Cleveland State women fall 60-55 to Youngstown State in Horizon League tournament semifinal in Indianapolis

Youngstown State closes with late 3-pointers to reach first Horizon League title game

Cleveland State’s run in the 2026 Horizon League women’s basketball tournament ended Monday, March 9, with a 60-55 loss to Youngstown State in a semifinal played at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis.

The Vikings, the tournament’s No. 3 seed, held a lead entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 25-15 in the final period. Youngstown State, the No. 2 seed, advanced to the conference championship game with the win.

How the game turned

Cleveland State’s clearest advantage came inside. The Vikings scored 34 points in the paint and collected 11 second-chance points, building a second-half edge despite a modest shooting night overall (21-for-53 from the field). Cleveland State also committed fewer turnovers (12) than Youngstown State (18), creating additional possessions that helped it stay in front through three quarters.

Youngstown State’s response arrived from the perimeter in the closing minutes. The Penguins shot 5-for-7 from three-point range in the fourth quarter and finished 9-for-28 from beyond the arc for the game. After Cleveland State led 40-35 through three quarters, Youngstown State’s late shot-making shifted control in a game that featured six lead changes.

Period scoring: Cleveland State 12-11-17-15 (55); Youngstown State 14-10-11-25 (60).

Key performers

Cleveland State junior forward Izabella Zingaro posted game highs with 19 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 8-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-3 at the free-throw line. Guard Jada Leonard added 12 points, while Colbi Maples scored 11 points and led Cleveland State with seven assists in 38 minutes.

Youngstown State was led by Danielle Cameron with 16 points, including four made three-pointers. Erica King scored 13 points and Sophia Gregory added 11 points and nine rebounds as the Penguins placed three players in double figures.

• Youngstown State outscored Cleveland State 25-15 in the fourth quarter.
• Cleveland State held the rebounding edge 38-32, including 9-12 on offensive boards.
• Youngstown State’s fourth-quarter perimeter shooting (5-for-7 from three) was the decisive statistical swing.

What it means for Cleveland State

The loss halted Cleveland State’s bid to return to the Horizon League championship game. The Vikings entered the semifinal after an overtime win over Oakland in the quarterfinal round and were within one win of playing for the conference’s automatic NCAA tournament berth.

For Youngstown State, the victory delivered a milestone: the program moved into the Horizon League tournament final for the first time, setting up a championship matchup against regular-season champion Green Bay on Tuesday, March 10, in Indianapolis.