INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Youngstown State withstood a second-quarter surge by IU Indy to secure a 69-65 Horizon League women’s basketball victory Sunday at Fairgrounds Coliseum. The Penguins built an early lead behind a 26-point first quarter, but the Jaguars responded with a 24-point second period to trail 39-42 at halftime. IU Indy took a brief third-quarter lead before Youngstown State closed strong. Casey Santoro led the Penguins with 17 points, while Nevaeh Foster scored a game-high 20 for the Jaguars. Youngstown State improved to 19-8, while IU Indy fell to 11-14. An announced crowd of 375 attended.

INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — In a gritty, defensive-minded Horizon League clash that came down to the final seconds, the Youngstown State women’s basketball team avenged a loss from earlier this season by holding off IU Indy for a 69-65 victory Sunday afternoon at Fairgrounds Coliseum. The Penguins, who improved to 19-8 overall, built a significant early lead only to watch the Jaguars mount a furious comeback, setting the stage for a tense fourth quarter where neither team led by more than four points. The game was ultimately decided at the free-throw line in the final half-minute. Youngstown State exploded from the opening tip, connecting on its first four field goal attempts and racing to a 15-5 lead behind the play of guards Erica King and Casey Santoro. The Penguins’ early offensive efficiency, coupled with disruptive interior defense from 6-foot-2 forward Paulina Hernandez, propelled them to a 26-point first quarter and a 39-34 halftime lead despite a 24-point second-quarter surge from IU Indy, fueled largely by guard Nevaeh Foster’s scoring. The third quarter saw both offenses stagnate under intense defensive pressure. The Jaguars, now 11-14, managed just 11 points in the period, while the Penguins scored 13. The frame was characterized by blocked shots, steals, and shot-clock violations, with Hernandez recording three of her game-high five blocks during this stretch. Youngstown State took a 52-53 lead into the final quarter. The fourth quarter featured six lead changes and two ties. IU Indy took its first lead since the opening minutes at 57-56 on a Hailey Smith layup with 8:40 remaining. The teams traded baskets and stops until, with the game tied at 65 and 35 seconds left, Youngstown State’s Hernandez was fouled on a rebound attempt. She calmly sank both free throws to put the Penguins ahead for good. On the ensuing possession, IU Indy’s Destini Craig was fouled but missed both free throws with 27 seconds remaining. Youngstown State’s Sophia Gregory secured the defensive board, was fouled, and made both of her free throws with four seconds left to seal the four-point victory. Gregory, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Alliance, Ohio, orchestrated the Youngstown State offense with a team-high six assists to go with nine points and five rebounds. Hernandez, from Oak Creek, Wisconsin, provided a critical two-way performance with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks in just 20 minutes of action. Santoro, playing all 40 minutes, led the Penguins with 17 points, while King added 15. The Penguins dominated inside, outscoring IU Indy 38-30 in the paint and converting 21 points off Jaguars turnovers. IU Indy was led by Foster, who scored a game-high 20 points. Craig posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Olivia Smith and Hailey Smith each contributed 11 points for the Jaguars. The most critical sequence of the game occurred in the final minute. With the score knotted at 65, Youngstown State missed a three-pointer, but Hernandez secured a crucial offensive rebound and was fouled by Craig, sending her to the line. Her two makes, followed by Craig’s two misses and Gregory’s subsequent free throws, represented a decisive four-point swing in a game where every possession proved vital. The win marked a reversal of fortune from the teams’ previous meeting on Jan. 17, when IU Indy defeated Youngstown State 61-52. The Penguins have now won five of their last six games. Youngstown State next travels to face Northern Kentucky on Thursday. IU Indy will visit Cleveland State, also on Thursday.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — A pivotal Horizon League rematch awaits Sunday when the surging Youngstown State Penguins visit the IU Indy Jaguars at Fairgrounds Coliseum. The Penguins (18-8, 11-4 Horizon), winners of five of their last six, seek to avenge a 61-52 home loss to the Jaguars on Jan. 17. Youngstown State is coming off a 69-62 overtime victory against Robert Morris on Wednesday, powered by 21 points from standout guard Sarah Baker. Baker, averaging 14.1 points per game, has been a consistent force. She scored 10 points in the first meeting but will look for a more efficient performance after the Penguins shot just 30.2% from the field in that loss. IU Indy (11-13, 7-8) has found momentum with three consecutive wins, including a 64-57 victory over Oakland last Wednesday. Guard Destini Craig, who had 15 points and three assists in that win, scored seven points in the January triumph at Youngstown State. The Jaguars’ defense, which forced 18 Penguin turnovers in the first matchup, will be key again. The Jaguars have defended their home court well in conference play, while Youngstown State boasts a strong 8-3 road record. A win would solidify the Penguins’ standing near the top of the league, while IU Indy aims to climb above .500 in conference play. Tip-off is set for Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in Indianapolis.