Youngstown State vs Oakland Prediction 2/12/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Youngstown State Penguins and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies meet Thursday in college basketball action from Athletics Center O’rena in Auburn Hills. Here’s a Youngstown State vs Oakland prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Youngstown State vs Oakland pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Youngstown State Penguins Betting Preview

The Penguins started out the season on a decent run at 8-5, but then took losses to Detroit, Oakland, Northern Kentucky, Fort Wayne, Wright State and Cleveland State in the next seven outings. It’s been a 3-2 stretch since then with wins over Green Bay, IUPUI and Fort Wayne among losses to Milwaukee and Robert Morris. That gives the Penguins a 12-13 record so far.

In the Robert Morris game on Saturday the Penguins entered the locker room with a 41-30 deficit. Youngstown State got better from there on a 36-31 run but didn’t end up making the comeback in a 72-66 loss on their home court. Cris Carroll led the charge in the losing effort with his 20 points and two rebounds while Bryson Dawkins had 16 points with five assists.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Preview

Over on the Oakland side, they were a couple of games below the .500 mark at 6-8 through 14 outings. The Grizzlies have won eight of their last 11 since then though, beating Youngstown State, Robert Morris, Cleveland State, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, Fort Wayne and Northern Kentucky in that time. Over the first 25 games of the year that gives the Grizzlies a 14-11 run.

Matched up against Cleveland State last Wednesday the Grizzlies exited the first half with a 42-32 advantage. Oakland was outscored badly 59-36 in the second half however, leading to a rough loss on the road 91-78. Brody Robinson put up 22 points with eight assists and five rebounds in the defeat and Tuburu Naivalurua had 22 points with four rebounds and two assists.

Youngstown State Penguins @ Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Trends: February 12, 2026

Why the Oakland Golden Grizzlies will win

• Oakland has won 15 of its last 17 night games against the Horizon League at OU Credit Union O’rena.
• Youngstown State has lost four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Youngstown State has lost the first half in six of its last eight night games at OU Credit Union O’rena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Youngstown State Penguins will win

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

Youngstown State vs Oakland Prediction

I’ll lean toward Oakland. The Grizzlies played a pretty miserable second half in their latest loss on the road to Cleveland State last week, despite shooting a nice 48.3 percent from the field. Oakland had a 44-20 advantage on points in the paint but they were killed by the 3-pointer, giving up 17-of-40 (42.5 percent) to the Vikings. The Grizzlies are still 3-1 in their last four games though, scoring 74 or more points in all four of those.

These teams last met up back on New Year’s Day in a tight 85-83 road win for Oakland. In that one the Grizzlies shot an excellent 55.3 percent from the field but got outmuscled a bit on the boards 35-28. Oakland should be in control during this home rematch if they can keep the shooting percentage up.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Oakland Golden Grizzlies -5.5