The Youngstown State Penguins extended their dominance in conference play with a 77-61 road victory over IU Indy on New Year’s Day at Corteva Coliseum. The Penguins improved to 10-5 overall and remained perfect in conference action at 5-0, while the Greyhounds dropped to 5-11 and 1-4 in league play.
Youngstown State showcased a balanced and efficient offensive attack, particularly in the first half, where they shot a blistering 52% from the field and an impressive 60% from beyond the arc. The Penguins built a commanding 45-35 halftime lead, fueled by EJ Farmer’s electric performance. Farmer finished with a game-high 20 points, including four three-pointers, providing the offensive spark Youngstown State needed to keep IU Indy at bay.
Nico Galette added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Gabe Dynes controlled the glass with 12 rebounds and contributed five points. The Penguins dominated in the paint and on the break, outscoring IU Indy 36-20 in the paint and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities with 11 points.
IU Indy struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 30.6% from the field for the game. The Greyhounds were also limited to 27% shooting from three-point range, which hindered their ability to close the gap. Paul Zilinskas led the Greyhounds with 19 points, including a few key buckets in the second half that attempted to spark a rally. Jarvis Walker chipped in with 12 points, but the team’s offensive woes, compounded by 13 turnovers, proved too much to overcome.
Despite trailing by 10 points at the break, IU Indy came out in the second half with renewed energy. They managed to cut the deficit to single digits at times, but Youngstown State’s defensive pressure and ability to control the boards stymied any hopes of a comeback. Farmer’s timely shooting and Galette’s presence in the post helped the Penguins maintain control as they cruised to a comfortable victory.
Youngstown State head coach Jerrod Calhoun praised his team’s effort and execution on both ends of the court, particularly in managing the tempo and making IU Indy work for every basket.
The Penguins now look to carry their winning momentum into their next matchup as they continue their push in conference play. Meanwhile, IU Indy will aim to regroup and bounce back as they strive to improve their standing in the league.
Key Stats:
- Youngstown State:
- EJ Farmer: 20 points, 4 three-pointers
- Nico Galette: 11 points, 11 rebounds
- Gabe Dynes: 12 rebounds, 5 points
- IU Indy:
- Paul Zilinskas: 19 points
- Jarvis Walker: 12 points
- Team shooting: 30.6% from the field, 27% from three-point range
Up Next:
Youngstown State continues its conference schedule later this week, while IU Indy will look to bounce back in their next outing. Attendance for the game was 562, with fans braving the holiday to witness a solid matchup between conference rivals.
