Feb. 16, 2008

Four Score in Double Figures As Women's Basketball Picks Up Huge Win at Wright State

    Fairborn, Ohio -- Four players scored in double figures and the Youngstown State women's basketball team shot 50 percent from behind the 3-point line en route to a 66-58 win over Wright State on Saturday afternoon at the Nutter Center.

    Senior Heather Karner led the Penguins (12-12, 7-6 Horizon League) with a game-high 19 points while senior Lauren Branson scored 17 points. Tiara Scott added 12 points and senior Jessica Schloemp contributed 10 points.

    Leading by seven points, 46-39, five minutes into the second half, Branson hit consecutive 3-pointers  and Karner converted two free throws to balloon the Guins advantage to 15, 54-39, at the 11:50 mark.

    The Penguins, who went 9-of-18 from behind the 3-point line, extended their edge to as many as 17 points, 59-42, after Karner nailed her fifth 3-pointer of the game with 6:36 to go.

    Wright State (scored 10 straight points to pull back within seven points, but Branson converted 7-of-8 free throws to seal the victory.

    In the first half, the Penguins trailed 7-6 but used a 16-3 run to take a 12-point lead, 22-10, midway through the first half. Karner paced the Penguins during their run with two 3-pointers and a jumper.

    Wright State rallied to cut the YSU advantage down to five, 22-17, at the 7:53 mark but layup by Schloemp and a 3-pointer by Velissa Vaughn pushed the Penguins ahead 27-19.

    The Guins, who shot 52.2 percent in the first half, went into the lockerroom with a 36-27 lead at halftime.
    The Guins return home to host in-state rival Cleveland State, Saturday, Feb. 23. Tipoff is set for 2:05 p.m.