By Teziah Howard / The Jambar
After the cancellation of its week one matchup, the Youngstown State University women’s basketball team followed up with four wins at home against Lake Erie College, St. Bonaventure University, Clarion University and Mercyhurst University.
The Penguins opened the season inside Beeghly Center scoring 95 points. Since the start of the season, the ’Guins have outscored their opponents 224-143. This year, the Penguins offense is led by senior Jewel Watkins and fifth-year senior Malia Magestro.
Magestro reached a milestone at home against the Bonnies. With a layup in the second period, Magestro scored her 1,000th career point. She also finished with a team-high 15 points, while Watkins finished with 14.
The 60-52 final score wasn’t the only aspect of gameplay that was kept close. Youngstown State lost the turnover battle 18-17. The Bonnies were more efficient at the free throw line, shooting 78.9% to the Penguins’ 72.7%.
The Penguins out rebounded the Bonnies with 42, while the Bonnies mustered 36. Junior Abby Liber led the team with 11 rebounds.
In the final 11 minutes of the matchup against Clarion University, Watkins posted 17 points. What was once a 43-40 lead for the Penguins, turned into a 64-48 score after Watkins made her presence felt.
Watkins finished the matchup with 24 points and helped the Penguins secure the victory over the Golden Eagles, 69-52.
Head Coach Melissa Jackson praised her top two offensive scorers of the 2024-25 season. Jackson said the spotlight can be put on any of her players, but the plan is for the offense to run through Watkins and Magestro.
“On any given night anyone can go off, but I’ve actually been really happy with our balance,” Jackson said. “Obviously Malia [Magestro] and Jewel [Watkins] are two really good players and we’re going to get the ball to them a lot.
It’s no secret the two guards will be the key features to create a high-powered offense for the Penguins. Watkins leads the team in scoring, three-pointers, field goals and average points per game.
Watkins has put up 57 points on the season, with 24 of those points coming from beyond the arc. Magestro adds another veteran presence to the squad and has put up 38 points on the season.
The efficiency of the Penguins has been a key component of their victories. Prior to Tuesday’s mid-morning matchup against Mercyhurst University, YSU had four Penguins that were 100% from the free throw line.
After hosting Mercyhurst University for its annual Kid’s Day game, the Youngstown State women’s basketball team will travel to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania for a matchup at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 against Bucknell University.
To view the game or live stats, visit ESPN+. To stay updated on the YSU women’s basketball team, visit YSUsports.com.
