YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — The Toledo Rockets weathered a second-half surge and a dominant performance from Youngstown State’s Sophia Gregory to secure a 69-65 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Beeghly Center.

In a contest defined by runs and defensive stands, Toledo improved to 2-3 overall, while Youngstown State moved to 4-2.

The Rockets exploded out of the gate, building a 22-14 lead after the first quarter. Patricia Anumgba, a guard from Silver Spring, Maryland, was instrumental in the early surge, connecting on a pair of three-pointers. Toledo’s defense set the tone, forcing several Penguins turnovers and converting them into easy transition opportunities.

Youngstown State stabilized in the second quarter, matching Toledo’s 12 points to head into halftime trailing 34-28. The Penguins came out of the break with renewed energy, outscoring the Rockets 18-10 in the third quarter to take their first lead of the game. Gregory, a 6-foot-2 forward from Alliance, Ohio, was the catalyst, scoring and protecting the rim to help Youngstown State seize a 46-44 advantage heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter became a back-and-forth affair with six lead changes. Toledo reclaimed control with a critical 9-2 run midway through the quarter, fueled by a three-pointer from Anumgba and interior baskets from Faith Fedd-Robinson. The Rockets’ ability to capitalize on second chances proved pivotal; they hauled in 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 16 second-chance points compared to just six offensive boards for the Penguins.

Despite Gregory’s game-high 16 points for Youngstown State, Toledo’s balanced scoring attack ultimately prevailed. Anumgba led the Rockets with 18 points, including four crucial free throws in the final 18 seconds to ice the game. Evalyse Cole added 14 points and Fedd-Robinson chipped in 13 for Toledo.

While Youngstown State was more efficient from the field, shooting 47.3 percent compared to Toledo’s 42.6 percent, the Rockets’ volume of opportunities and defensive pressure made the difference. Toledo forced 12 Penguins turnovers, scoring 20 points off those miscues, while Youngstown State managed only seven points off Toledo’s 11 turnovers.

Casey Santoro scored 15 points for the Penguins, and Sarah Baker added 14.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 1,342. Toledo will host Morgan State on Dec. 2, while Youngstown State travels to face Akron on Nov. 30.