance was fueled by aggressive defense and efficiency at the free-throw line, where they built a substantial advantage they would maintain all afternoon. Despite the disastrous start, Robert Morris displayed remarkable fortitude. Led by the dynamic play of Myriam Traore, who finished with a team-high 18 points, the Colonials clawed back. They closed the first quarter on a 17-12 run and then dominated the second period, outscoring Cleveland State 19-10. A Traore three-pointer just before halftime cut the Viking lead to 36-38, capping a 36-24 stretch for the visitors and setting the stage for a tense second half. The third quarter became a defensive grind. Both teams struggled from the field, but Cleveland State’s ability to generate points at the stripe and capitalize on Robert Morris turnovers proved the difference. The Colonials managed only eight points in the quarter on 3-of-13 shooting, allowing the Vikings to rebuild their lead with the period-ending run. In the fourth quarter, every Robert Morris push was met with a Cleveland State answer. When Traore hit a jumper to pull the Colonials within 59-54 with just over four minutes remaining, Izabella Zingaro responded with a jumper on the other end. Jada Leonard then delivered the dagger, a three-pointer with 3:26 left that extended the lead to 64-56, effectively sealing the outcome. Cleveland State’s victory was a product of defensive pressure and superior work at the free-throw line. The Vikings forced 19 Robert Morris turnovers, converting them into 18 points. More critically, they attempted 27 free throws, making 22, while Robert Morris went 11 of 12. The Colonials shot a better percentage from the field, 44 percent to Cleveland State’s 36.4 percent, but the Vikings’ 12 offensive rebounds and 15 more free-throw attempts provided the necessary extra possessions. Traore’s 18 points led Robert Morris, with Aislin Malcolm adding 14 and Eva Levingston contributing 10. The Colonials, who fell to 12-6 overall, saw a two-game winning streak snapped. Cleveland State, which improved to 15-5, showcased a balanced attack. Maples led all scorers with 15 points, while Leonard and Laurel Rockwood each scored 14. Zingaro was a force inside, adding 13 points, six rebounds and stout interior defense. Macey Fegan facilitated the offense with a game-high four assists to go with seven points and six rebounds. The Vikings, who entered the game as heavy favorites according to advanced metrics, validated that projection by overcoming Robert Morris’s best punch. The win solidifies their position in the upper tier of the Horizon League as the conference schedule reaches its midpoint. Robert Morris will look to rebound at home against Youngstown State on Wednesday. Cleveland State continues its homestand with a visit from Fort Wayne, also on Wednesday.

Preview: Robert Morris Colonials at Cleveland State Vikings CLEVELAND (Interstat) — A key Horizon League women’s basketball matchup unfolds Sunday at Wolstein Center as the Cleveland State Vikings host the Robert Morris Colonials. The Vikings (14-5 overall) enter with a stronger record and will look to protect their home court. Cleveland State is coming off a 68-52 victory over Detroit on Jan. 14, where Izabella Zingaro scored 20 points in just 20 minutes. Zingaro has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 18.8 points over her last five games, including a 23-point performance in a loss to Milwaukee on Jan. 4. Robert Morris (11-5) aims to rebound from a narrow 81-76 home loss to Northern Kentucky on Jan. 10. In that defeat, guard Aislin Malcolm poured in 23 points with three assists. Malcolm has been the Colonials’ primary scorer, posting 20 or more points in three of her last five outings. Support in the frontcourt comes from Eva Levingston, who added 18 points against Northern Kentucky. The contest pits two of the conference’s top scorers against each other in Malcolm and Zingaro. Cleveland State has shown a potent offense, averaging 74.3 points in its last three games. Robert Morris, meanwhile, has struggled offensively at times on the road, scoring just 43 points in a loss at Green Bay on Jan. 4. Historically, this is the first scheduled meeting between the programs this season; they are set to play again in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 14. Sunday’s game is critical for both teams seeking positioning in the Horizon League standings ahead of the final month of regular-season play. Cleveland State holds a 5-2 record at home this season. Robert Morris is 3-3 in true road games. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, 2026.