INDIANAPOLIS – IU Indy women's basketball saw its 2025-26 season come to a close on Sunday afternoon as the No. 7 seed Jaguars fell to No. 5 seed Purdue Fort Wayne, 85-49, in the second round of the Horizon League Tournament at Corteva Coliseum. The Jaguars conclude the year at 14-17 overall after the Mastodons shot 60.7 percent from the floor in the contest.
IU Indy (14-17) came out aggressive and grabbed the early edge as
Olivia Smith opened the scoring and
Hailey Smith followed with a fastbreak jumper to put the Jags ahead 4-0. The two sides traded runs midway through the quarter, and a late jumper by
Hailey Smith trimmed the deficit to three. Purdue Fort Wayne closed the period on top, 13-10.
The Mastodons found their rhythm in the second stanza, using a three-point barrage and efficient interior scoring to extend the margin. Purdue Fort Wayne shot 11-of-15 in the quarter and outscored the Jaguars 26-14 to take a 39-24 lead into the locker room. IU Indy continued to attack the paint and get to the foul line, but the Mastodons' offensive efficiency created separation before halftime.
Purdue Fort Wayne carried its momentum into the third, shooting 9-of-12 from the field in the period. IU Indy battled at the stripe, converting 8-of-11 free throws in the quarter, but the Mastodons' balanced attack pushed the lead to 65-36 heading to the fourth.
The Jaguars continued to compete down the stretch, highlighted by a three-point play from
Ariana Williams and strong drives from
Hailey Smith and
Olivia Smith. However, Purdue Fort Wayne maintained control and closed out the 85-49 decision.
Hailey Smith paced the Jaguars with 20 points, going 6-of-15 from the field and 8-of-12 at the free throw line while adding four rebounds, four steals and a block.
Olivia Smith added seven points and four assists, while
Destini Craig contributed five points and five rebounds.
Purdue Fort Wayne held a 41-27 rebounding advantage and shot 46.7 percent from three-point range, advancing to the Horizon League semifinals while ending the Jaguars' tournament run.
