INDIANAPOLIS – IU Indy women's basketball tipped off the 2025–26 season with a 67–64 victory over in-state foe Indiana State on Monday night inside The Jungle. The Jaguars used a dominant third quarter to build their lead and held off a late Sycamore push to start the season 1-0.
 
The Jaguars started strong behind a balanced attack in the first quarter, jumping ahead 5–0 after a three-pointer from Nevaeh Foster and a pair of free throws from Hailey Smith. Indiana State cut into the lead late, but a buzzer-beating layup by Destini Craig gave IU Indy a 15–11 edge after 10 minutes.
 
Both teams traded buckets in a defensive second frame. IU Indy's size inside helped the Jags outscore the Sycamores 14–2 in the paint during the quarter, with Craig and Foster combining for key baskets. The Jaguars carried a 30–21 lead into the break.
 
IU Indy broke the game open with a 28-point third quarter, their best of the night. Smith poured in seven points in the frame while Craig added six, and the Jags converted 13 free throws to extend their lead to double digits heading into the fourth, 58–44.
 
Indiana State mounted a comeback, scoring 20 in the final period to close the gap. Despite the late surge, IU Indy held firm at the line and on the boards to seal the 67–64 win in front of 520 fans.
 
Hailey Smith led the Jaguars with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Foster added 13 points and Craig tallied 12 points and seven boards. Ariana Williams added 11 rebounds and six points.
 
IU Indy (1–0) will look to build on its opening-night victory when it returns to action on the road at Northwestern on Wednesday, November 5.