DETROIT (Interstat) — The Youngstown State women’s basketball team built a commanding early lead and never looked back, cruising to a 69-53 victory over Detroit Mercy in a Horizon League contest Thursday night at Calihan Hall.

The Penguins, now 15-7 overall, seized control with a dominant first quarter, outscoring the Titans 23-8. That 15-point cushion proved insurmountable for a Detroit squad that fell to 4-17 on the season. Youngstown State’s offense was efficient and balanced from the opening tip, while its defense stifled Detroit’s attempts to find any early rhythm.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the first-quarter onslaught by the visiting Penguins. They opened the game on a 15-2 run, establishing a tone of defensive pressure and offensive execution that the Titans could not answer. The run featured a layup from Sarah Baker, a 3-pointer from Danielle Cameron, and consecutive 3-pointers from Erica King. Detroit managed just two field goals in the first six minutes, struggling against Youngstown State’s defensive intensity. By the time the period ended, the Penguins had forced six Detroit turnovers and held the Titans to 8 points, effectively deciding the contest before it had truly begun.

Youngstown State extended its lead to 45-26 by halftime, thanks to a 22-point second quarter. The Penguins’ lead ballooned to as many as 23 points in the third quarter before both teams traded baskets in a slower-paced final period. Detroit outscored Youngstown State 14-8 in the fourth quarter, but the outcome was never in doubt.

Danielle Cameron led all scorers with 19 points for Youngstown State, including three 3-pointers. Erica King added 14 points and three assists, while Sophia Gregory contributed a well-rounded line of 13 points, four assists and a blocked shot. Sarah Baker also reached double figures with 11 points.

For Detroit, Kailee Davis, a hometown product from Detroit, led the way with 15 points. Makayla Jackson added 8 points, and Addisen Mastriano chipped in 7 points off the bench.

The game was a return to form for Youngstown State, which had suffered a 55-40 road loss to Robert Morris in its previous outing. The Penguins improved to 8-3 in Horizon League play. Detroit, which has lost four of its last five games, remains near the bottom of the conference standings.

An announced crowd of 315 watched the game at Calihan Hall. According to the Interstat ELO system, Youngstown State entered with a 73.8 percent probability to win.

Youngstown State continues its road trip with a game at Oakland on Saturday. Detroit will travel to face Fort Wayne on Sunday.