CLEVELAND, Ohio (Interstat) — The Cleveland State Vikings used a dominant third-quarter surge and a significant advantage at the free-throw line to pull away from the Wright State Raiders for an 87-75 victory in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Wolstein Center.

The Vikings, improving to 13-5 overall, turned a narrow 36-29 halftime lead into a commanding 63-57 advantage after three quarters. That pivotal third period saw Cleveland State outscore Wright State 27-21, fueled by efficient offense and aggressive play that led to frequent trips to the foul line.

Wright State, which fell to 6-11, kept the contest close through the first half behind the scoring of Breezie Williams and Ellie Magestro-Kennedy. The Raiders trailed by just seven at the break but could not contain Cleveland State’s interior attack or match its rebounding intensity after halftime.

The most critical stretch of the game began late in the third quarter. With Cleveland State leading 51-49, the Vikings forced a Wright State turnover and converted it into two free throws by Colbi Maples. On the ensuing possession, a foul sent Claire Henson to the line for Wright State, where she made both attempts to keep the deficit at two points. However, Cleveland State responded with a 9-2 run over the final 1:29 of the quarter. The sequence was capped by Jada Leonard drawing a foul on a three-point attempt and calmly sinking all three free throws with one second left, pushing the Viking lead to six and shifting momentum decisively.

Cleveland State’s victory was built on superior efficiency and physicality. The Vikings shot 50% from the field, making 27 of 54 attempts, while Wright State managed just 41% on 25-of-61 shooting. The most glaring disparity came at the charity stripe, where Cleveland State attempted 30 free throws, making 23, compared to Wright State’s 17 attempts and 15 makes.

The Vikings also controlled the glass, securing 14 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points and a 38-28 overall rebounding edge. Wright State’s defense was active, forcing 18 Cleveland State turnovers and recording 11 steals, but it could not overcome the Vikings’ offensive execution and rebounding prowess.

Izabella Zingaro led Cleveland State with 19 points and nine rebounds, providing a consistent inside presence. Macey Fegan and Jada Leonard each added 16 points, with Fegan dishing out six assists. Leonard’s clutch free throws at the end of the third quarter were a key turning point.

For Wright State, Breezie Williams scored 20 points and had five assists. Ellie Magestro-Kennedy contributed 18 points off the bench, and Claire Henson added 14 points, four assists and a blocked shot. Lauren Scott also finished with 14 points for the Raiders.

Cleveland State’s offensive rating of 120.4 points per 100 possessions starkly outperformed Wright State’s mark of 99.9, underscoring the Vikings’ more effective use of their offensive opportunities.

The announced attendance was 432.

Wright State looks to rebound on the road Sunday at IU Indy. Cleveland State continues its homestand next Wednesday against Detroit.