Ohio (5-2) had its closest win of the season on Saturday against Delaware; now, the team will look to keep its three-game winning streak going against Youngstown State (5-3).
The Penguins have played a fairly difficult schedule through eight games, including games against Dayton and Michigan. Youngstown State shares a common opponent with Ohio, Cleveland State. While Ohio fell in a close game on the road, Youngstown State picked up a 94-69 win.
The Penguins were picked to finish fifth in the Horizon League and had one player named to one of the two All-Horizon League teams.
Here is everything that you need to know ahead of Wednesday's game.
Game Information
Opponent: Youngstown State
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Location: The Convo
How to watch: ESPN+
Meet the opponent:
Head Coach: Jerrod Calhoun (Seventh season)
Probable starters:
00 Brandon Rush
01 Ziggy Reid
05 Brett Thompson
11 Bryson Langdon
55 DJ Burns
Statistical leaders
Points (per game): Rush, (13.1)
Rebounds: Burns, (8.1)
Assists: Langdon (31)
Steals: Thompsom (9)
Blocks: Gabe Dynes (15)
Field Goal Percentage: Dynes (62.5%)
3-point Percentage: Burns (42%)
History
Youngstown State and Ohio's first and only matchup took place last year in Youngstown. The Bobcats won a close game, 81-79. At one point in the second half, Ohio held a 47-31 lead, but Youngstown State fought back to tie the game at 79 with just three seconds left. Dwight Wilson made a game-winning layup to help Ohio secure the victory.
Player to watch
Brandon Rush was the Penguins' only inclusion on the preseason All-Horizon League Team and leads the team in scoring through eight games. Rush is also one of the team's most consistent rebounders, with 5.1 rebounds per game. Although Rush's numbers have been solid so far in 2023-24, he hasn't been quite as efficient as he was in 2022-23. Rush's best game of the season was against Ohio Christian when the fifth-year guard shot 18 three-point jumpers and made 10. If Rush shoots the ball well, Youngstown State will be a tough team for Ohio to beat.
