Youngstown State Penguins (1-2) vs Utah Tech Trailblazers (1-1)
Game Info: Friday, November 17, 2023 at 6:30 pm (Beeghly Physical Education Center)
Betting Odds: Youngstown State Penguins -3 -- Over/Under: 151.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Utah Tech Trailblazers and the Youngstown State Penguins meet in college basketball action from the Beeghly Center on Friday night.
Utah Tech Snags First Win
The Utah Tech Trailblazers come into this one looking to build on their 81-79 OT win over Jacksonville State in their last matchup. David Elliott leads the Trailblazers in scoring with 19 PPG and 4 RPG while Aric Demings has 16.5 PPG with 4 RPG and is one of three Trailblazers with a team-high 2.5 APG. Tanner Christensen has 16 PPG with a team-high 8 RPG and 2.5 APG as well to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Utah Tech up to this point in the year. Beon Riley also has 9.5 PPG with 6 RPG and 2.5 APG as well this season. As a team, Utah Tech is averaging 75 PPG on 41.7% shooting from the field, 35.9% from three and 66.7% from the foul line this season.
Youngstown State Picks Up First Win
The Youngstown State Penguins come into this one looking to build on their first win of the year after a 99-71 win over subdivision Ohio Christian last time out. Brandon Rush leads the Penguins in scoring with 16 PPG along with 4.7 RPG while Bryson Langdon has 11 PPG with a team-high 4 APG to lead the Penguins in the assist department this season. DJ Burns has 10 PPG with a team-high 8.3 RPG to lead the Penguins on the glass and to round out the trio of double-digit scorers for Youngstown State up to this point in the year. Ziggy Reid also has 9.3 PPG with 3 RPG and 2.7 APG as well on the year. As a team, Youngstown State is averaging 74.3 PPG on 43.6% shooting from the field, 29.1% from three and 71.4% from the foul line this season.
Chris’ Pick
I get the case to be made for either side in this game, but I’m leaning towards Youngstown State. I’ll admit this isn’t the same Youngstown State team I made money hand over fist with last season, as some key pieces have gone. But maybe the Penguins just needed a confidence win to get the ball rolling as there’s still a lot to like on this Penguins roster. Utah Tech’s a decent team with some solid top-end scoring talent, but I just feel like I need a few more points to consider the Trailblazers on the road. Only laying a bucket with Youngstown State at home is too good for me to pass on. Give me Youngstown State laying the points here.
Chris’s Pick Youngstown State -3
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Follow Chris Ruffolo on Twitter @ruffthepickdawg