Oakland vs Youngstown State Prediction 1/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Oakland vs Youngstown State prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 1st at the Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Preview

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are 6-8 (2-1) this season after they lost to Wright State by a score of 88-73 in their last game. Oakland trailed 51-39 at halftime and they only scored 34 points in the second half in the loss. The Golden Grizzlies shot 38% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Brody Robinson led Oakland with 27 points and two rebounds, while Tuburu Naivalurua added 18 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Oakland lost to Michigan State by a score of 79-70, but did beat Northern Kentucky by a score of 82-77 before that. The Golden Grizzlies have scored 82.3 points per game with 34.1 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 84.3 points against per game this season. Brody Robinson is averaging 16.8 points and 5.9 assists per game, while Michael Houge is averaging 14.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland is shooting 47.0% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 34.9% on three pointers this season. 

Youngstown State Penguins Betting Preview

The Youngstown State Penguins are 8-6 (2-2) this year after they lost to Detroit Mercy by a score of 73-68 in their last game. Youngstown State trailed 32-25 at halftime, but did score 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Penguins shot 33% from the field, 26% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Cris Carroll led Youngstown State with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Bryson Dawkins added 14 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Youngstown State defeated SC Upstate by a score of 74-65, but lost to Robert Morris by a score of 80-77 before that. The Penguins have scored 76.1 points per game with 34.0 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.5 points against per game this season. Cris Carroll is averaging 17.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while Bryson Dawkins is averaging 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Penguins. Youngstown State is shooting 46.6% from the field, 69.8% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year.

Why the Youngstown State Penguins will win

• Youngstown State has won seven of its last eight home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Oakland has lost four of its last five games at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Oakland has lost the first half in each of its last four games at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Oakland Golden Grizzlies will win

• Oakland has won three of its last four games against Youngstown State following a road loss.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Youngstown State’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
• Six of Oakland’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Youngstown State ranks 34th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.77).
• Youngstown State ranks T39th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (11.1).
• Oakland ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (31.6).
• Oakland ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (1.73).

Oakland vs Youngstown State Prediction 

Oakland comes into this matchup after losing three of their last four games and they have allowed 75+ points in five straight. The Golden Grizzlies are shooting 47% from the field, but the defense has really let them down. Youngstown State has lost two of their last three, but they have allowed 65 points or fewer in three of their last five. The Penguins are shooting 47% from the field and they have been the better defensive team by a wide margin. Take Youngstown State to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Youngstown State ML