INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — In a Horizon League women’s basketball matchup defined by runs and resilience, the IU Indy Jaguars overcame a slow start and a dominant individual performance to defeat the Cleveland State Vikings 78-70 on Wednesday night at the Fairgrounds Coliseum.

The game pivoted decisively in the second quarter. After trailing 14-11 through an opening period marked by sloppy play from both sides, the Jaguars erupted. They outscored the Vikings 22-14 in the frame, fueled by a defensive intensity that would become the game’s hallmark. IU Indy generated 13 steals and forced 18 Cleveland State turnovers, converting those miscues into 20 critical points.

Cleveland State’s offense, which had looked to establish its interior game early, was repeatedly disrupted by the Jaguars’ active hands and switching defenses. The Vikings, who entered the contest with a 17-7 record and were heavy favorites according to predictive metrics, could not sustain their early momentum despite a spectacular night from center Izabella Zingaro.

The 6-foot-4 junior from Bolton, Ontario, was a force for the Vikings, scoring a game-high 24 points on efficient interior shooting. She added a block and a steal in 31 minutes, consistently challenging the Jaguars in the paint, where Cleveland State held a narrow 40-42 edge. Her efforts kept the Vikings within striking distance, but a lack of offensive support and persistent ball-handling issues proved insurmountable.

IU Indy’s victory was a product of balanced scoring and superior ball movement. Guard Nevaeh Foster, a sophomore from South Bend, led the Jaguars with 22 points, including four three-pointers. Her backcourt mate, Hailey Smith of Fishers, orchestrated the offense with 14 points and a game-high six assists. The duo combined for five of IU Indy’s nine steals.

Perhaps the most impactful performance came from forward Destini Craig. The Fort Wayne native provided a crucial spark off the bench, scoring 19 points, many during key stretches when the Jaguars extended their lead. Her ability to finish through contact and contribute defensively was pivotal.

While Cleveland State won the rebounding battle and scored more points in the paint, their offensive execution faltered against IU Indy’s pressure. The Vikings managed only six assists against their 18 turnovers, and shot just 5 of 19 from three-point range. Guard Jada Leonard contributed 11 points and five assists, but also accounted for several of the team’s turnovers.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, showcased efficient offense, shooting 49.2% from the field and a sharp 47.4% from beyond the arc. Their 13 assists on 30 made field goals underscored a more cohesive offensive approach.

After building a 33-28 halftime lead, IU Indy maintained control throughout the second half. Every Cleveland State push was met with an answering basket, often from Foster or Craig. The Vikings closed the gap to four points on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but could never regain the lead. A Foster three-pointer with just over three minutes to play pushed the lead back to nine, effectively sealing the game.

The win improves IU Indy’s record to 9-13 overall, providing a significant boost in conference play. The loss drops Cleveland State to 17-8, snapping a two-game winning streak.

The most important sequence of the game occurred late in the second quarter, transforming a tight contest into one IU Indy would lead the rest of the way. With Cleveland State clinging to a 23-20 lead after a Zingaro layup, the Jaguars unleashed a devastating 11-0 run in just over two minutes. The surge was powered entirely by their defense creating instant offense. It began with a Sydney Bolden steal and layup, followed immediately by another steal from Ariana Williams that led to a Nevaeh Foster three-pointer. After another Cleveland State turnover, Foster struck again from deep, this time assisted by Williams. The run concluded with a Destini Craig layup, giving IU Indy a 31-23 advantage. This flurry, turning a three-point deficit into an eight-point lead, established a cushion and a defensive tone from which the Vikings never fully recovered, despite Zingaro’s persistent efforts to keep them close.

Both teams return to Horizon League action on Saturday. Cleveland State will host Fort Wayne, while IU Indy travels to face Wright State. The two teams will meet again in Cleveland on Feb. 19.