YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by offensive rebounds and critical late-game execution, the Youngstown State Penguins outlasted the Bucknell Bison 60-53 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Beeghly Center.

The Penguins improved to 3-1 overall, while the Bison fell to 1-3.

Neither team shot the ball efficiently, with Youngstown State converting 20 of 59 field goal attempts and Bucknell making 19 of 48. The difference came on the glass, where the Penguins secured 15 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points and helped overcome their own 33.9 percent shooting from the floor. Bucknell managed only seven offensive boards.

Erica King led the Penguins with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Her backcourt mate, Casey Santoro, filled the stat sheet with seven points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Penguins’ interior was anchored by Sophia Gregory, who pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds to go with four points and three assists, and Faith Burch, who added nine rebounds.

Bucknell was paced by Elana Weisman, who scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. Anna Kunzwiler contributed nine points and seven rebounds for the Bison.

The game was a tight, low-scoring affair from the outset. Youngstown State built an early lead and held a 25-22 advantage at halftime. The Penguins maintained a slim margin throughout the third quarter, taking a 44-41 lead into the final period.

Bucknell stayed within striking distance in the fourth quarter, tying the game on multiple occasions. A driving layup by Kunzwiler with just over seven minutes to play knotted the score at 50.

Youngstown State responded with the decisive run. Danielle Cameron connected on a 3-pointer off an assist from Santoro to put the Penguins ahead for good at 53-50. After a Bucknell turnover, Hayden Barrier extended the lead to 55-50 with a pull-up jumper.

The Bison cut the deficit to three points on two separate occasions in the final two minutes, but each time the Penguins had an answer. After a Reese Zemitis free throw made it 57-53 with 1:14 remaining, Cameron delivered the final blow, sinking another 3-pointer with 33 seconds left to seal the victory for Youngstown State.

Youngstown State’s ability to capitalize on Bucknell’s mistakes was pivotal, scoring 16 points off 12 Bison turnovers. Bucknell managed nine points off an equal number of Penguins turnovers.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc. Youngstown State made 8 of 28 attempts, while Bucknell hit 5 of 19.

The Penguins will look to continue their momentum on the road against Mercyhurst on Thursday. Bucknell aims to return to the win column when it travels to face Hofstra on Saturday.