FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Interstat) — A tight Horizon League race intensifies Wednesday when the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons host the Youngstown State Penguins in a rematch of a one-possession game from earlier this season.

The Mastodons (14-9, 6-4 Horizon) edged the Penguins 71-69 in Youngstown on Jan. 7 and will look to complete the regular-season sweep at the Gates Sports Center. Purdue Fort Wayne enters having won four of its last five, including an 83-71 victory over Robert Morris last Saturday. DeAndre Craig led the way in that win with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 14.7 points over his last six games.

Youngstown State (11-11, 5-6) arrives after an 85-76 home win over IU Indy last Friday, snapping a two-game skid. The Penguins are led by guard Bryson Dawkins, who is coming off an 18-point, seven-assist performance. Dawkins has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in seven straight games and averaging 17.1 points during that span. His backcourt play will be critical against a stout Mastodons defense.

The January meeting between these teams was a defensive battle, with neither side shooting above 42% from the field. Purdue Fort Wayne’s balance proved decisive, as four players scored in double figures compared to two for Youngstown State. The Penguins will need more secondary scoring behind Dawkins to avoid a similar outcome on the road.

Purdue Fort Wayne holds a two-game lead over Youngstown State in the conference standings. A win would solidify its position in the upper tier, while the Penguins are seeking a road victory to climb back to .500 in league play and bolster their seeding for the upcoming Horizon League tournament.

Wednesday’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Following this matchup, Purdue Fort Wayne travels to Wright State on Saturday, while Youngstown State hosts Robert Morris.