Preview of Wednesday’s Horizon League Women’s Basketball Game

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Interstat) — A surging Cleveland State team aims to continue its climb in the Horizon League standings when it visits Fort Wayne on Wednesday night at Gates Sports Center.

The Vikings (15-5, 5-2 Horizon) have won three straight conference games, most recently a 68-61 victory over Robert Morris on Sunday. Forward Laurel Rockwood was key in that win, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench. Rockwood has provided efficient scoring and shot-blocking in recent victories.

Cleveland State’s balanced attack also features contributors like Macey Fegan and Izabella Zingaro, who combined for 20 points and 12 rebounds against Robert Morris. The Vikings’ defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to 61 points or fewer in four of their last five wins.

The host Mastodons (11-8, 3-5) look to halt a three-game skid, all coming on the road. They fell 69-57 at Green Bay last Wednesday. Guard Rylee Bess has been a bright spot, averaging 14.7 points over her last three contests, including a 20-point performance in a narrow loss at Youngstown State on Jan. 10. Fort Wayne will need her scoring punch to counter Cleveland State’s defensive pressure.

Fort Wayne has shown resilience at home this season, boasting a 7-2 record at Gates Sports Center, including a decisive 71-46 league win over IU Indianapolis earlier this month.

This matchup is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Cleveland on Feb. 7.

Wednesday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Cleveland State visits Youngstown State on Jan. 25, while Fort Wayne travels to face Northern Kentucky on Jan. 24.