Backups lead YSU women over Oakland

Dunn, Wright power Penguins over Horizon League rival Oakland

Staff report

ROCHESTER, MICH.

Mary Dunn scored a career-high 24 points and the Youngstown State women’s basketball team made 10 3-pointers to beat Oakland 86-76 on Thursday night at the Athletics Center O’rena.

Dunn came up huge after earning the starting nod with Sarah Cash out with an injury. The sophomore was 10 of 13 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line. She also had eight rebounds, three blocks and a steal in 36 minutes.

Kelley Wright came off the bench to score a season-high 13 points as another Penguin with a clutch performance.

Indiya Benjamin scored eight of her 13 points in the first period, and she added 10 assists. Chelsea Olson contributed with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists as the Penguins avenged a 58-48 loss to the Golden Grizzlies a month ago in Youngstown.

YSU (9-13, 5-6 Horizon League) had 43 points by halftime and scored at least 21 points in every quarter.

Leah Somerfield led four players in double figures for Oakland (11-10, 4-6) with 21 points.

YSU shot 51.9 percent (28 of 54) for the game and hit at least 50 percent in all four quarters. The Penguins were 10 for 26 from 3-point range, and they were 20 for 24 from the free-throw line.

YSU had 24 assists on 28 field goals, outrebounded the Golden Grizzlies 33-29 and was plus-nine in points off turnovers.

YSU concludes its swing in the Detroit area with a contest at Detroit Mercy on Saturday. Tipoff against the Titans is set for 1 p.m.

The Penguins’ road trip continues next week with games Feb. 8 at IUPUI and Feb. 10 at UIC.