YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s men’s basketball team faced a tough defeat on Sunday in a game against Oakland. The first half saw the Penguins take the lead with a strong performance from beyond the arc, hitting nine three-pointers. However, Oakland came back strong in the second half, scoring 53 points and ultimately claiming an 88-81 victory over YSU.
Head coach Jerrod Calhoun expressed his concerns about the team’s performance, particularly in the second half. He attributed the loss to Oakland’s timely shots and their impressive shooting percentages, emphasizing that such statistics make it difficult to compete.
Calhoun also addressed the team’s 10-day break, which seemed to have a negative impact on their performance. He admitted that the extended time off was not as advantageous as he had initially thought and acknowledged that YSU’s lack of rhythm and physicality contributed to the defeat.
The Penguins’ impressive start, with a four-point lead at halftime, was overshadowed by their struggle to maintain the momentum in the second half. Despite several players scoring in double figures, YSU was unable to keep up with Oakland’s offensive onslaught.
Looking ahead, Calhoun acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, especially as the team prepares to face Horizon League preseason favorite Northern Kentucky. He emphasized the need for improvement and expressed his determination to get the team ready for the upcoming games.
Ultimately, YSU’s defeat against Oakland highlighted the team’s need to address their performance and prepare for future challenges in the ongoing season.