In a closely contested matchup at Beeghly Center, Youngstown State Penguins outlasted Northern Kentucky Norse 64-58. The final margin of six points belied the intensity of the contest, as both teams fought for every possession. The first half saw Youngstown State establish a commanding 20-point lead, but Northern Kentucky's second-half surge narrowed the gap.
The Penguins ultimately emerged victorious, holding off the Norse's late push. The final score of 64-58 reflected the back-and-forth nature of the game, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. Youngstown State's No. 204 NET ranking proved a slight edge in a battle between two mid-major programs.
A 29-point, 10-rebound performance from Bryson Dawkins set the tone for Youngstown State, with his efficient shooting from the field (9-12 FG) and at the line (3-6 FT) keying the Penguins' victory. Dawkins' 22 points were a season high, and his ability to adapt to the Northern Kentucky defense made him a difficult matchup for the Norse.
With the game on the line, Cris Carroll's all-around effort proved crucial, as he contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists while also blocking a shot and making 10 of 12 free throws. The freshman standout, Imanuel Zorgvol, provided a spark off the bench, grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 4 shots to help Youngstown State secure the win. His 7 points were a bonus, but his defensive presence was a significant factor in the Penguins' success.
Despite the loss, 19 points on 7-15 shooting from Donovan Oday wasn't enough to keep Northern Kentucky in it, as he struggled to find his rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 15 three-point attempts. His 2 rebounds and 1 assist were also overshadowed by the team's overall performance.
Finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block, Kael Robinson's well-rounded effort was hampered by his shooting woes, converting only 3 of 15 field goals and 2 of 8 three-pointers. The team's leading scorer, Tae Dozier, struggled to make an impact, managing just 8 points and 11 rebounds, his highest total of the season, but ultimately falling short of making a significant difference in the game's outcome.
Gherezgher's shooting woes were on full display, as a 1-for-7 performance from the field and 1-for-3 from three-point range resulted in a 10.8-point drop from his season average, underscoring the challenges he faced in navigating Northern Kentucky's offense. A season-low two rebounds and two assists also marked a significant departure from his usual production, with Gherezgher's box score totals a stark contrast to his season averages in those categories.
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CORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction proved to be accurate, as Youngstown State ultimately prevailed by a margin of six points. While the final score did not exceed the predicted margin, the outcome was consistent with the expectations. Youngstown State's ability to execute its game plan and capitalize on key moments was a deciding factor in the outcome.
A closer examination of the in-game statistics reveals two key factors that contributed to Youngstown State's victory. The Penguins' efficient shooting, particularly in the mid-range area, allowed them to maintain a higher effective field goal percentage than anticipated. Meanwhile, Northern Kentucky's struggles from beyond the arc and on the glass were telling, as the Norse were outrebounded on the offensive end and failed to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. These two factors, coupled with Youngstown State's ability to limit the Norse's scoring opportunities, ultimately led to the Penguins' 6-point victory.
For Youngstown State, this win moves them back into contention for a higher seed in the Horizon League conference tournament, with their 15-14 record now tied for fourth place. A strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the conference tournament could propel them into a more favorable position in the conference standings. Meanwhile, Northern Kentucky's loss drops them to second place in the Horizon League, but they maintain a slight edge over Youngstown State due to their superior win total. The Norse will need to bounce back quickly and secure another win to solidify their position atop the conference standings.
This loss for Northern Kentucky, however, may be a precursor to a more challenging path in the Horizon League tournament, where they will now face a tougher road to the championship game.