FAIRBORN, Ohio (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter performance by Izabella Zingaro and a suffocating defensive effort set the tone Wednesday night as Cleveland State rolled to an 81-55 victory over Wright State in a Horizon League women’s basketball game at the Ervin J. Nutter Center.

The Vikings, improving to 22-8 overall and solidifying their position near the top of the conference, left no doubt early, holding the host Raiders to a mere four points in the opening period while building a 20-4 lead. That early 16-point cushion proved insurmountable for a Wright State team that fell to 10-20.

The most important part of the game was Cleveland State’s immediate and overwhelming defensive pressure, which completely disrupted Wright State’s offense from the opening tip. The Raiders committed five turnovers and missed seven of their first eight shot attempts before finally scoring their first field goal with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter. By that time, Cleveland State had already raced out to a 9-0 lead, fueled by Zingaro’s work inside and a three-pointer from Jada Leonard. The Vikings’ defense translated directly into offense, creating easy transition opportunities and allowing them to establish their preferred pace and rhythm before many in the announced crowd of 1,158 had settled into their seats.

Zingaro, a 6-foot-4 junior from Bolton, Canada, was the game’s standout performer, scoring a game-high 29 points in just 30 minutes. She was efficient and forceful, consistently finishing at the rim and drawing fouls, going 11 for 12 from the free-throw line. Her early activity, including winning the opening jump ball and scoring Cleveland State’s first two baskets, signaled her intent and the Vikings’ offensive plan to exploit their size advantage inside.

She was complemented by backcourt mates Jada Leonard, who added 15 points, and Macey Fegan, who chipped in 14 points and dished out a game-high five assists. Colbi Maples also reached double figures with 11 points for the Vikings.

Wright State, which never recovered from its frigid start, was led by Claire Henson’s 20 points. Ellie Magestro-Kennedy added 10 points off the bench. The Raiders showed brief signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland State 22-19 behind 10 points from Henson, but could never trim the deficit to single digits. Every mini-run was answered by the Vikings, often by Zingaro or a timely three-pointer.

The statistical ledger underscored Cleveland State’s comprehensive control. The Vikings shot 52.9% from the field (27 of 51) while holding Wright State to 40.4% (21 of 52). The disparity in ball movement and defensive pressure was even more stark: Cleveland State assisted on 10 of its 27 field goals and recorded 10 steals, while Wright State managed only three assists against 18 turnovers, which the Vikings converted into 23 points.

Cleveland State also dominated at the foul line, making 22 of 28 attempts compared to Wright State’s 8-of-9 shooting. The Vikings’ offensive rating of 116.9 points per 100 possessions dwarfed the Raiders’ mark of 79.4, highlighting the efficiency gap created by their defensive stands and high-percentage shots.

The victory extends Cleveland State’s winning streak to three games as they head into their regular-season finale Saturday at home against Oakland. The Vikings have now won eight of their last ten contests. Wright State, which has lost two straight, concludes its season Saturday on the road at Robert Morris.

In the teams’ previous meeting this season on Jan. 7 in Cleveland, the Vikings also came out on top, 87-75. Wednesday’s result was more lopsided, dictated by a first-quarter defensive clinic that the Raiders had no answer for, ensuring the Vikings would complete the season sweep.