The Youngstown State Penguins, ranked 217 in the NET rankings, pulled off a stunning 86-82 upset over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, ranked 136, on February 12, 2026, at the OU Credit Union O'rena. This 4-point victory marked a significant upset, as Youngstown State was expected to lose by 1 point, according to the CHD Scout prediction. Cam Polak led the charge for the Penguins, scoring 26 points, while Michael Houge paced the Golden Grizzlies with 21 points and 6 rebounds. The Penguins' win improved their record to 13-13, while the Golden Grizzlies fell to 14-12.
Cam Polak Scores 26 Points, Including 4 Three-Pointers
The Youngstown State Penguins took control early, leading 44-39 at halftime, with Cam Polak scoring 14 points in the first half. The Oakland Golden Grizzlies fought back in the second half, outscoring the Penguins 43-42, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Brody Robinson had a strong all-around game for the Golden Grizzlies, with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Penguins' Bryson Dawkins chipped in with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Cris Carroll added 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Golden Grizzlies' Brett White II scored 17 points, but it was not enough to secure the win. The Penguins' 44 first-half points set the tone for the game, and they were able to hold off the Golden Grizzlies' second-half surge.
The top performers for both teams were impressive, with Cam Polak leading the way for the Youngstown State Penguins with 26 points. Michael Houge paced the Oakland Golden Grizzlies with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Brody Robinson had a strong game for the Golden Grizzlies, with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Bryson Dawkins and Cris Carroll chipped in with 23 points and 19 points, respectively, for the Penguins. The Golden Grizzlies' Brett White II scored 17 points, but the team's overall effort was not enough to secure the win. The Penguins' balanced attack, with three players scoring 19 or more points, was a key factor in their victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The Youngstown State Penguins shot 49% from the field, including 35% from three-point range, while the Oakland Golden Grizzlies shot 45% from the field and 32% from three-point range. The Penguins outrebounded the Golden Grizzlies 38-32, with Cris Carroll grabbing 10 rebounds. The Golden Grizzlies committed 12 turnovers, while the Penguins had 10 turnovers. The Penguins' 86 points were the most they have scored in a game since January 22, 2026, when they scored 90 points against the Milwaukee Panthers. The Golden Grizzlies' 82 points were their highest total in a loss this season.
The CHD Scout prediction was incorrect, as it predicted an Oakland Golden Grizzlies win by 1 point, with a score of 79-78. Instead, the Youngstown State Penguins pulled off the upset, winning 86-82. The prediction missed the mark, as the Penguins' strong first-half performance and balanced attack were key factors in their victory. The CHD Scout model did not account for the Penguins' ability to shoot 49% from the field and outrebound the Golden Grizzlies 38-32. The actual score and margin of victory were significantly different from the predicted outcome, with the Penguins winning by 4 points instead of losing by 1 point.
This upset victory was a significant Quad 3 win for the Youngstown State Penguins, improving their record to 13-13. The loss was a Quad 4 defeat for the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, dropping their record to 14-12. The Penguins' NET ranking of 217 will likely improve with this win, while the Golden Grizzlies' NET ranking of 136 may drop. The Penguins' win also improved their chances of making a postseason tournament, as they now have a significant win over a higher-ranked opponent. The Golden Grizzlies, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus after this disappointing loss.
The Youngstown State Penguins want to build on this momentum as they face the Cleveland State Vikings on February 15, 2026. The Oakland Golden Grizzlies will try to bounce back from this loss as they take on the Detroit Mercy Titans on February 17, 2026. Both teams must be focused and prepared for their upcoming games, as the college basketball season is nearing its climax.