Strong second half sends YSU past Buffalo

The roar of the Zidian Family Arena crowd seemed to vibrate with a newfound energy Saturday afternoon, a palpable sense of momentum shifting as the Youngstown State women’s basketball team clawed its way to a decisive victory over Buffalo. For a fleeting moment in the first half, it appeared the Bulls might dictate the pace and physicality of the game, but ultimately, it was the Penguins’ relentless conditioning and defensive tenacity that proved decisive, culminating in an 86-62 triumph. The win marks YSU’s second consecutive victory to start the season and signals a promising trajectory for a team striving for consistent excellence in the Horizon League.

A Physical First Half

The initial stages of the game presented a formidable challenge for the Penguins. Buffalo, leveraging its size advantage on the court, dominated the rebounding battle early on, securing 24 rebounds in the first half compared to YSU’s nine. Meg Lucas of Buffalo contributed significantly with 16 rebounds and 15 points, demonstrating their physical presence. While Youngstown State’s aggressive defensive strategy led to turnovers, Buffalo capitalized on those opportunities with cuts and rolls to the basket, keeping the score close. Despite a brief eight-point lead for the Penguins, Buffalo managed to narrow the gap, leaving the score at 39-38 at halftime. The Bulls' size advantage was evident, and YSU struggled to contain their rebounding efforts.

The Third Quarter Turnaround

However, the tide dramatically shifted in the third quarter. Coach Melissa Jackson’s halftime adjustments proved pivotal, as YSU embarked on an 18-5 run, effectively breaking Buffalo’s momentum. “Our message all day was to push the pace and really try to wear them down,” Jackson said. “Even though we were only up one at half, I was still Ok with it because I had hoped our conditioning would really show in the second half, and I think it did.” This surge extended into the fourth quarter, allowing the Penguins to steadily pull away and secure a comfortable lead. The team’s ability to push the pace and maintain defensive pressure, a key element of Jackson’s game plan, became increasingly evident.

Adjustments Pay Off

Jada Leonard emphasized the importance of the halftime adjustments. “Coach Jackson came in [at halftime] and she told us we were in a good position,” Leonard said. “There were just minor adjustments that we had to make. We really locked in on those adjustments, like not getting split on ball screens, being a little more aggressive with our defensive coverage and then attacking them off ball screens offensively. I feel like we made the right adjustments and it just made the game come to us seamlessly.” These tactical changes proved crucial in disrupting Buffalo’s offense and allowing YSU to gain control of the game.

Defensive Dominance

While the Penguins were ultimately out-rebounded 43-30, they more than compensated with their defensive prowess. A staggering 16 steals and 30 forced turnovers resulted in a remarkable 32 points for YSU, demonstrating the effectiveness of their defensive scheme. “I was worried about rebounding. I mean, you saw Buffalo's size,” Jackson acknowledged. “I think Buffalo is a really good rebounding team.” The team’s ability to disrupt Buffalo’s offensive flow and convert those turnovers into points was a critical factor in their victory.

Standout Performances

Jada Leonard led the Penguins in scoring with 17 points, followed by Sarah Baker with 12 and Danielle Cameron with 13 points on three made 3-pointers. Mia Kalich’s all-around performance was a significant highlight, showcasing her versatility with 11 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and four assists. “She’s just so tough,” Baker said of Kalich. “It’s like a combination of her doing great things and everybody getting excited for her.” Kalich’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made her a key catalyst for YSU’s success.

Looking Ahead

The Penguins now embark on their first road trip of the season, a challenging test of their mettle and resilience. First up is a Tuesday morning matchup against Toledo at 11 a.m., followed by a Saturday afternoon game against Colorado. These away games will provide valuable opportunities for the team to refine their strategies and adapt to different playing environments. Youngstown State Athletics consistently emphasizes defensive intensity as a cornerstone of their program's success. Toledo Athletics will present a formidable challenge.

“Our players have worked their butts off this summer and in the preseason during those 30 days of practice to get in really good shape,” Jackson said. “They’re really starting to get the chemistry and the connectivity going. You saw us get defensive stops and really get out in transition, and I think that’s where this team is going to continue to thrive.” The team's conditioning and teamwork were evident throughout the game, contributing to their dominant performance.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE 86, BUFFALO 62

BUFFALO-19-19-12-12--62

YSU-22-17-25-22--86

BUFFALO (1-1): Diann Jackson 1-4 2-2 4, Meg Lucas 7-9 1-1 15, Ava Lamonica 2-6 3-4 7, Asia Wilson 5-14 6-6 18, Ella Corry 2-7 1-1 5, Jadeah Marshall 2-3 0-0 4, Ella Wickstrom 0-0 1-2 1, Briana Young 0-0 0-0 0, Layla Hearne 2-5 0-0 6, Oyinkansola Soetan 1-2 0-1 2, Kyleigh Hall 0-0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 22-50 14-17 62.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE (2-0): Paulina Hernandez 3-7 1-2 7, Sarah Baker 6-12 0-0 12, Danielle Cameron 4-9 2-2 13, Jada Leonard 4-13 7-7 17, Erica King 4-9 0-2 8, Mia Kalich 3-7 5-7 11, Evelyn McKnight 4-10 0-0 8, Hayden Barrier 3-3 0-0 8, Kaitlyn Turinsky 0-0 0-0 0, Dacia Lewandowski 0-1 0-0 0, Gemma Walker 0-1 0-0 0, Brooke Adkins 1-2 0-0 2. TOTALS: 32-74 15-50 86.

Closing paragraph: The Penguins’ triumph over Buffalo wasn’t just a basketball game; it was a display of resilience, strategic adaptation, and the unwavering spirit of a team united by a common goal. As they head out on the road, carrying the momentum of this victory, the community stands behind them, eager to witness their continued journey toward success. The values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance – hallmarks of Youngstown’s character – were on full display Saturday afternoon, offering a source of pride and inspiration for all. Youngstown State University is committed to providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.