Preview: Cleveland State Vikings at IU Indy Jaguars

INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — A surging Cleveland State team looks to continue its climb in the Horizon League standings when it visits a struggling IU Indy squad on Wednesday night at Fairgrounds Coliseum.

The Vikings (17-7) enter on a two-game winning streak, most recently a 69-61 road victory at Northern Kentucky on Saturday. They have won five of their last seven contests. The Jaguars (8-13), meanwhile, have lost three straight and six of their last eight, including a 76-71 home loss to Robert Morris on Sunday.

Cleveland State is powered by forward Izabella Zingaro, who is coming off a dominant 25-point, 15-rebound performance against Northern Kentucky. Over her last seven games, Zingaro is averaging 17.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. She forms a potent scoring duo with guard Colbi Maples, who also scored 25 points in the win over the Norse.

IU Indy will counter with guard Hailey Smith, who leads the team in scoring. She posted 17 points and five rebounds in the loss to Robert Morris. Support from Sydney Bolden and Olivia Smith, who combined for 25 points off the bench Sunday, will be crucial for the Jaguars to keep pace.

The Vikings have found success with a balanced attack, but their recent losses have come when held under 70 points. IU Indy’s defense, allowing an average of 67.2 points per game, will be tested by a Cleveland State offense averaging 71.3 points in its wins.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They will meet again in Cleveland on Feb. 19.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Cleveland State visits Fort Wayne on Saturday. IU Indy travels to Wright State on Saturday.