Cleveland State vs Youngstown State Prediction 2/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Cleveland State vs Youngstown State prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 18th at the Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Cleveland State Vikings Betting Preview

The Cleveland State Vikings are 10-17 (6-10) this season after they lost to Wright State by a score of 102-90 in their last game. Cleveland State trailed 51-36 at halftime, but they did score 54 points in the second half in the loss. The Vikings shot 52% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Chevalier Emery led Cleveland State with 30 points and two assists, while Josiah Harris added 14 points and six rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Cleveland State lost to Robert Morris by a score of 85-68 and IU Indy by a score of 82-74. The Vikings have scored 80.3 points per game with 33.3 rebounds and 15.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 84.9 points against per game this season. Dayan Nessah is averaging 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while Tre Beard is averaging 13.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Vikings. Cleveland State is shooting 45.5% from the field, 75.5% on free throws, and 38.0% on three pointers this season. 

Youngstown State Penguins Betting Preview

The Youngstown State Penguins are 13-14 (6-10) this year after they lost to Detroit Mercy by a score of 76-70 in their last game. Youngstown State trailed 37-29 at halftime, but they did win the second half 41-39 in the loss. The Penguins shot 46% from the field, 23% on three pointers, and 69% on free throws in the game. Tae Blackshear led Youngstown State with 22 points and four rebounds, while Bryson Dawkins added 20 points and five rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Youngstown State defeated Oakland by a score of 86-82, but lost to Robert Morris by a score of 72-66 before that. The Penguins have scored 78.0 points per game with 34.2 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.6 points against per game this season. Cris Carroll is averaging 17.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while Bryson Dawkins is averaging 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game for the Penguins. Youngstown State is shooting 46.5% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 34.9% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Youngstown State Penguins will win

• Youngstown State has won each of its last four night games.
• Cleveland State has lost 12 of its last 15 road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Youngstown State has won the first half in four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Cleveland State Vikings will win

• Cleveland State has won three of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Youngstown State has lost the first half in each of its last three home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Eleven of Cleveland State’s last 12 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 161+ points.
• Four of Youngstown State’s last five night games have produced a total of 161+ points.

Cleveland State vs Youngstown State Prediction 

Cleveland State comes into this matchup on a three game losing streak and they have allowed at least 82 points in four of their last five games. The Vikings are shooting 46% from the field and they score plenty of points, but their defense is one of the worst in the country. Youngstown State has dropped two of their last three games, including their last home game against Robert Morris. The Penguins are shooting 46% from the field and they are the much better defensive team. I do think Youngstown State will win, but this is a lot of points against a good Cleveland State offense. Take the points with the Vikings here.

David Racey's Pick: Cleveland State +11.5