Milwaukee Panthers vs
Youngstown St. PenguinsPredictions & Preview

Milwaukee set to take on Youngstown State in crucial battle for top seed in Horizon League playoffs

The 2024-25 college basketball season is well underway, with teams vying for conference tournament seeds. Milwaukee will face Youngstown State on Friday night in a crucial match-up as both teams compete for the No. 1 seed in the Horizon League. Milwaukee previously defeated Youngstown State with ease, but the Penguins are now favored to win by 1.5 points. With the regular season winding down, this game is sure to be a close and intense battle. Stay tuned for more NCAAB picks on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Panthers -104 | Penguins -115
• Spread: Panthers +1.5 (-110) | Penguins -1.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 149.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Youngstown St. will win straight-up is 53%.

Milwaukee vs Youngstown St. Stats

Milwaukee Panthers

The Milwaukee Panthers have had a mixed season, with recent wins over Wright State and Northern Kentucky following a loss to Cleveland State. Led by junior forward Jamichael Stillwell and senior guard Themus Fulks, the team has shown strength on offense, averaging nearly 79 points per game. Defensively, they have room for improvement, allowing an average of 72 points per game. With a power ranking of 156 and a current record of 18-9, the Panthers will need to focus on their defensive strategy to continue their success in the NCAA rankings.

Youngstown St. Penguins Analysis

The Youngstown State Penguins are on a hot streak, winning five of their last six games including a victory over Cleveland State as a 3.5-point underdog. Led by senior forward Nico Galette, the team has been performing well on both ends of the court. The Penguins' offense averages 77.44 points per game and shoots 43.60% from the field, while the defense allows 71.37 points per game and holds opponents to a 42.20% field goal percentage. Currently ranked 92nd in offense and 172nd in defense, Youngstown State has a power ranking of 16 and an overall record of 18-10. The team's performance puts them at number 175 in the NCAA NET Rankings.

Milwaukee's Inside Game to Clash with Youngstown State's Sharp 3-Point Defense

Youngstown State is known for its strong defense, particularly when it comes to defending the 3-point line. Ranking seventh in the country in opposing 3-point rate and 69th in opposing 3-point percentage, the Penguins present a formidable challenge for opponents. On the other hand, Milwaukee's offensive strategy differs significantly, as they do not heavily rely on 3-point shooting. Their low ranking in 3-point rate and percentage illustrates this point. Milwaukee excels in rebounding and attacking the rim, ranking highly in offensive and defensive rebound percentages as well as free-throw rate. Despite a previous victory over Youngstown State, the Panthers came out on top due to their dominance in the paint and superior rebounding performance. As both teams prepare to face off again, Milwaukee's strengths are expected to play a key role in securing another close victory.

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