Grittiness has been a pillar of Youngstown State’s program ever since head coach Melissa Jackson took over in 2024.

The Penguins showed plenty of grit on Wednesday, as they rallied to beat Wright State 78-67 in overtime at the Nutter Center in Dayton.

YSU (13-5, 6-2 Horizon) trailed by 11 points at halftime and the Raiders (6-13, 2-6 Horizon) grew their lead to as many as 15 points early in the third quarter. But the Penguins were undeterred.

YSU clawed all the way back, taking the lead midway through the fourth quarter for the first time since the first few minutes of the contest.

The Penguins led by three with about 20 seconds left, but WSU’s Ellie Magestro-Kennedy knocked down a three-pointer with about 19 seconds left to tie things up at 60. Sophia Gregory’s jumper at the buzzer was short, which set the contest to overtime.

YSU outscored the Raiders 18-7 in the extra period to pull away with the win.

Sarah Baker led the Penguins with a career-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds. Casey Santoro also added 18 points, while Paulina Hernandez had her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Gregory finished with 13 points, as Danielle Cameron had 10. Magestro-Kennedy led Wright State with 17 points.

YSU now returns home to face IU Indy on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Beeghly Center.