Youngstown State Tops Northern Kentucky 64-58 in Close Contest
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center
Youngstown State Penguins 64, Northern Kentucky Norse 58, 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 Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins?
Youngstown State Penguins beat Northern Kentucky Norse 64-58 at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center on February 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins?
Youngstown State Penguins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Youngstown State Penguins defeated the Northern Kentucky Norse 64-58 at the Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center. This victory marked an important moment for Youngstown State, as they improved their record to 16-14, while Northern Kentucky fell to 17-13. The game showcased the Penguins' ability to secure a win against a team that had previously bested them in their last two encounters.
Youngstown State entered the game with a mixed recent form, holding a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They had just come off a high-scoring win against the Cleveland State Vikings, where they triumphed 106-82. Their scoring average during this stretch was 81.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 76.8 points. At home, they had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, scoring an average of 83.6 points and allowing 74.6.
On the other hand, Northern Kentucky had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, but they were riding a three-game winning streak heading into this matchup. Their recent games included a solid 87-71 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne. The Norse averaged 80.7 points while allowing 79.8 points during this stretch. However, they struggled on the road, with a record of 1-4 in their last five away games.
Historically, this matchup has been competitive, with Youngstown State holding a 1-2 record against Northern Kentucky in their last three meetings. Their previous encounters included a 79-94 loss on January 4, 2026, and another defeat on March 1, 2025, where they lost 79-88. The Penguins' only victory in this span came on January 8, 2025, when they won 72-61 at home.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, suggesting both teams may have had their full rosters available for this crucial game. The market had Youngstown State favored by 2.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 152.5 points. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with Youngstown State's moneyline at -135 and Northern Kentucky's at +114.
The game conditions were likely favorable for a high-paced contest, given both teams' recent scoring averages. Youngstown State's offense was particularly potent at home, while Northern Kentucky aimed to capitalize on their recent momentum.
As the game unfolded, key moments included crucial free throws and timely baskets that allowed Youngstown State to maintain their lead. Notable scoring plays in the second half included a layup by LJ Wells that brought Northern Kentucky within four points at 54-58, and a driving layup by Cris Carroll that extended Youngstown State's lead to 60-54. The Penguins managed to close out the game by converting free throws, ultimately sealing the victory at 64-58.
Fans watching the game would have noted the intensity and defensive efforts from both sides, particularly in the final minutes as each team sought to secure the win. Youngstown State's ability to execute under pressure and manage the clock effectively played a crucial role in their success.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | YSU -2.5 | 152.5 o -115 / u -105 | Northern Kentucky Norse +114 · Youngstown State Penguins -135 |
Leaders
- PointsBryson Dawkins22Youngstown State Penguins
- AssistsJason Nelson5Youngstown State Penguins
- ReboundsCris Carroll10Youngstown State Penguins
- PointsDonovan Oday18Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsEthan Elliott4Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsTae Dozier11Northern Kentucky Norse
Recent form
Youngstown State Penguins
Last 10: 5-5Streak W181.6 scored · 76.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W106-82vs Cleveland State VikingsFeb 18
- L70-76at Detroit Mercy TitansFeb 15
- W86-82at Oakland Golden GrizzliesFeb 13
- L66-72vs Robert Morris ColonialsFeb 7
- W90-61at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsFeb 5
- W85-76vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsJan 30
- L64-65vs Milwaukee PanthersJan 24
- W88-81vs Green Bay PhoenixJan 22
- L78-80at Cleveland State VikingsJan 17
- L83-93at Wright State RaidersJan 16
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 4-6Streak W380.7 scored · 79.8 allowed per game1-4 away
- W87-71vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsFeb 19
- W84-81at IU Indianapolis JaguarsFeb 12
- W67-62vs Milwaukee PanthersFeb 7
- L84-87vs Green Bay PhoenixFeb 5
- L65-76at Oakland Golden GrizzliesFeb 1
- L77-90at Detroit Mercy TitansJan 31
- L80-88at Wright State RaidersJan 24
- L89-92vs Robert Morris ColonialsJan 18
- W96-71vs Detroit Mercy TitansJan 16
- L78-80at Green Bay PhoenixJan 11
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 | Northern Kentucky Norse | Youngstown State Penguins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-68 | 21-50 |
| Field goal % | 29 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 8-31 | 5-20 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 25 |
| Free throws | 10-18 | 17-26 |
| Free throw % | 56 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 32 |
| Assists | 11 | 13 |
| Steals | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 32 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half20-37Bryson Dawkins makes layup (Jason Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half23-37Kael Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half26-37Donovan Oday makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half26-39Bryson Dawkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half27-39Kael Robinson makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half28-39Kael Robinson makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half29-39Kael Robinson makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half29-40Bryson Dawkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-41Bryson Dawkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-43Imanuel Zorgvol makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Jason Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half30-43Dan Gherezgher makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-43Dan Gherezgher makes 26-foot three point jumper (LJ Wells assists)
- 2nd Half33-45Imanuel Zorgvol makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jason Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half33-47Rich Rolf makes layup (Jason Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half35-47Ethan Elliott makes layup (LJ Wells assists)
- 2nd Half36-47Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-47Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-47Donovan Oday makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-49Drew King makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-49Donovan Oday makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dan Gherezgher assists)
- 2nd Half42-50Tae Blackshear makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-51Tae Blackshear makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-51Donovan Oday makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Jason Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-54Bryson Dawkins makes layup
- 2nd Half47-54Kael Robinson makes layup
- 2nd Half48-54Kael Robinson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-55Cris Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-56Cris Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-56Tae Dozier makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half52-56LJ Wells makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-58Bryson Dawkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-58LJ Wells makes layup
- 2nd Half54-60Cris Carroll makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-60Kael Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Cris Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-62Cris Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Kael Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Cris Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Cris Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Youngstown State Penguins, below favours Northern Kentucky Norse.
Venue
- Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly CenterYoungstown, OH
- Attendance2344
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Jermaine Rogers, Blanca Burns
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