Breast cancer survivors were honored at halftime.
Photo by: Rachel Von Art
Penguins Take #HLWBB Pink Out Contest 76-71
2/21/2026 5:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue Fort Wayne fell to Youngstown State 76-71 on Saturday (Feb. 21) afternoon in Horizon League women's basketball action. The back-and-forth game featured 15 lead changes and one tie.
Alana Nelson led the Mastodons with 21 points while Destiny Macharia added a career-high 15 and Rylee Bess totaled 14. But it wasn't enough to slow down Sophia Gregory, who finished with 37 points and 19 rebounds for the Penguins.
The final lead change of the game came with 3:06 remaining. Gregory converted a layup to put the Penguins up 65-64. She followed with a 3-pointer to give the Penguins a two-possession lead. The Mastodons had a look to tie it with 15 seconds left, but a 3-pointer by Macharia missed the mark.
Purdue Fort Wayne opened the third quarter on a 16-4 run. Nelson had nine of the points. It was the Mastodons' best stretch in the contest.
The Penguins shot 46.0 percent (29-of-63) while the Mastodons shot 41.4 percent (29-of-70). Both clubs finished with 12 turnovers.
Saturday's contest was the 19th annual Pink Out celebration, to support the fight against breast cancer. The event featured a pregame luncheon and a celebration of survivors at half time. The Vera Bradley Foundation and Breastie Boxes were presented checks during the contest. Lutheran Health, Fort Financial, WANE 15, Breastie Boxes, the Vera Bradley Foundation and The Bradley served as sponsors of the event.
Youngstown State improves to 21-8 (14-5 Horizon League). The Mastodons fall to 16-12 (10-8 Horizon League). The 'Dons hit the road on Wednesday (Feb. 25) to Milwaukee.
~ Feel The Rumble ~
Alana Nelson led the Mastodons with 21 points while Destiny Macharia added a career-high 15 and Rylee Bess totaled 14. But it wasn't enough to slow down Sophia Gregory, who finished with 37 points and 19 rebounds for the Penguins.
The final lead change of the game came with 3:06 remaining. Gregory converted a layup to put the Penguins up 65-64. She followed with a 3-pointer to give the Penguins a two-possession lead. The Mastodons had a look to tie it with 15 seconds left, but a 3-pointer by Macharia missed the mark.
Purdue Fort Wayne opened the third quarter on a 16-4 run. Nelson had nine of the points. It was the Mastodons' best stretch in the contest.
The Penguins shot 46.0 percent (29-of-63) while the Mastodons shot 41.4 percent (29-of-70). Both clubs finished with 12 turnovers.
Saturday's contest was the 19th annual Pink Out celebration, to support the fight against breast cancer. The event featured a pregame luncheon and a celebration of survivors at half time. The Vera Bradley Foundation and Breastie Boxes were presented checks during the contest. Lutheran Health, Fort Financial, WANE 15, Breastie Boxes, the Vera Bradley Foundation and The Bradley served as sponsors of the event.
Youngstown State improves to 21-8 (14-5 Horizon League). The Mastodons fall to 16-12 (10-8 Horizon League). The 'Dons hit the road on Wednesday (Feb. 25) to Milwaukee.
~ Feel The Rumble ~
Team Stats
YSU
Pur-FW
FG%
.460
.414
3FG%
.261
.200
FT%
.667
.818
RB
38
37
TO
12
12
STL
9
8
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Get to Know Purdue Fort Wayne Women's Basketball Head Coach Kate Peterson Abiad
Friday, April 17
Kate Peterson Abiad Introduction
Wednesday, April 15
Alana Nelson scores 37 in WNIT win
Wednesday, March 25
PFW vs South Alabama WNIT 2nd Round Postgame and highlights
Wednesday, March 25



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