USI wins in dominating fashion in first game in Puerto Rico
MANATI, Puerto Rico – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball opened its stint at the Puerto Rico Clasico with a convincing 70-34 victory over Youngstown State University Friday in Manati, Puerto Rico.
With the win, USI won its fifth consecutive contest to improve to 6-1 this season and 8-1 all time in overseas MTE games. Youngstown State dropped to 4-3 after a third straight setback.
Southern Indiana came out contesting on the defensive end and firing on the offensive end. USI led 14-0 just past six minutes into the contest. Junior guard Ali Saunders and graduate forward Meredith Raley each hit a three-pointer, while graduate forward Madi Webb scored on a pair of intermediate looks. The Screaming Eagles went scoreless the rest of the opening quarter but held Youngstown State to only five points with one made field goal in the opening period.
The Screaming Eagles’ defense continued to stifle the Penguins in the second quarter, allowing USI to build onto its lead. Sophomore forward Chloe Gannon’s second make of the quarter gave USI a 20-point cushion, 25-5. The scoring effort remained balanced throughout the first half. USI put up 18 unanswered points with the help of six points from senior Vanessa Shafford. Southern Indiana led 32-5 at the break after keeping the Penguins scoreless and 0-10 from the floor in the second quarter.
After a few baskets for USI early in the third quarter, Youngstown State made a solid response to settle into the second half. Four makes from beyond the arc helped the Penguins find a little offensive momentum, but Southern Indiana continued to also find success on the offensive end and getting to the free-throw line. After a 22-21 quarter in favor of USI, the Eagles led 54-26 going to the fourth quarter.
Webb’s solid post-play continued with another pair of conversions inside to help push Southern Indiana’s advantage to 30-plus points. The Screaming Eagles’ defense remained stout, holding Youngstown State scoreless in the final five minutes.
Southern Indiana’s efficient offensive output led to all 10 Screaming Eagles who saw action in the game making their way into the scoring column. Saunders, Gannon, and sophomore guard Triniti Ralston tallied double figures in the contest. USI shot over 50 percent as a team.
Meanwhile, Youngstown State had one player score double digits. The Penguins were limited to 20 percent shooting in the game.
Southern Indiana will return to action in their second game of the Puerto Rico Clasico against Le Moyne College on Saturday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. CT. The game can be heard through The Spin 95.7 FM and is available for purchase to watch via livestream at puertoricocollegesportstours.
