FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Fort Wayne Mastodons used a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away from the IU Indy Jaguars and secure a 71-46 victory in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Monday night at Gates Sports Center.

In a matchup where Fort Wayne was a heavy favorite, the Mastodons methodically broke down the Jaguars after a sluggish first half, improving to 11-5 overall. IU Indy, struggling to find consistent offense, fell to 5-10.

The game’s pivotal shift came immediately after halftime. Leading by just 11 points, Fort Wayne erupted with a 24-point third quarter, effectively putting the contest out of reach. The Mastodons’ offensive execution was crisp, and their defense stifled IU Indy into rushed shots and turnovers during the period. This decisive 10-minute stretch transformed a competitive game into a lopsided affair, showcasing the depth and balance that has defined Fort Wayne’s season.

Fort Wayne established control early, closing the first quarter on a 9-0 run to lead 17-7. IU Indy, led by guard Hailey Smith’s aggressive play, managed to stay within striking distance in the second quarter, trailing 27-16 at the intermission. The Jaguars’ offensive woes, however, were evident as they shot just 16 points in the first half.

The Mastodons’ depth proved overwhelming. Alana Nelson, a 5-foot-11 forward from Springport, Michigan, led all scorers with 15 points and was a force defensively. Lili Krasovec, a 6-3 center from Budapest, Hungary, added 12 points and two blocks in just 18 minutes of action. The backcourt duo of Rylee Bess (11 points) and Nika Lokica (11 points) provided additional scoring punch, while point guard Lauren Lee of Dunnville, Kentucky, orchestrated the offense with a game-high six assists.

For IU Indy, Smith, a hometown product from Fishers, Indiana, finished with 11 points and three assists. Sydney Bolden added eight points, and Australian guard Jemma Amoore provided a spark off the bench with six points in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars were hampered by turnovers and an inability to sustain scoring runs against Fort Wayne’s persistent defense.

The Mastodons, who entered the game with a 95.7 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, validated that projection with a comprehensive performance. They swept the season series from IU Indy, having also won 74-68 in Indianapolis on Dec. 3.

The announced attendance was 509 at the Mastodons’ home arena. Fort Wayne now looks ahead to a quick turnaround with a road game at Robert Morris on Thursday. IU Indy, mired in a two-game losing streak, will seek to regroup before hosting Wright State on Sunday.