Titans Triumph Over Penguins in Close Contest
Monday, December 29, 2025, 6:30 PM ET · Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center
Detroit Mercy Titans 73, Youngstown State Penguins 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Detroit Mercy Titans vs Youngstown State Penguins?
Detroit Mercy Titans beat Youngstown State Penguins 73-68 at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Detroit Mercy Titans vs Youngstown State Penguins?
Youngstown State Penguins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -535 (about 84% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center, the Detroit Mercy Titans edged out the Youngstown State Penguins with a final score of 73-68. This victory marks the Titans' first win against the Penguins this season, improving their head-to-head record to 2-0 against Youngstown State in the current season.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Penguins, boasting a home record of 8-6, had a solid performance in their last ten games with a record of 6-4, including a recent win against South Carolina Upstate Spartans on December 20, where they triumphed 74-65. They averaged 77.2 points scored and allowed 68.9 points during this stretch. Their last five games showed even better form, with an average of 80.2 points scored and only 64.0 points allowed, indicating a strong offensive and defensive balance.
On the other hand, the Titans, with a 6-7 overall record, have been more inconsistent, finishing their last ten games at 5-5. They recently secured a convincing win against the Siena Heights Saints, winning 91-60 on December 20. The Titans averaged 76.9 points scored and allowed 73.9 points during their last ten games, showcasing their ability to score but also revealing vulnerabilities on defense.
When looking at the home and away performances, the Penguins excelled at home with a perfect record of 5-0 in their last five home games, while the Titans struggled on the road, holding a 2-4 record in away games. This matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the league.
In terms of previous meetings, the Titans had already defeated the Penguins earlier in the season, winning 87-72 on February 8 and 73-64 on December 29. This history likely added pressure on the Penguins to perform well at home.
Injuries were not highlighted in the provided facts, suggesting both teams had their key players available for this important matchup. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, favored the Penguins with a spread of -9.5, indicating expectations for a strong home performance. The total points line was set at 146.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams.
The game conditions appeared favorable for basketball, with no adverse weather or environmental factors reported that could have impacted play. Fans and viewers were treated to an exciting contest, with notable scoring plays highlighting the action. Key moments included Keshawn Fisher making a free throw to extend the Titans' lead and Jason Nelson contributing with a driving layup that kept the Penguins competitive.
As the game progressed, the Titans maintained their composure, with Orlando Lovejoy sealing the victory by converting two crucial free throws in the closing moments. Despite a late surge from the Penguins, including a three-point jumper from Tae Blackshear, they could not overcome the deficit.
Ultimately, the Titans' victory not only adds to their momentum but also serves as a significant confidence boost as they continue their season. The Penguins, while falling short, will look to regroup and address their defensive lapses in future games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | YSU -9.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Detroit Mercy Titans +400 · Youngstown State Penguins -535 |
Leaders
- PointsCris Carroll15Youngstown State Penguins
- AssistsDrew King3Youngstown State Penguins
- ReboundsCris Carroll8Youngstown State Penguins
- PointsOrlando Lovejoy22Detroit Mercy Titans
- AssistsKeshawn Fisher3Detroit Mercy Titans
- ReboundsRyan Kalambay10Detroit Mercy Titans
Recent form
Youngstown State Penguins
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.2 scored · 68.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W74-65vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansDec 20
- L77-80at Robert Morris ColonialsDec 18
- W103-52vs Thiel TomcatsDec 14
- W78-55at IU Indianapolis JaguarsDec 6
- W69-68vs Wright State RaidersDec 3
- W87-64vs Chicago State CougarsNov 28
- W67-61vs Georgia Southern EaglesNov 24
- L62-68at UNC Greensboro SpartansNov 23
- L75-92at Toledo RocketsNov 20
- L80-84at St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 15
Detroit Mercy Titans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W176.9 scored · 73.9 allowed per game2-4 away
- W91-60vs Siena Heights SaintsDec 20
- L77-81at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 14
- W71-59at Cleveland State VikingsDec 6
- W92-78vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsDec 4
- W70-66at Niagara Purple EaglesNov 29
- L75-95at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 23
- L56-84at Michigan State SpartansNov 21
- L62-72vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 19
- L83-90at Toledo RocketsNov 15
- W92-54vs Cleary University CougarsNov 12
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Detroit Mercy Titans | Youngstown State Penguins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-56 | 22-67 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 7-15 | 10-38 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 26 |
| Free throws | 18-25 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 24 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 9 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 22 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 71 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-29Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-29Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-29TJ Nadeau makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-29Xavier Istomin-Monroe makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-29Ryan Kalambay makes layup
- 2nd Half51-32Jaiden Haynes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cris Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half51-34Bryson Dawkins makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half51-37Jaiden Haynes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Vlad Salaridze assists)
- 2nd Half51-40Tae Blackshear makes 25-foot three point jumper (Drew King assists)
- 2nd Half51-42Tae Blackshear makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-42Orlando Lovejoy makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half54-42Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-42Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-42Orlando Lovejoy makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-45Tae Blackshear makes 27-foot three point jumper (Vlad Salaridze assists)
- 2nd Half60-45Tyler Spratt makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ryan Kalambay assists)
- 2nd Half60-47Vlad Salaridze makes layup
- 2nd Half62-47Orlando Lovejoy makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-48Jason Nelson makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half62-49Jason Nelson makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half65-49Keshawn Fisher makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jared Lary assists)
- 2nd Half65-50Cris Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-51Cris Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-52Jason Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-53Jason Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-53Ryan Kalambay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-56Bryson Dawkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jason Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half68-56Orlando Lovejoy makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half68-57Vlad Salaridze makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-59Jason Nelson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-59Keshawn Fisher makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Keshawn Fisher makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-59Keshawn Fisher makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-61Jason Nelson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-62Jason Nelson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-65Tae Blackshear makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaiden Haynes assists)
- 2nd Half72-65Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-65Orlando Lovejoy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67Bryson Dawkins makes layup
- 2nd Half73-68Tae Blackshear makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Youngstown State Penguins, below favours Detroit Mercy Titans.
Venue
- Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly CenterYoungstown, OH
- Attendance1519
- OfficialsCrystal Hogan, Tony Meeks, Sutton Simon
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond