YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — In a gritty Horizon League rematch defined by defense and decisive free throws, Youngstown State outlasted Robert Morris 69-62 in overtime Wednesday night at Beeghly Center, avenging a loss from three weeks prior.

The game, witnessed by 1,509 fans, saw the Penguins improve to 18-8 overall, while the Colonials fell to 16-9. The contest was a stark contrast to Robert Morris’s 55-40 home win on Jan. 21, evolving into a tense, back-and-forth struggle that required an extra period to settle.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final 13 seconds of regulation. Trailing 53-51, Robert Morris executed a set play out of a timeout, resulting in a driving layup by Bailey Kuhns off an assist from Myriam Traore to tie the game with just seconds remaining. Youngstown State’s ensuing attempt to win it in regulation failed, sending the game to overtime tied at 53.

The overtime period was dominated by Youngstown State at the free-throw line. The Penguins, who shot 23 of 29 from the stripe for the game, scored 10 of their 16 overtime points on free throws. Robert Morris, conversely, managed just 9 points in the extra session and finished 10 of 15 overall from the line. The Colonials also committed two costly turnovers in the final minute of overtime, halting any chance of a late comeback.

Youngstown State’s Sarah Baker led all scorers with 21 points, while teammate Sophia Gregory posted a formidable line of 15 points, multiple blocks, and a game-high defensive rebounding presence. Erica King added 12 points for the Penguins, including two critical free throws in overtime.

Robert Morris was led by Myriam Traore, who played 44 minutes and tallied 20 points, three assists, and a block. Aislin Malcolm also logged 44 minutes, contributing 13 points and three assists, and Noa Givon came off the bench to add 11 points. The Colonials’ interior offense produced 34 points in the paint, nearly matching Youngstown State’s 36, but their 13 turnovers proved more costly than the Penguins’ eight.

Statistically, it was a game of contrasting efficiencies. Both teams struggled from the field, with Robert Morris shooting 40.7 percent and Youngstown State at 34.4 percent. From beyond the arc, the teams combined to shoot 6 of 31. The decisive difference was Youngstown State’s pronounced advantage in free-throw attempts and makes, coupled with a 12-6 edge in points off turnovers.

The game’s rhythm was set early by physical defense. The first half was a low-scoring affair, with Robert Morris taking a 24-18 lead into halftime. Youngstown State responded with an 18-point third quarter to seize a narrow lead, setting the stage for the back-and-forth fourth quarter and the dramatic finish that forced overtime.

With the win, Youngstown State splits the season series and maintains position in the upper tier of the Horizon League standings. Robert Morris, which had won two of its last three games in overtime, sees a two-game winning streak snapped.

Robert Morris returns home to face Cleveland State on Saturday. Youngstown State travels to face IU Indy on Sunday.