Preview: Bryant & Strat at Youngstown St
Youngstown State Looks to Get Back on Track Against Bryant & Strat
In a matchup that promises to be an intriguing test of skills, Youngstown State (8-8, 2-4 Horizon League) will look to break out of its recent slump when it hosts Bryant & Strat at the Beeghly Center. The Penguins, led by senior forward Cris Carroll's impressive 17.7 points per game, have struggled in their last five games, falling to NCAA Tournament-bound N Kentucky, Oakland, Detroit Mercy, SC Upstate, and Robert Morris.
Meanwhile, Bryant & Strat enters this contest with a 0-1 record against non-conference opponents, but boasts an exciting young roster that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. This matchup will provide a crucial opportunity for both teams to build their resumes in the highly competitive non-conference schedule.
One area where Youngstown State could potentially gain an edge is on the defensive end, where they boast one of the better defensive rebounding percentages in the league (33.1%). However, Bryant & Strat's offense has been incredibly efficient from beyond the arc this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.4%. This will undoubtedly be a key matchup to watch as both teams look to exploit each other's weaknesses.
In terms of form, Youngstown State is coming off a tough loss to Robert Morris, while Bryant & Strat has been idle since its last contest. The Penguins' recent slump has been attributed in part to their inability to contain opponents on the perimeter, but they have shown flashes of resilience throughout the season.
For Bryant & Strat, this matchup represents an opportunity to get back on track and start building momentum in a crucial stretch of games. With Cris Carroll's scoring prowess leading the charge, the Bulldogs will look to find ways to outscore Youngstown State from beyond the arc.
Ultimately, this contest promises to be an exciting test of skills for both teams, with each side looking to build their resumes and gain a crucial win in the process. Will Youngstown State be able to bounce back from its recent slump, or can Bryant & Strat find the form it has shown flashes of throughout the season? One thing is certain: this matchup will be one to watch closely as these two teams clash at the Beeghly Center on January 9th.