BEEGHLY CENTER Finally! YSU ends losing streak

Jen Perugini added a spark off the bench as the Penguins dropped IPFW, 72-62.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN - It has been 63 days since the Youngstown State women's basketball team had that winning feeling.
Luckily for the Penguins, there's just something about the IPFW Mastodons that brings out the best in first year coach Tisha Hill's offense.
Jen Perugini came off the bench to score a game high 14 points, the Penguins placed five players in double figures and the YSU defense held IPFW scoreless for two prolonged stretches as they defeated the Mastodons, 72-62, in a non-conference game Saturday at Beeghly Center.
The Penguins (2-16) put an end to their record-setting 16-game losing streak.
For the moment, Hill can say that she honestly feels like things are starting to come together.
"Our defense really stepped it up a notch and we were able to stop their go-to players," she said. "We had a great shoot around earlier in the day and because of that I felt good prior to game time. This is a great feeling."
Back and forth
Like two prize fighters in a title bout, both teams looked as if they were sparring with each other at the outset, trying to exploit the other's weaknesses.
Verea Bibbs had six of her team high 12-points in the first six minutes as IPFW took a 17-14 advantage.
It was 19-16 when Perugini took over. Playing the last 12 minutes of the half, the 6-foot-2 junior forward gave the Penguins the spark they needed as she scored eight points, hauled in four rebounds and dished out an assist to help YSU to a 36-31 halftime advantage.
"Jen understands her role for us," Hill said. "She knows that I believe and have confidence in her offensive ability. The drive is there for her and this was an excellent game for her to back that up."
Perugini was just happy to get the win while contributing her fair share at both ends of the court.
"I know that my role is coming of the bench and today I was able to step it up," she added. "The end result was a positive one for us and that is a great feeling."
After holding IPFW scoreless for a 6:04 stretch in the first half, the Penguins allowed just two baskets after the intermission to forge a 42-33 advantage, that coming on a Cathy Hanek layup.
IPFW's Courtney Nicley cut the lead to 42-35 on a hoop at the 16:35 mark, but the Penguins went on a 9-0 run while holding the Mastodons scoreless for 9:44 to build their largest lead of the game, 51-35.
Pulling away
Two free throws by Maggie Breuning cut the Penguin lead to 64-57 with just under a minute to play. That was as close IPFW would get, however, as Ashlee Russo made four free throws while registering a career-high 12 points. All but three of her points came in the second half.
"Hopefully, this will get the ball rolling for us the rest of the year," said Russo.
Other Penguins in double figures were Hanek with 13 and Jessica Forsythe and Tara Fleming with 10 apiece. The last time YSU placed five players in double figures was against IPFW last January.
The Penguins held a 39-33 advantage in rebounds, as Perugini took game honors with nine.
The Penguins take to the road for their next two outings. First they head to Illinois-Chicago Thursday night and then they are scheduled to play at Wisconsin-Milwaukee Saturday afternoon.