YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — The Youngstown State women’s basketball team used a dominant defensive performance in the second half to pull away from Wright State for a 65-46 Horizon League victory on Tuesday night at Beeghly Center.

The Penguins, who improved to 7-3 overall, held the Raiders to just four points in the fourth quarter and 17 points total after halftime to turn a competitive game into a comfortable win in front of 1,153 fans.

Wright State, which fell to 5-8, led 14-13 after a back-and-forth first quarter and trailed by just four points, 31-27, at halftime. The game’s decisive stretch came in the third quarter. With Youngstown State leading 37-34, the Penguins closed the period on a 13-2 run over the final 4:29. The surge was capped by a Paulina Hernandez steal and layup just before the buzzer, giving the home team a 50-36 advantage heading into the final frame.

The Raiders’ offense completely stalled in the fourth quarter, managing only two field goals. Youngstown State’s defense forced 10 second-half turnovers and limited Wright State to 5-of-27 shooting from the floor after the break.

Danielle Cameron led all scorers with 18 points for Youngstown State, including two crucial three-pointers during the Penguins’ third-quarter run. Casey Santoro added 15 points and four assists, while Erica King filled the stat sheet with eight points, three assists, a block and a game-high three steals. The Penguins’ interior presence was also key, as they blocked five shots and outrebounded Wright State 13-6 on the offensive glass.

Wright State was led by Breezie Williams with 10 points and three assists. Abbie Riddle and Lauren Scott each added eight points. The Raiders struggled with efficiency all night, shooting just 29.6% from the field and committing 19 turnovers, which Youngstown State converted into 19 points.

Youngstown State’s offensive balance proved superior, as they assisted on eight of their 24 made field goals and shot 42.9% from the floor. The Penguins also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 10 of 15 attempts compared to Wright State’s 7-of-8.

The victory extends Youngstown State’s strong start to league play, while Wright State continues to search for consistency after dropping its second straight game. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Dayton on Jan. 14.

Youngstown State will travel to face Florida International on Friday, while Wright State heads to Lexington for a matchup with Kentucky the same day.