Youngstown, Ohio – Abigail Stevens Four members of the Purdue-Fort Wayne women’s basketball team scored a career-high 14 points, but the Mastodons lost 60-44 to Horizon League preseason favorites Youngstown State on New Year’s Eve.
Stevens quickly took over the game late in the third quarter. She hit her first five shots, led the charge 12-for-2, and scored her 10 points with her own hands. She hit her two triples, a career-high. Her 14 points came in just 11 minutes.
Stephens led Mastodon’s bench, who outscored YSU’s bench 28-13. ‘Dons got 7 from Cyrea Starksthree from Lauryn Stoverand two from Audra Emerson When Sydney Graber.
With the Penguins leading by as many as 22 before Stevens came in, the bench push was too late to close the gap Youngstown State had created.
YSU’s Maria Majestro was 4-4 across the arc in the first half, but the Dons held her 0-3 in the second half. She was scoreless in the final 19:10 of the game. Player of the Year candidate Lily Ritz led Youngstown State with his 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Mastodon forced the Penguins to make 25 turnovers. This was his most by YSU this season against any team other than Penn State. ‘Dons turned his 25 turnovers into his 20 points.
‘Dons move to .500 in Horizon League play, falling 5-9, 2-2. YSU finished second in the league standings, improving to 8-4, 3-1. The Mastodons are expected to return home and continue their league play in the new year. They will welcome their in-state rival, his IUPUI, to the Gates Sports Center on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
~Feel the Rumble~