February 2003

Track & Field: YSU Looks to Bring Home First League Championship  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- During the past few weeks, Head Coach Brian Gorby has been preaching to his athletes "the head and hard work sets it up - the heart brings it home." If all goes to plan and their hearts prevails, the Youngstown State track and field team will bring home the first Horizon League Championship in school history at the Indoor Track and Field Championships in Milwaukee, Wis. this weekend.
Heading into the championships, both the men's and women's squads have a solid chance of bringing home the title.
"If we're the healthiest team, we have the best chance to win," Gorby said.
Gorby, along with his assistant coaches, are looking to reestablish the tradition of track and field excellence that the program had in the Mid-Continent Conference, winning eight conference championships from 1994-1997. Of those eight championships, six were keyed by Gorby's current support staff.
"We've made the sacrifices and with sacrifice comes success," Gorby said. "It's going to take a whole team effort to bring the title and tradition back to Youngstown."
Leading the way for the men will be Kurt Michaelis, the defending league champion in the 800-meter run and the mile. In addition to being a provisional qualifier for the NCAA Championship and a three-time Athlete of the Week, Michaelis will head into the meet with the top time run this season in both events and the second-fastest time in the 1,000.
Nick Smith will also play a key role for the men, competing in the 1,000, the mile and the 3,000. Smith owns the third fastest time run this season in the mile, the seventh fastest in the 3,000 and the tenth fastest in the 1,000. He also finished third in both the mile and the 3,000 to earn All-Ohio honors.
In the sprints, Ryan Strzalka holds the sixth fastest time in the 60 dash while Eugene Harris, last year's champion in the 60 and the 200, heads in with the third fastest time in the 200.
In the field events, Edwin Jackson is heading in sixth in the long jump while Nick Roberts is second in the shot put and Jarrod Davis is fourth in both the shot and the weight throw.
On the women's side, Jeanna Cunningham will look to continue her success from last season where she finished second in the 200 and third in the 400 en route to being named Newcomer of the Year. Heading into the championship meet, she holds the fourth fastest time in the 200 and the fifth fastest time in the 400.
All-Ohioan Aaliyah Gillespie brings the top time in the 60 hurdles and the fourth spot in the 60 dash while Lindsay Frontz owns the third fastest time in the 1,000. Emily Schnitkey holds the fifth spot in the mile, the 3000 and the 5000.
In the field, Lissette Alamo, who finished second in the long jump and third in the triple jump a year ago, will head into the meet holding the second spot in the long jump. Delores Gaines will look to defend her title in the weight throw while Laura Schatz will head into the meet as the defending champion in the high jump.
The event kicks off on Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. EST with the long jump and concludes with the awards presentation on Sunday at 5:15 p.m.

Penguins Host Illinois-Chicago In Regular Season Finale  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio – The Youngstown State women’s basketball team (6-20, 3-12 Horizon League) concludes the 2002-03 regular season when it hosts the University of Illinois-Chicago women’s basketball team (16-10, 10-5 Horizon League) on Saturday, March 1. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
The Youngstown State Penguins are coming off a 74-69 loss to Detroit last Thursday, a game which the Penguins owned an 18-point, first-half lead. The Illinois-Chicago Flames are coming off an impressive 75-60 victory over cross-town rival Loyola (Chicago) on Wednesday evening.

THE SERIES
This is the eighth meeting between Youngstown State and Illinois-Chicago with the Penguins owning a 5-2 advantage in the all-time series. Earlier this season, the Flames defeated the Penguins, 76-60, at the UIC Pavilion. Last season, the Penguins swept the season series against the Flames, including a 64-56 victory at the UIC Pavilion and a 77-62 decision at Beeghly Center. The Penguins have won three of the last four meetings. UIC has also never won in Beeghly Center.


THE COACHES
Youngstown State Head Coach Ed DiGregorio is in his 20th season at the helm of the YSU women’s basketball program and owns a career mark of 319-239. DiGregorio also owns a career Horizon League mark of 11-20 and has a record of 5-2 against Illinois-Chicago


Illinois-Chicago Head Coach Lisa Ryckbosch is in her first season at the helm of the Flames basketball program and owns a career record of 16-10 overall and a 10-5 Horizon League mark. Ryckbosch also owns a record of 1-0 against Youngstown State.

SCOUTING THE FLAMES
The Illinois-Chicago women’s basketball team is currently in second place in the Horizon League standings with a 10-5 League mark and own a 16-10 overall record. The Flames have won their last three contests and five of the last six. Leading the Flames are seniors LeKesha Williams and Jaysie Chambers. Williams leads the squad with 19.5 points per game while Chambers is averaging a double-double with 14.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Penguins Play Regular-Season Finale at UIC  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team concludes the regular-season portion of its schedule on Saturday when they play at Illinois-Chicago. Tipoff for the Fox Sports Net televised contest at the UIC Pavilion is set for 7:06 p.m. Eastern time.
Youngstown State (8-18 overall and 4-11 in the Horizon League) has lost six straight games and is coming off its worst loss of the season losing 86-52 at Detroit on Thursday night. The Penguins have now lost 28 straight on the road following the defeat.
Currently, YSU is tied with UW-Green Bay in the league standings for sixth place. The Penguins and Phoenix will play in the first round of the league tournament, however a YSU win over UIC and a Phoenix loss to Wright State will give the Penguins a game at the Beeghly Center on March 4. A YSU loss or Green Bay win means the game will be at the Resch Center.
Illinois-Chicago (19-7 and 11-4) enters the game after a thrilling 66-64 win at crosstown rival Loyola on Thursday night. Aaron Carr hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer as the Flames have now clinched a third-place finish in the Horizon League standings.
The Penguins have never beaten the Flames losing all seven all-time contests. Earlier this year, YSU played the Flames tough losing 78-76 at the Beeghly Center on a 3-pointer by Cedrick Banks in the final minute.

Scouting the UIC Flames
UIC will be going for its first-ever back-to-back 20-win seasons when it plays host to Youngstown on Saturday. The Flames won 20 games last year and have 19 victories this season.
UIC has defended its home turf well this season posting an 11-2 record at the UIC Pavilion with the two losses coming to Butler and Detroit. Over the past two years, the Flames are 22-4.
Leading the team offensively is Cedrick Banks who is averaging 19.9 points per game. Banks is one of five players who average double figures for the Flames.
As a team, UIC is averaging 75.5 points and 37.7 rebounds per game. UIC is tough on the boards owning a rebound margin of 4.9 per contest.
UIC is coached by Jimmy Collins who is 105-99 in his seventh year

Penguins Add Top 100 Florida Prospect to Class  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- The Youngstown State football team added one of the top 70 college-eligible prospects in the state of Florida to their 2003 recruiting class on Friday with the signing of Orlando Edgewater standout linebacker Jeremiah Wright, Coach Jon Heacock announced.
Wright, a 5-10, 195-pounder, was listed as the 67th top prospect out of 100 by the Orlando Sun-Sentinel in February. At Edgewater, he was a two-time All-Central Florida team selection and as a senior was a second-team all-state selection by the Florida Sports Writers Association.
In 2002, Edgewater finished 12-2 losing 19-14 in the Class 6A Championship Game to Miami Norland. His senior year, Wright recorded 124 tackles and 10 sacks and was named his team's defensive player of the year.
As a junior, he had 130 tackles and six sacks and as a sophomore had 95 tackles and five sacks. In 2001, he was named to the All-Central Florida Football Team.
He also competed in track as part of the 4x100-meter relay team that finished third in the state and second at the regional track meet.
Wright becomes the 19th member of this year's signing class and is the 16th of the class to play on the defensive side of the ball. He is also the fifth student-athlete from Florida to sign with the Penguins.

Jeremiah Wright
Linebacker • 5-10 • 195
Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater High School)

High School: Wright was a key member of Edgewater's team that made the Class 6A state championship game...Edgewater lost to Miami Norlwand in the title game 19-14...team finished 12-2 on the season...as a senior was a second-team all-state selection by the Florida Sports Writers Association...was listed as the 67th college-eligible prospect (out of 100) by the Orlando Sun-Sentinel...was a two-time All-Central Florida Football team selection...as a senior recorded 124 tackles and 10 tackles for losses...was named the team's defensive most valuable player...as a junior had 130 tackles and six sacks..as a sophomore had 95 tackles and five sacks...coach was Bill Gierke...also competed in track...as a junior was a member of the 4x100-meter relay team that finished third in the state and second in the region. Personal: Parents are Skip and Anne Marie Kenney...has a brother (Chris) and a sister (Adrienne)...born Jan. 9, 1985...academic interest is computer science and engineering.

Leveto Wins Horizon League Title in Three-Meter  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Cleveland, Ohio -- Youngstown State sophomore diver Kalyn Leveto won the three-meter diving event with a score of 416.40 at the Horizon League Championships at the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium on the campus of Cleveland State University on Thursday evening.
With the win, a Penguin diver has won the three-meter diving event at three straight conference championships.
Senior diver Mandie Smail finished sixth in the three-meter with a score of 384.75.
In other action, sophomore Erin Carter finished 14th in the 200-yard IM with time of 2:15.32. Lena Arens placed 11th in the 50 free with a personal-best time of 25.19 while teammate Missy Weise finished four places back in 15th with a time of 25.67.
YSU currently occupies the fifth spot in the standings ahead of Cleveland State and Butler with 92 points. Wright State is in first with 219.
The Horizon League Championships continue tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m.

Meet Results

Penguins Spoil 18-Point First-Half Lead In 74-69 Loss To Detroit  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Final Stats

Youngstown, Ohio -- The Youngstown State women's basketball team (6-20, 3-12 Horizon League) squandered an 18-point first-half lead and dropped a 74-69 decision to Detroit (8-18, 6-9 Horizon League) on Thursday evening at the Beeghly Center. The loss marks YSU's first 20-loss season since the 1993-94 campaign.
After senior Maggie Johnston tied the game at 7-7 with a layup at the 15:24 mark, the Penguins outscored the Titans, 22-4, over the next nine minutes to take their largest lead of the game, 29-11, with 6:23 to go in the first half. During its run, Youngstown State pounded the ball inside for six layups and Johnston and Devin Novak each drilled 3-pointers. Novak finished the game with 19 points while Johnston added 13.
Detroit called timeout and quickly began chipping away at the Penguin lead. Freshman Caitie Goddard sparked the Titans' 19-9 run with a 3-pointer at the 5:59 mark of the first half. Detroit's Sara Crum, who led all scorers with 24 points, connected on two treys while freshman Katie Solner nailed one triple. Crum also sank a jumper to cut the YSU lead to six points, 36-30, with 38 seconds remaining.
YSU sophomore Jen Perugini, who collected her third straight double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, gave the Penguins an eight-point halftime lead with a jumper with eight seconds before the intermission.
The Titans began the second half clicking on all cylinders by making their first three field goals, including Crum's third 3-pointer, and two charity tossed by Goddard, and took a 39-38 lead at the 16:38 mark.
Youngstown State and Detroit battled through five lead changes and four ties over the next 8:24 before Perugini gave the Penguins a five-point cushion, 63-58, with a 3-pointer and two free throws at the 4:24 mark.
Crum's 3-point play and a layup by Nicole Anaejionu tied the game at 63-63 with 2:55 remaining, then Solner took over for the Titans. Solner, who finished with 19 points, scored nine of Detroit's final 11 points of the game, including a layup and converting 7-of-8 free throws in the final minute of the game. Anaejionu also reached double figures for the Titans with 12 points.
Detroit, which connected on 7-of-14 shots from behind the 3-point line, shot an impressive 56 percent in the second half compared to 30.3 percent for the Penguins.
Youngstown State concludes its regular season against Illinois-Chicago, Saturday, March 1, at the Beeghly Center. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.

Penguins Suffer 86-52 Setback at Detroit  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Final Stats




Detroit, Mich. -- The Youngstown State men's basketball watched Detroit make a big first-half run that was too much to overcome in a 86-52 loss at Calihan Hall on Thursday night.
Detroit (15-11 overall and 8-7 in the Horizon League) opened up a four-point game with an impressive 28-5 run and never looked back. Despite its sixth straight loss, YSU (8-18 and 4-11) still has a chance to host a first round Horizon League Tournament game, but no matter what happens on Saturday will play UW-Green Bay on March 4.
The Penguins can earn the home game with a victory over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday coupled with a loss by Green Bay at Wright State. If YSU losses to the Flames or the Phoenix beat the Raiders, YSU plays in Green Bay on March 4. The winner moves on in the tournament to play in Milwaukee on March 7.
However on Thursday night, the Penguins could not get anything going against the Titans.
In the first half, Detroit came out and took control of the game early. With the score tied 5-5, the Titans went on an 8-0 run to build a 13-5 advantage before YSU pulled within 14-10 at 15:00. After that point, the Titans took control.
UDM went on an impressive 28-5 from that point on until just under a minute remained in the half when Underwood made a 3-pointer with 40 seconds left in the opening stanza. Youngstown scored the final five points of the half to get within 42-20 at the break.
The Penguins had a major drought from the field to help contribute to the Titan run. YSU did not make a field goal from 13:43 when Jamel Porter made a bucket until Andy Jahnke made a pull-up jumper on a fast break at 4:36. YSU scored just two points during that span on free throws by Porter and Brian Radakovich.
For the half, the Titans shot 48.6 percent (17-of-25) while YSU struggled making just 33.3 percent (8-of-24). Another big difference came in the turnover category with YSU committing 13 miscues and UDM committing only three.
In the second half, Detroit outscored YSU by 12 points as well.
For the game, YSU shot 37 percent (20-of-54) while Detroit shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57). The teams were even on the boards at 32 each.
Adam Baumann scored a game-high 16 points, all in the second half and added 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the year.
Willie Green had a game-high 27 points while Terrell Riggs had 13 and Willie Wallace added 11.
The Penguins remain on the road playing their final game of the regular season on Saturday at Illinois-Chicago. The Fox Sports contest will be carried live in Youngstown on WYFX Fox 17/62 at 7 p.m.

Baseball: Season Opener Cancelled, Moved to Saturday  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- The Youngstown State baseball team's season-opening road trip to Columbia, Mo. was delayed at least one day due to inclement weather at the University of Missouri.
The Penguins were scheduled to kick off their 2003 season on Friday at 5 p.m, but that game has been moved to Sunday as part of a two-day four-game series against the Tigers.
Weather permitting, YSU will take off for Columbia Friday morning and will begin the first of two double headers on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Penguins' Season-Opener Cancelled  Posted Friday, February 28, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio -- The Youngstown State softball team's 2003 season-opener against Eastern Kentucky at the University of Kentucky Invitational has been cancelled due to inclement weather conditions in Lexington, Ky. The Penguins were to face EKU and Kentucky on March 1-2.
The Penguins next schedule game is against Stetson, Sunday, March 9, at 1 p.m. in Deland, Fla.

YSU Has Shown Improvement In More Ways Than One  Posted Thursday, February 27, 2003 by  vince
Improvement can be measured in different ways. By record. By team performance. By skill level. By a number of different things. I believe Youngstown State's men's basketball team is moving in the right direction. Coach John Robic doesn't have the talent that a Detroit Mercy or a Butler or a Milwaukee has at this time. Robic's club has played well. The Pens lost in two contests to the Butler Bulldogs by a combined thirteen points. That was something that Youngstown fans didn't have the privilege of seeing much of last year. Close games. Most people wouldn't realize how much they have improved by looking at the empty seats around me at the Beeghly Center.

For those who just read the Vindicator or the Warren Tribune you see a team who is 8-18. What you don't see is a team who could have a much better record. A team who has been overachieving all season and plays in one of the best mid-major divisions in the country. Playing in the Horizon is much different from playing in the Mid-continent Conference. You are playing against better competition night after night. Being that the change of conference came so late in 2001, this is the first recruiting class of the Horizon era at Youngstown State. I think Robic and his staff did a tremendous job of filling some holes. We haven't seen what Jamel Porter or Derrick Harris are capable of being that they were on the shelf for most of the season. Now, I'm not saying that YSU will make the tournament this year or next. What I am saying is stop criticizing and start applauding this team. I believe in a few years YSU basketball will be in the upper echelon of the Horizon League. Knocking on the door of the big dance for the first time in school history.

Robic is a teacher. He is a basketball wiz. For his club to have won four division games speaks volumes. The amount of talent in this league is superior to what he has. He gets the most out of his kids. It shows up on the court. He doesn't have the Clay Tucker's or the Joel Cornette's or even the Cedrick Banks. However, John has learned from the best in the business, Larry Brown and John Calipari. He has been on the same bench with some of the great ones: Danny Manning, Lou Roe, and Marcus Camby just to name a few. When he arrived at YSU, in his first season as the head man he won twelve games. That is the third most wins by a first year head coach (Dom Rosselli's 14 in the 1940-41 season and Mike Rice's 15 in 1982-83 campaign). Robic is determined to make this program into a winner. I believe we are only a few years away from seeing YSU in the limelight.

Penguins Finalize 2003 Schedule  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- For the first time in school history, the Youngstown State football team will play 12 regular-season games highlighted by seven home contests, always tough Gateway Football Conference competition and the renewal of the Schwebel's Challenge Series against Kent State.
The seven home regular-season games are the most since 2001 and marks the eighth time in school history YSU has played seven regular-season home contests. The Penguins play host to Edinboro, Slippery Rock, Florida Atlantic, SMS, Western Illinois, Illinois State and defending National Champion Western Kentucky. Road contests are at Kent State, Liberty, Indiana State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois. YSU will play 12 straight weeks before having its only open date the week prior to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs.
Head Coach Jon Heacock said the schedule is solid from top to bottom with interesting matchups each week.
"Our schedule is interesting since we play 12 regular-season games for the first time in school history," Heacock said. "We looked into playing 12 games last season, which was allowed by the NCAA for the first time, but a good scheduling situation did not present itself.
"This year, things just fell into place and that is awesome. I am excited that once again our fans can see us play at Stambaugh Stadium seven times and can make the short trip to Kent State for another installment of the Schwebel's Challenge Series."
The Penguins open the season on Thursday, August 28, playing host to Division II Edinboro and follow that with a contest against Division II Slippery Rock on Sept. 6. YSU is a combined 11-0 against those two schools.
"Playing both Edinboro and Slippery Rock early in the year gives us a chance to face challenges from two Western Pennsylvania teams," Heacock said. "Then we have an exciting opportunity to play a very good Kent State team at their place."
Youngstown State renews the Schwebel's Challenge Series against Kent State on Sept. 13 at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. YSU currently possesses the Schwebel's Trophy after beating the Golden Flashes 26-20 in 2000 at Kent. YSU owns a 6-3 series lead.
Florida Atlantic makes its first trip to Stambaugh Stadium on Sept. 20. YSU beat the Owls 24-17 last year in Miami. The Penguins play their final non-conference game of the year at Liberty on Sept. 27. The last contest between the Flames and YSU was in 1993.
Youngstown State begins Gateway Football Conference play at Stambaugh Stadium against SMS on Oct. 4. YSU has won all seven previous meetings with the Bears. YSU plays 2002 Gateway Champion Western Illinois on Oct. 11.
The Penguins then play three of four Gateway clashes on the road beginning with an Oct. 18 game at Indiana State. YSU is 11-1 all-time against the Sycamores.
The annual Homecoming game is set against Illinois State on Oct. 25. The Penguins beat the Redbirds 24-17 last year in Normal and have won the last three meetings. YSU has won its last 11 Homecoming games.
The only consecutive road games of the year are played at Northern Iowa on Nov. 1 and then at Southern Illinois on Nov. 8. YSU has split the last four meetings with the Panthers and has won six of its last seven against the Salukis.
Youngstown State concludes the regular season at home against defending National Champion Western Kentucky. WKU beat YSU 13-7 last year and finished the year by winning 10 consecutive games on its way to winning its first-ever national title.
YSU does not play on Nov. 22 and the first-round of the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs is set for Nov. 29. The quarterfinals will be played Dec. 6 with the semifinals played on Dec. 13. The title game will be held in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the seventh consecutive season on Friday, Dec. 19.
Spring Practice: The Penguins will begin Spring Drills on Friday, March 21. Scrimmages are tentatively scheduled for April 4 and April 12 with the Annual Spring Game on Wednesday, April 16.

2003 Spring Football Practice Schedule

Day Date Time/Release
Friday March 21
Saturday March 22
Sunday March 23
Tuesday March 25
Friday March 28
Saturday March 29
Wednesday April 2
Friday April 4 Jersey Scrimmage #1
Saturday April 5
Sunday April 6
Wednesday April 9
Wednesday April 9 Spring Coaches Clinic
Friday April 11
Saturday April 12 Jersey Scrimmage #2
Monday April 14 Bob Dove Luncheon
Monday April 14
Wednesday April 15 Spring Game


2003 Football Schedule


Date Opponent Location Time
August 28 Edinboro Stambaugh 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 Slippery Rock Stambaugh 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Kent State Kent, Ohio TBA
Sept. 20 Florida Atlantic Stambaugh 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Liberty Lynchburg, Va. 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 SW Missouri State* Stambaugh 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Western Illinois* Stambaugh 4 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Indiana State* Terre Haute, Ind. 1:05 p.m.
Oct. 25 Illinois State* Stambaugh 4 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Northern Iowa* Cedar Falls, Iowa 5:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Southern Illinois* Carbondale, Ill. 7 p.m.
Nov. 15 Western Kentucky* Stambaugh 1 p.m.


All Times Eastern and subject to change
*Indicates Gateway Football Game

Swimming & Diving: Penguins to Compete at League Championships  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Follow this link for Tourney Results

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State swimming and diving team will begin competition Wednesday evening at what league officials are boasting as one of the most competitive Horizon League Championships ever at the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium on the campus of Cleveland State University.
The Penguins will head into the meet with two of the top divers in the conference in Kalyn Leveto and Mandie Smail.
Leveto holds the top score in the Horizon League in one-meter diving with a school-record 296.02 and the 11 dive three-meter diving. She is also owns the second spot in the six dive three-meter diving.
Smail is right behind Leveto in the 11 dive three-meter diving and holds the fourth spot in the two other diving events.
Lena Arens leads the sprint group heading into the championship meet, holding the seventh best time in the 50-yard free with a 25.44. Missy Wiese holds the 18th fastest time in both the 50 and 100 free.
The Penguins will also be led by the versatility of Erin Carter and Jordan Dunn. Carter ranks in the top 25 in six different events while Dunn occupies one of the top 25 spots in three events.
Wright State will look to become only the second team in league history to win back-to-back championships after edging out UW-Green Bay in last year's championship.
The meet begins Wednesday evening with the preliminary round of three-meter diving and concludes with the 400 freestyle relay on Saturday.
Trials will begin daily at 10:30 a.m. and finals will begin at 6 p.m.
Results can be found on Cleveland State's website near the completion of each event.

YSU Takes Final Road Trip of Regular Season  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Men's PreGame

The Youngstown State men’s basketball team embarks on their final regular-season road trip of the season beginning Thursday night at Detroit. Tipoff between the Penguins and Titans is set for 7:05 p.m. at Calihan Hall.
Youngstown State (8-17 overall and 4-10 in the Horizon League) has lost five straight games and is coming off a 69-60 loss at Butler last Saturday. Against the Bulldogs, YSU remained close the entire game but could not get over the hump.
Detroit (14-11 and 7-7) had an impressive showing last weekend as one of three Horizon League teams to participate in ESPN’s Bracket Buster Saturday. The Titans won at UC-Santa Barbara 75-59 led by Willie Green’s 24 points. Green has led Detroit in scoring in each of the last nine games and 12 of the last 13.
The Penguins enter the final week of the regular season with much to play for. YSU is tied for sixth with UW-Green Bay, but the Phoenix hold the tiebreaker having defeated league co-leader UW-Milwaukee. Seeds four through six play host to a first-round tournament game while teams who finish seventh, eighth or ninth must travel.
Earlier this season, Detroit’s defense held YSU to a season-low 49 points in a 57-49 Titan win on Jan. 23. In the all-time series, the Penguins trail 10-1. Also, YSU takes a 27-game road losing streak into a place where UDM has won 72 of its last 77 contests.
The Penguins close out the regular season against Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

Scouting the Detroit Titans
Detroit is always tough to beat at Calihan Hall and this season has been no different winning seven of 10 games. UDM has won three straight home contests, but has suffered losses to Butler, UW-Milwaukee and Illinois-Chicago this season. In fact, UDM has lost just five of its last 77 home games with those defeats coming by a combined total of 12 points.
Willie Green leads the offense in Detroit averaging 22.4 points per game to rank second in the Horizon League. Green has scored 20-or-more points on 18 occasions this year and twice had more than 40 -- at UIC (43) and against Wright State (41).
The Titans are coached by Perry Watson who owns a 190-112 record in his 10th season. Watson is tied with Barry Collier for the most MCC/Horizon League wins in a career at 93.

Earlier This Year vs. Detroit
Youngstown State struggled shooting the ball all night while Detroit converted 62 percent of its second-half shots to outlast the Penguins 57-49 at the Beeghly Center on Jan. 23.
Adam Baumann led the Penguins with a double-double, scoring a game-high 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
YSU led by one at halftime, before the Titans opened up the second half on a 14-3 run, holding the Penguins without a field goal to take a 10-point lead at the 12:16 mark.
Then the Penguins’ offense came alive, going on a 13-1 run led by two threes and eight points by Doug Underwood, and took a two-point lead at 35-33 with 7:49 to play.
However, Detroit answered right back and reclaimed the lead at 44-37 after a fast-break dunk by Terrell Riggs with 3:57 remaining.
The Penguins shot 34 percent from the floor while Detroit converted on 41 percent. YSU held the rebound advantage at 36-35 and held the league's second ranked scorer Willie Green to just 12 points

Penguins Host Detroit Thursday  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins

PreGame Notes

Youngstown, Ohio – The Youngstown State women’s basketball team (6-19, 3-11 Horizon League) closes out the regular season with a two-game homestand beginning Thursday, Feb. 27, against Detroit (7-18, 5-9 Horizon League). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Youngstown State plays its regular season finale against Illinois-Chicago, Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. in Beeghly Center.
The Penguins are coming off an disappointing 69-52 loss at the hands of Wright State on Monday evening, but also snapped a four-game losing streak with an 80-74 overtime victory over Butler last Saturday. Detroit is coming off losses to Loyola, 81-79, and Illinois-Chicago, 84-81, in overtime.

THE SERIES
This is the 11th meeting between Youngstown State and Detroit and the all-time series is tied at 5-5. Earlier this season, the Titans defeated the Penguins, 69-58, at Calihan Hall. Detroit, though, has never won at Beeghly Center and YSU has never won in Calihan Hall.


THE COACHES
Youngstown State Head Coach Ed DiGregorio is in his 20th season at the helm of the YSU women’s basketball program and owns a career mark of 319-238. DiGregorio also owns a career Horizon League mark of 11-19 and has a record of 4-5 against Detroit.


Detroit Head Coach Anne Rexford is in her fourth season as mentor of the Titan women’s basketball program and owns a career record 58-55. Rexford also owns an all-time record of 2-1 against Youngstown State.

SCOUTING THE TITANS
The Detroit women’s basketball team is currently in seventh place in the Horizon League standings with a 5-9 League record and own a 7-18 overall mark. The Titans are also two games ahead of the Penguins in the League standings. Detroit has lost six straight games and is coming off an 84-81 overtime loss to Illinois-Chicago last Saturday. The Titans have two players averaging in double figures this season. Juniors Lori Wild and Sara Crum are averaging 10.9 and 10.4 points per game, respectively.

2003 Youngstown State Softball Schedule  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Date Opponent Site Time/Result
March 1 vs. Eastern Kentucky^ Lexington, Ky. 1:30 p.m.
March 1 at Kentucky^ Lexington, Ky. 5:30 p.m.
March 2 vs. Eastern Kentucky^ Lexington, Ky. 1 p.m.
March 2 at Kentucky^ Lexington, Ky. 3 p.m.
March 9 at Stetson (DH) Deland, Fla. 1 p.m.
March 10 vs. St. Joseph's (Pa.)% Orlando, Fla. 10:40 a.m.
March 10 vs. Butler% Orlando, Fla. 2:20 p.m.
March 11 vs. Yale% Orlando, Fla. 8:50 a.m.
March 11 vs. Appalachian State% Orlando, Fla. 10:40 a.m.
March 12 vs. Bucknell% Orlando, Fla. 11:20 a.m.
March 12 vs. Penn% Orlando, Fla. 3 p.m.
March 14 vs. Tennessee-Martin% Orlando, Fla. 12:30 p.m.
March 14 vs. Colorado State% Orlando, Fla. 4:10 p.m.
March 15 vs. Robert Morris% Orlando, Fla. 2:20 p.m.
March 15 vs. St. Peter's (N.J.) Orlando, Fla. 6 p.m.
March 18 at Pittsburgh (DH) Pittsburgh, Pa. 2 p.m.
March 21 vs. Hartford& Blacksburg, Va. 1 p.m.
March 21 at Virginia Tech& Blacksburg, Va. 3 p.m.
March 22 vs. Marist& Blacksburg, Va. 11 a.m.
March 22 vs. Lehigh& Blacksburg, Va. 3 p.m.
March 23 vs. St. Bonaventure& Blacksburg, Va. 10 a.m.
March 26 at Kent State (DH) Kent, Ohio 2 p.m.
March 28 IUPUI (DH) Canfield, Ohio 2 p.m.
March 29 DETROIT* (DH) Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
March 30 DETROIT* Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 1 AKRON (DH) Canfield, Ohio 4 p.m.
Apr. 3 ROBERT MORRIS (DH) Canfield, Ohio 4 p.m.
Apr. 5 at Wright State* (DH) Dayton, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 6 at Wright State* Dayton, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 9 at Cleveland State* (DH) Cleveland, Ohio 3 p.m.
Apr. 12 LOYOLA* (DH) Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 13 LOYOLA* Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 15 NIAGARA (DH) Canfield, Ohio 3 p.m.
Apr. 17 PITTSBURGH (DH) Canfield, Ohio 5 p.m.
Apr. 19 at Butler* (DH) Indianapolis, Ind. 3 p.m.
Apr. 20 at Butler* Indianapolis, Ind. 1 p.m.
Apr. 22 at Canisius (DH) Buffalo, N.Y. 2 p.m.
Apr. 23 CLEVELAND STATE* Canfield, Ohio 7 p.m.
Apr. 24 TOLEDO (DH) Canfield, Ohio 4 p.m.
Apr. 26 UW-GREEN BAY* (DH) Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 27 UW-GREEN BAY* Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
Apr. 30 at Ohio (DH) Athens, Ohio 3 p.m.
May 3 ILLINOIS-CHICAGO* (DH) Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
May 4 ILLINOIS-CHICAGO* Canfield, Ohio 1 p.m.
May 9-11 Horizon League Tournament Chicago, Ill. TBA


This is a tentative schedule. All dates and times are subject to change.
All times are Eastern.
* - indicates Horizon League games.
% - indicates games played at the Rebel Games in Orlando, Fla.
^ - indicates games at the University of Kentucky Softball Tournament.
& - indicates games at the Virginia Tech Spring Round Robin.
BOLD and CAPS indicates home games played at McCune Park in Canfield, Ohio

Softball: Penguins Look To Carry Fall Momentum Into Spring  Posted Wednesday, February 26, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio -- Promising. That is probably the best adjective to describe the 2003 Youngstown State University softball team and the key factor that may have been lacking in previous seasons. Coming off a successful fall campaign with a 12-4 mark, the Penguins hope to use that record as the impetus for greater results and possibly a foreshadowing of things to come in the very near future.
The Youngstown State softball program is on the threshold of turning its fortunes around and the 2003 season could be the genesis of better days to come. The main reason prospects of a successful 2003 campaign are optimistic is the Penguins return 10 letterwinners and nine starters from last year’s squad and the addition of six talented newcomers.
"We saw some really bright spots and played pretty well during the fall season," Head Coach Christy Cameron said. "I think we have improved our team in several areas and hopefully we continue playing well this spring."
"Our team is still pretty young but we also have a solid base of talented, veteran leadership throughout our lineup, which will be beneficial for us."


Pitching
The Penguins lost one of their top arms last season when Be Cicero went down with a career-ending injury, but they also return their most consistent hurler from a season ago – senior Steph Hartman.
Over the last two years, Hartman has been the Penguins’ ace on the mound and led the team with seven wins and a 2.94 earned run average in 2002.
Joining Hartman on the hill are junior-college transfer Ashley Lockmiller and freshman Kelly Murphy. Lockmiller, who spent one season at Owens Community College, compiled a 12-2 recorded and a 1.61 earned run average last season.
Murphy, who hails from North Olmsted, Ohio, was a two-time first-team all-state pick and set the state record for 21 strikeouts in one game.


Infield
The infield, which returns three starters, is a mixture of solid veteran leadership and youthful talent.
Junior Amanda Berry, who was named second-team All-Horizon League in 2002, returns for her third season starting at first base. The left-handed hitting slugger posted a team-high .336 batting average with 10 doubles and a .500 slugging percentage.
Sophomore Kiisha Warfield, who appeared in 10 games last season, could also see some time at first base.
The middle infield may be young with sophomore Char Kudlock at second base and freshman Tiffany Patteson at shortstop, but the talent is limitless. Kudlock, who led the team with 22 runs scored last season, tied for the team-lead in home runs and hit .364 during the 2002 Horizon League Softball Tournament.
Patteson, from Guelph, Ontario, is a left-handed hitting shortstop and hit .526 at the 2001 Canadian National Championships. Patteson was also invited to participate in the 2002 Canadian Olympic Team Camp.
Junior Lacey Reichert returns to the hot corner for the Penguins in 2003. Last season after an injury to starting third baseman Jenn Hartman, Reichert made the switch to third base. Hartman, who may also see time as the designated player, also provides experience and depth after playing 28 games at third base last season.


Outfield
The Penguin outfield also returns all three starters from a season ago, has a talented crop of newcomers ready to make a jump into the starting lineup and has some depth.
Senior Zetta Dumkrieger, who finished second on the squad with a.273 batting average, returns to right field for the second straight season. Last season, Dumkrieger recorded eight multi-hit games and hit .400 against left-handers.
Slated to patrol center field for the third straight season is junior Amber Smith. Smith led the squad in stolen bases last season and hit .333 with the bases loaded.
Sophomore Erin Moore, who started 41 games in left field last season, returns for her second campaign while freshman Liz Holt may also see time in the corner outfield slot.
Freshman Laura Amero, who helped her prep squad to the 2001 state title, is a versatile athlete and can play all three outfield positions.


Catcher
Behind the plate may be the area of most concern for Cameron. Although the Penguins have three catchers listed on the roster, only one returns with collegiate playing experience but who missed the fall season to injury.
Senior Allison Pfaff, who started 40 games for the Penguins last season, is YSU’s most experienced catcher but missed all of the fall season.
Freshman Codi Bise, who was a three-time first-team all-league pick at Canal Winchester High School, gained some valuable experience in the fall behind the plate.
Freshman Aimee Soller should also see some time catching.


Summary
The combination of a solid fall season, nine returning starters, a talented core of newcomers and a renewed desire for the game has the YSU softball program optimistic for a breakout season in 2003.
Although team morale is high and the positive atmosphere is contagious, the Penguins do have some challenges ahead with an ambitious non-league schedule including Colorado State, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech before delving into a strong Horizon League slate.

YSU, Kent verbally agree on Sept. 13  Posted Monday, February 24, 2003 by  ysupenguins
By ED PUSKAS Tribune Chronicle

Youngstown State and Kent State will meet on the football field in 2003, but it won't be on Aug. 28 as originally scheduled.

On Feb. 12, the Golden Flashes opted out of that scheduled date in order to open the season against Mid-American Conference rival Akron.
At the time, YSU Executive Director of Athletics Ron Strollo said YSU and Kent State were negotiating to reschedule the game for another date at Dix Stadium.

After more than a week, Strollo announced Friday that the schools reached a verbal agreement to play Saturday, Sept. 13.

"It was kind of progressing the whole time, but I had to make sure we have some things worked out with some other teams before I felt comfortable making the announcement," Strollo said.

As it stands, the Penguins would play 11 consecutive weeks, but that could change. Strollo said YSU has been in negotiations with other teams on its schedule to change dates so the Penguins might open Thursday, Aug. 28 after all.

Slippery Rock, originally scheduled to play at YSU on Saturday, Sept. 6, might agree to open its season early at Stambaugh Stadium.

"That's one of the two or three options we might have," Strollo said. "We're also talking to some other teams on our schedule about maybe changing dates."

Another option is adding a 12th opponent, which is now permissable under NCAA regulations.

"We're talking to some new teams, too," Strollo said.

Robic warned by Horizon  Posted Monday, February 24, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Special to the Tribune Chronicle


INDIANAPOLIS - Horizon League Commissioner Jon LeCrone issued a letter of reprimand to Youngstown State University men's basketball coach John Robic for comments made after the Penguins' 69-53 loss at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Robic's reprimand stems from his post-game comments, stating his displeasure with offcials. UWGB made only one field goal in the last 12 minutes of the game. In the game, the Phoenix were 33 of 47 from the line, while YSU was just 9 of 16.
"I thought the referees were awful - I'm not going to lie to you," Robic said in Thursday's edition of The Green Bay News-Chronicle. "We didn't deserve to win this game because of the start we had, but, when you hold a team to one field goal in 12 minutes, well, it's just very, very rare to have more field goals than the other team and go to the line 31 more times.

"I thought the game was called very one-sided, but Green Bay deserved to win. ..."

This was just a verbal warning to Robic. No further disciplinary action will take place for Wednesday's comments.

As stated in the 2002-03 Horizon League Handbook, league rules prohibit coaches, staff members and administrators of a member institution from publicly criticizing game officials.

Men's Basketball: Fox 17/62 to Televise YSU-UIC Game  Posted Monday, February 24, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Youngstown's Fox 17/62 (WYFX) will broadcast the Youngstown State-UIC men's basketball game live on Saturday night. Tipoff at the UIC Pavilion is set for 7 p.m. The game will also be carried live on Fox Sports Chicago.
As the Horizon League Game of the Week, Josh Lewin and David Kaplan will call the action.

Women's Basketball: Penguins Visit Raiders in Road Finale  Posted Monday, February 24, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State women's basketball team (6-18, 3-10 Horizon League) looks to pick up its second straight road win when it takes on Wright State (10-14, 7-6 Horizon League), Monday, Feb. 24, at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Fairborn, Ohio. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
The Penguins are coming off a hard-fought 80-74 overtime victory over Butler on Saturday. Sophomore Jen Perugini tied a career high with 24 points and notched her fourth double-double with 12 rebounds to pace the Penguins. She also hit the game-tying jumper as time expired to send the game into overtime. Wright State is coming off a 63-55 win over Butler last Thursday.

THE SERIES
This is the 23rd meeting between Youngstown State and Wright State with the Penguins owning a decisive 18-4 advantage in the all-time series, including the last nine games. Earlier this season, the Penguins defeated the Raiders, 80-68, in Beeghly Center. Last season, YSU swept the season series, winning 87-61 in Beeghly Center and 87-66 at the Nutter Center.

SCOUTING WRIGHT STATE
The Wright State women's basketball team is currently in fourth place with 7-6 League mark and an overall record of 10-14. Sophomore Tiffany Webb leads the League and the team with 24.1 points per game and has surpassed the 1,000-point plateau in less than two full seasons with the Raiders. Junior Iesha Gray is averaging 9.0 points per game while sophomore Angie Ott is third on the squad at 8.7 points per game.

Youngstown State vs Butler  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Indianapolis, Ind. -- Youngstown State sophomore Jen Perugini, who tied a career-high with 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, hit a jumper as time expired to send the game into overtime and catapulted the Penguins (6-18, 3-10 Horizon League) to an 80-74 victory over Butler (5-20, 3-11 Horizon League) on Saturday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse.


Final Stats

Women's Basketball: Penguins Defeat Butler In Overtime, 80-74  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Indianapolis, Ind. -- Youngstown State sophomore Jen Perugini, who tied a career-high with 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, hit a jumper as time expired to send the game into overtime and catapulted the Penguins (6-18, 3-10 Horizon League) to an 80-74 victory over Butler (5-20, 3-11 Horizon League) on Saturday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
With the game tied, 66-66, Butler's Cortney Urquhart's layup with 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Bulldogs a 68-66 lead and apparent victory. Following a timeout, YSU's Jessica Olmstead's in-bounds pass intended for Maggie Johnston was intercepted by Butler's Stephanie Boeke just past halfcourt. Boeke, however, was called for traveling with 0.4 seconds left and set up Perugini's game-tying shot.
In the extra period, the Penguins outscored the Bulldogs, 12-6, and converted 10-of-12 charity tosses to preserve the win.
Youngstown State held an eight-point advantage, 46-38, at the 13:40 mark of the second half but Butler used a 16-5 run over the next 4:18 to take a 54-51 lead at the 9:20 mark.
The Penguins and Bulldogs battled through four ties and four lead changes to close out the second half.In the first half, the Penguins trailed by as many as 13 points, 27-14, with 8:27 to go but closed out the half on a 22-6 run. During that span, the Penguins were sparked by junior Jessica Forsythe and Perugini, who each scored six points. Forsythe, who scored a career-high 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the floor, hit a jumper to cut the deficit to two points, 33-31, at the 1:18 mark. After senior Maggie Johnston tied the game at 33-33 with two free throws, Forsythe drained a 3-pointer with five seconds left for the intermission.
Olmstead also reached double figures with 16 points, including 12 after halftime, and dished out eight assists while Johnston recorded seven assists.
For the game, YSU shot 53.8 percent from the floor compared to 37.5 percent for Butler.
The Penguins visit Wright State, Monday, Feb. 24, at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.

Butler vs Youngstown State  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Butler went inside against the Youngstown State men's basketball team on Saturday night using a career-high 24 points by forward Joel Cornette to outscore the Penguins 44-26 in the paint and hand a 69-60 loss to YSU at the Beeghly Center.
With the defeat, Youngstown State drops to 8-17 overall and 4-10 in the Horizon League and has dropped four straight games.

Final Stats

Men's Basketball: Penguins Can't Overcome Bulldogs, 69-60  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Butler went inside against the Youngstown State men's basketball team on Saturday night using a career-high 24 points by forward Joel Cornette to outscore the Penguins 44-26 in the paint and hand a 69-60 loss to YSU at the Beeghly Center.
With the defeat, Youngstown State drops to 8-17 overall and 4-10 in the Horizon League and has dropped four straight games. YSU is now tied for sixth with UW-Green Bay, and although the team's split the head-to-head meeting, the Phoenix hold the tie-breaker for a first-round league tournament home game with a victory over league-leader UW-Milwaukee.
Butler (21-4 and 11-2) kept pace with the Panthers and are just a half game out of first in the league race.
Cornette played a large role in the victory scoring a career-high 24 points. He scored 18 of those in the first half as Butler built a 37-30 at the half.
But YSU did not go down without a fight. Behind by 12 points with 3:07 remaining, the Penguins went on an 8-2 run behind a jumper by Doug Underwood, a three-point play by Baumann and a 3-pointer by Andy Jahnke to pull within six, but Butler scored the next four points to seal the win.
Baumann finished with a team-high 14 points for YSU while Underwood and senior Marlon Williamson -- playing in his final home game -- had 13. Williamson also added three steals giving him 62 to become the first player in school history with more than 60 steals in a year.
Besides Cornette, Duane Lightfoot had 18 points of 9-of-10 shooting and Darnell Archey finished with 10.
Butler grabbed the first two points of the game on a fast-break layup from Archey, but the Penguins responded by scoring the next five points on one of Williamson's three first half three pointers and an Baumann layup.
After exchanging buckets, but Cornette scored the next seven points to take a four point lead at 11-7. The Penguins brought the lead down to one three times in the half, but the Bulldogs went into the locker room with a seven point lead at 37-30.
YSU opened the second half with a tip-in from TeJay Anderson, but Butler responded with a 9-3 run to grab an 11 point lead at the 14:11 mark. The Bulldogs led by as many as 12 seven times before YSU made its final run.
For the game, Butler shot a season-high 58.7 percent (27-of-46) while the Penguins shot 42 percent (21-of-50). The Bulldogs held the edge on the glass at 26-25.
The Penguins return to action on Thursday night when they play at Detroit.

Penguins Play Host to Butler In Home Finale  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team plays their final regular-season home game of year on Saturday night when they play host to Butler. Tipoff at the Beeghly Center is set for 7 p.m. Prior to the game, YSU senior guard Marlon Williamson will be saluted for his four-year Penguin career.
Youngstown State (8-16 overall and 4-9 in the Horizon League) has lost four straight games and is coming off a 69-53 loss at UW-Green Bay on Wednesday. YSU will hope to send Williamson off with a victory against the Bulldogs. YSU has won two straight games on Senior Night beating Oakland (2001) and IPFW (2002). However, those two teams did not present the challenges the Bulldogs will.
Butler (20-4 and 10-2) still has hopes of winning the league regular-season title entering the final portion of the season. The Bulldogs have four league games remaining beginning with the contest in Youngstown. Butler is 7-4 this year on the road and is 4-2 in the Horizon League away from Indianapolis.
The Penguins and Bulldogs played a tight ballgame at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Jan. 18, with Butler earning a hard-fought 64-60 victory. YSU battled back within three in the final two minutes only to lose by that four-point margin. That was the closest (by margin) the Bulldogs came to losing at home this season.
YSU returns to the road for two games, beginning Thursday night in Detroit before playing at Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

Scouting the Butler Bulldogs
Butler picked up its 20th victory of the season on Thursday night beating Wright State 79-64. With the win, the Bulldogs have won 20-or-more games for nine consecutive seasons.
Butler has five players who average in double figures led by Brandon Miller’s 12.5 per game. The Bulldogs shoot extremely well (47.6 percent from the field; 40.6 percent from 3-point range and 74.1 percent from the free-throw line) and defend well (59.8 points allowed per game). Butler ranks in the top 10 in the nation in scoring defense with that average.
The Bulldogs like to put up the 3-pointer with 37 percent of their made field goals coming via the trey. Also, 43 percent of their attempts have been 3-pointers.
Butler is coached by Todd Lickliter who owns a 46-10 mark in his two seasons.

Earlier This Year at Butler
Junior forward Adam Baumann scored a game-high 25 points as Youngstown State almost came back from a 14-point first-half deficit only to drop a thrilling 64-60 contest to Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Jan. 18.
In a frantic finish, which featured a missed free throw by NCAA record holder Darnell Archey for the first time in 86 attempts, YSU pulled within three points on a 3-pointer by Marlon Williamson, his third straight trey, as Youngstown State pulled within 63-60 with 17 seconds to go. But finally after putting the Bulldogs in the one-and-one, Mike Monserez clinched the victory by hitting one of two free throws with five seconds remaining.
In the contest, YSU outrebounded Butler 29-16 and grabbed 12 offensive boards. YSU shoot 48.9 percent (22-of-45) while the Bulldogs made 53.3 percent (24-of-45).

Men's Basketball Pre-Game

Men's Basketball: Penguins Play Host to Butler In Home Finale  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team plays their final regular-season home game of year on Saturday night when they play host to Butler. Tipoff at the Beeghly Center is set for 7 p.m. Prior to the game, YSU senior guard Marlon Williamson will be saluted for his four-year Penguin career.
Youngstown State (8-16 overall and 4-9 in the Horizon League) has lost four straight games and is coming off a 69-53 loss at UW-Green Bay on Wednesday. YSU will hope to send Williamson off with a victory against the Bulldogs. YSU has won two straight games on Senior Night beating Oakland (2001) and IPFW (2002). However, those two teams did not present the challenges the Bulldogs will.
Butler (20-4 and 10-2) still has hopes of winning the league regular-season title entering the final portion of the season. The Bulldogs have four league games remaining beginning with the contest in Youngstown. Butler is 7-4 this year on the road and is 4-2 in the Horizon League away from Indianapolis.
The Penguins and Bulldogs played a tight ballgame at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Jan. 18, with Butler earning a hard-fought 64-60 victory. YSU battled back within three in the final two minutes only to lose by that four-point margin. That was the closest (by margin) the Bulldogs came to losing at home this season.
YSU returns to the road for two games, beginning Thursday night in Detroit before playing at Illinois-Chicago on Saturday.

Scouting the Butler Bulldogs
Butler picked up its 20th victory of the season on Thursday night beating Wright State 79-64. With the win, the Bulldogs have won 20-or-more games for nine consecutive seasons.
Butler has five players who average in double figures led by Brandon Miller’s 12.5 per game. The Bulldogs shoot extremely well (47.6 percent from the field; 40.6 percent from 3-point range and 74.1 percent from the free-throw line) and defend well (59.8 points allowed per game). Butler ranks in the top 10 in the nation in scoring defense with that average.
The Bulldogs like to put up the 3-pointer with 37 percent of their made field goals coming via the trey. Also, 43 percent of their attempts have been 3-pointers.
Butler is coached by Todd Lickliter who owns a 46-10 mark in his two seasons.

Earlier This Year at Butler
Junior forward Adam Baumann scored a game-high 25 points as Youngstown State almost came back from a 14-point first-half deficit only to drop a thrilling 64-60 contest to Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Jan. 18.
In a frantic finish, which featured a missed free throw by NCAA record holder Darnell Archey for the first time in 86 attempts, YSU pulled within three points on a 3-pointer by Marlon Williamson, his third straight trey, as Youngstown State pulled within 63-60 with 17 seconds to go. But finally after putting the Bulldogs in the one-and-one, Mike Monserez clinched the victory by hitting one of two free throws with five seconds remaining.
In the contest, YSU outrebounded Butler 29-16 and grabbed 12 offensive boards. YSU shoot 48.9 percent (22-of-45) while the Bulldogs made 53.3 percent (24-of-45).

Penguins Begin Final Road Trip At Butler  Posted Saturday, February 22, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio – The Youngstown State women’s basketball team (5-18, 2-10 Horizon League) looks to snap a four-game losing streak and its 11-game road skid when it travels to Indianapolis, Ind., to take on Horizon League foe Butler (5-18, 3-9 Horizon League). Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
The Penguins are coming off an 85-64 loss to No. 21 UW-Green Bay on Wednesday evening at Beeghly Center. Four Penguins scored in double figures led by Devin Novak’s 19 points. The Bulldogs are coming off a 57-49 win over Detroit on Feb. 15. On Thursday evening, the bulldogs dropped a 63-55 decision to Wright State.

THE SERIES
This is just the fourth meeting between Youngstown State and Butler with the Penguins owning a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series. The Penguins won the first meeting this season, 72-69, in Beeghly Center. Last year, Youngstown State swept the season series from the Bulldogs, winning 75-67, in Beeghly Center and 62-52, at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

PreGame Notes

Youngstown State vs UW-Green Bay  Posted Thursday, February 20, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Green Bay, Wis. -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team suffered a 69-53 loss to UW-Green Bay on Wednesday night at the Resch Center in Green Bay. With the defeat, the Penguins remain a half game in front of Green Bay in the league standings.
The Phoenix (9-17 overall and 4-10 in the Horizon League) made 33-of-47 free throw attempts compared to a 9-of-16 effort for the Penguins (8-16 and-4-9) who have now lost four straight. UWGB made just one field goal in the final 11:58 of the game with its last 15 points -- and 24 of its last 26 -- coming from the free-throw line. With the defeat, YSU has lost its last 27 road games and dropped 29 straight away from Youngstown.
For the game, YSU shot 37 percent (20-of-54) while Green Bay shot 51.5 percent (17-of-33). Doug Underwood was the only Penguin to reach double figures scoring a team-high 11 points. Terry Parker had a game-high 16 points for the Phoenix to lead four players in double digits. Also scoring in double figures for UWGB were Aaron Jessup (15), Greg Babcock (13) and Mike King who had 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Head Coach John Robic said he was frustrated by everything that happened on the court on Wednesday.
"It was a big game for both teams and with them playing at home it was a bit bigger for them," Robic said. "By no means are we going to stop trying with a Butler coming to our place on Saturday and two big road games remaining."
Green Bay came out quickly building an 18-4 lead just under eight minutes into the contest. YSU trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half before pulling within eight at 32-24 just before the half. Before the break, Green Bay's Brandon Hansen made a jumper for a 34-24 Phoenix lead.
In the second half, Green Bay led 44-29 with 14:40 remaining before the Penguins made a comeback. YSU pulled within 48-42 at the 8:37 mark on a basket by TeJay Anderson. After one of just three UWGB misses in the half, Youngstown had a chance to get closer, but Bill Mallernee and Anderson each missed shots and Green Bay answered by making four free throws.
The Penguins again cut the deficit to six at 52-46 with 6:27 remaining but King made one of four Green Bay baskets and YSU could get no closer than eight the rest of the game. Green Bay led by as many as 18 in the final minute and never trailed in the game.
The Penguins will try to bounce back on Saturday when they play host to Butler. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Beeghly Center.


Final Box Score

Men's Basketball: Penguins Lose 69-53 at UW-Green Bay  Posted Thursday, February 20, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Green Bay, Wis. -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team suffered a 69-53 loss to UW-Green Bay on Wednesday night at the Resch Center in Green Bay. With the defeat, the Penguins remain a half game in front of Green Bay in the league standings.
The Phoenix (9-17 overall and 4-10 in the Horizon League) made 33-of-47 free throw attempts compared to a 9-of-16 effort for the Penguins (8-16 and-4-9) who have now lost four straight. UWGB made just one field goal in the final 11:58 of the game with its last 15 points -- and 24 of its last 26 -- coming from the free-throw line. With the defeat, YSU has lost its last 27 road games and dropped 29 straight away from Youngstown.
For the game, YSU shot 37 percent (20-of-54) while Green Bay shot 51.5 percent (17-of-33). Doug Underwood was the only Penguin to reach double figures scoring a team-high 11 points. Terry Parker had a game-high 16 points for the Phoenix to lead four players in double digits. Also scoring in double figures for UWGB were Aaron Jessup (15), Greg Babcock (13) and Mike King who had 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Head Coach John Robic said he was frustrated by everything that happened on the court on Wednesday.
"It was a big game for both teams and with them playing at home it was a bit bigger for them," Robic said. "By no means are we going to stop trying with a Butler coming to our place on Saturday and two big road games remaining."
Green Bay came out quickly building an 18-4 lead just under eight minutes into the contest. YSU trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half before pulling within eight at 32-24 just before the half. Before the break, Green Bay's Brandon Hansen made a jumper for a 34-24 Phoenix lead.
In the second half, Green Bay led 44-29 with 14:40 remaining before the Penguins made a comeback. YSU pulled within 48-42 at the 8:37 mark on a basket by TeJay Anderson. After one of just three UWGB misses in the half, Youngstown had a chance to get closer, but Bill Mallernee and Anderson each missed shots and Green Bay answered by making four free throws.
The Penguins again cut the deficit to six at 52-46 with 6:27 remaining but King made one of four Green Bay baskets and YSU could get no closer than eight the rest of the game. Green Bay led by as many as 18 in the final minute and never trailed in the game.
The Penguins will try to bounce back on Saturday when they play host to Butler. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Beeghly Center.

Final Box Score

Phoenix Clinch Share of Title, Defeat Penguins, 85-64  Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2003 by  ysupenguins



Youngstown -- UW-Green Bay (21-3, 12-1 Horizon League) clinched at least a share of the Horizon League regular season title for the fifth consecutive season by defeating Youngstown State (5-18, 2-10 Horizon League), 85-64, on Wednesday evening at the Beeghly Center.
The Phoenix offense, despite starting off the game just 1-of-7 from the floor, shot 52.6 percent from the field and featured five players that scored double figures.
UW-Green Bay's Elizabeth Dudley scored the first bucket of the game to give the Phoenix a two point lead, but the Penguins took their only lead of the half on the ensuing possession on a three-pointer by Jessica Olmstead. The Phoenix scored the next eight points keyed by two threes by Sara Boyer to take a 10-3 lead at the 15:07 mark in the first half.
YSU went on a 10-4 run to get back within one with 11:08 remaining on a Devin Novak three-pointer, but UW-Green Bay answered with their second 8-0 run of the half to take a 22-13 lead. The Penguins would not get closer than six the rest of the game.
Novak finished with a game-high 19 points including shooting 5-of-10 from behind the arc while Jen Perugini finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Tara Fleming tied a career high with 12 points and Olmstead chipped in with 11.
Kristy Loiselle paced the Phoenix with 16 points while Abby Scharlow finished with 15 points, including converting on 4-of-6 three-point attempts, and Dudley chipped in with 14. Boyer and Chandra Johnson each finished with 13. UW-Green Bay won the rebounding battle 39-22.
The Penguins continue their season on Saturday, Feb. 22, when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Butler Bulldogs at 2 p.m. EST.

Support From a Passionate Fan Inspires Others  Posted Tuesday, February 18, 2003 by  vince
Since the early nineties, support for Youngstown State basketball has been synonymous with Brian Whan's life. He has been a fixture at their games for close to a decade. Cheering on the Penguins was something that he learned as a very small child when his dad took him to games. Now, at 22, he is trying to motivate a following of students to see the Pens play.

Brian has made phone calls to his buddies, sends out weekly emails, and began posting flyers around school to get students to come and cheer the Penguins on. "(The players) truly feed off the energy of the crowd," said Brian. He wants the students to pack the lower sections behind the basket. "Wear red," he says "and don't be afraid to get loud". He can be found sitting behind the opponent's hoop wearing a red shirt and with a ski cap on.

Brian hasn't missed a home game in three years. He has made trips this season to Pittsburgh (Duquense), Cleveland (Cleveland State), Indianapolis (Butler), and Loretto, Pensylvania (St. Francis, PA) to root on his school. He also intends to make the four hour drive to Detroit next week. Brian wrote a letter to The Vindicator this year asking for support at the home games. He also is a regular at Buffalo Wild Wings in Youngstown for the John Robic Show on Mondays.

The Liberty native is currently a sophomore majoring in Telecommunications. When Brian isn't studying, you can bet that he is either on a computer somewhere reading up on the Horizon League or he is talking about YSU hoops. About a month and a half ago, Brian had the opportunity to meet Penguin coach John Robic at one of his shows. "Robic is a great recruiter, a great coach, and just a great guy." Brian went onto add, "he is great for the community and he is going to do whatever it takes to put a product on the floor this town can be proud of". He thinks it won't be much longer until the Mahoning Valley starts packing the Beeghly Center. Over three thousand fans attended this past Saturday's game against Wisconsin Milwaukee.

When I asked Brian what he thought was the main reason why more people aren't attracted to the basketball games he replied "Vince, I honestly don't know". "Part of the problem might be that the fans got spoiled with a highly successful football program and they expect to win." He makes a very good point when he says, "...unless you follow the (Horizon) league you have no clue what these kids are up against each and every night". "The talent and expectations in this league are high."

Brian has been dedicated to YSU basketball no matter if they're winning or losing. He is passionate about Penguin sports. If every fan that enters the Beeghly Center could take a little bit of his fire and love for YSU the roof would no doubt come off the place. I asked Brian what's the best part of the YSU basketball experience in your opinion? He responded by saying, "The games in general...each night your going to see great basketball regardless of a win or a loss...(more) people need to come out and help the (Penguin) players turn some of those L's into W's".

He carries a bag of pompoms. He holds up a sign that reads "It's McQueen Time" for six foot five sophomore forward Khari McQueen. Brian has inspired so many of his friends and fellow students to go to the basketball games and cheer on the Penguins. Each game presents a different task for each of the Penguin players. Just like any other sport, these kids are participating for their school. If you're an alumni. If you're a student. If you're from the local area. You really owe it to yourself to a night of basketball at the Beeghly Center. This Saturday may be the last time this year that the Pens will be playing at home. Let's make sure we have something to say about that. Cheer the Penguins to a victory versus the Butler Bulldogs. Who knows, there could be a home playoff game on Tuesday, March 4 if YSU can finish in the top six in the league. The program needs us, the fans, to get out there and support our team. The Penguins.

Brian indicated to me that "this team is capable of getting hot at anytime." From a guy who has seen almost every game this year that is very encouraging. Let's get out there to show YSU that the fans want to have something to say about how this season will end. Strange things have happened in the past in college basketball and let's try and make this March one that no one in the Mahoning Valley will ever forget. This Saturday at 7:00 PM Youngstown State hosts Butler. Go Penguins!

Men's Basketball Suffers Worst Loss of Season  Posted Sunday, February 16, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team suffered their worst loss of the season losing 86-61 to Horizon League leader UW-Milwaukee on Saturday night at the Beeghly Center.
The Penguins (8-15 overall and 4-8 in the Horizon League) were in the game at halftime trailing just 35-31, but the Panthers (21-5 and 12-2) outscored YSU 50-30 in the second half.
For the game, UWM was led by Dylan Page who scored a game-high 27 points while teammate Clay Tucker chipped in 25. Ronnie Jones also added 14 for the Panthers who have now won eight straight games.
Leading the way for YSU was Adam Baumann who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Doug Underwood had 16 points and six rebounds as YSU lost its third consecutive game.
The Panthers shot 45.8 percent (27-of-59) for the game while Youngstown State shot just 37 percent (20-of-54). UWM outrebounded the Penguins 42-40 in the game as well.
Trailing by just five at halftime, YSU came out sluggish but stayed within seven points the first three minutes of the half. Then Milwaukee went on a 10-0 to put the game away boosting a 48-41 lead to 58-41 with 14:55 left. The Panthers never trailed in the game and led by as many as 27 points.
Youngstown State will try to pick up its first road victory of the season on Wednesday night when the Penguins travel to Green Bay to face UW-Green Bay.

YSU Suffers 86-61 Loss To Milwaukee  Posted Sunday, February 16, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Box Score

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team suffered their worst loss of the season losing 86-61 to Horizon League leader UW-Milwaukee on Saturday night at the Beeghly Center.
The Penguins (8-15 overall and 4-8 in the Horizon League) were in the game at halftime trailing just 35-31, but the Panthers (21-5 and 12-2) outscored YSU 50-30 in the second half.
For the game, UWM was led by Dylan Page who scored a game-high 27 points while teammate Clay Tucker chipped in 25. Ronnie Jones also added 14 for the Panthers who have now won eight straight games.
Leading the way for YSU was Adam Baumann who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Doug Underwood had 16 points and six rebounds as YSU lost its third consecutive game.
The Panthers shot 45.8 percent (27-of-59) for the game while Youngstown State shot just 37 percent (20-of-54). UWM outrebounded the Penguins 42-40 in the game as well.
Trailing by just five at halftime, YSU came out sluggish but stayed within seven points the first three minutes of the half. Then Milwaukee went on a 10-0 to put the game away boosting a 48-41 lead to 58-41 with 14:55 left. The Panthers never trailed in the game and led by as many as 27 points.
Youngstown State will try to pick up its first road victory of the season on Wednesday night when the Penguins travel to Green Bay to face UW-Green Bay.

Penguins Drop Third Straight With 74-54 Loss At UWM  Posted Sunday, February 16, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Youngstown State women's basketball team (5-17, 2-9 Horizon League) was not able to handle the inside-outside combination of Maria Viall and Jessica Wilhite, who scored 23 and 14 points, respectively, as the Penguins lost for the third straight time with a 74-54 decision to UW-Milwaukee (13-11, 9-4 Horizon Leauge) on Saturday afternoon at the Klotsche Center.
"Our young ladies have to get tougher to play in this league," YSU Head Coach Ed DiGregorio said. "We worked really hard but we don't play very tough."
The Panthers scored the first 14 points of the game while the Penguins missed their first six shots of the game. Viall made four layups and Wilhite nailed two 3-pointers to spark the Panthers' sizzling start.
"Without a doubt, (Maria) Viall is the best post player in the Horizon League," DiGregorio added.
YSU senior Maggie Johnston, who led YSU with 13 points, put the Penguins on the board with a 3-pointer at the 14:44 mark and cut the deficit to 14-3.
The Panthers extended their advantage to 13 points, 25-12, on a layup by Viall, but the Penguins shaved the deficit to six points, 25-19, after a 3-pointer by junior Devin Novak, a free throw by freshman Michelle Holmes and a 3-point play by sophomore Jen Perugini.
UWM, however, pushed its advantage to double digits by scoring the next seven points to take a commanding 13 point lead, 32-19, with 5:17 left in the first half.
The Penguins trailed the Panthers, 37-25, but allowed the Panthers to score the first eight points of the second half to take a 20-point advantage, 45-25, with 17:46 to go and never looked back.
Viall finished with a double-double with 14 rebounds while freshman Anne Witte added 13 points for the Panthers, who shot 48.3 percent for the game, including 53.6 percent in the first half.
Youngstown State shot just 32.8 percent from the field and was out-rebounded, 45-29.
The Penguins return home to host No. 21 UW-Green Bay, Wednesday, Feb.. 19, at the Beeghly Center. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.

Track & Field: Smith, Gillespie Named All-Ohioans to Highlight Weekend  Posted Sunday, February 16, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Findlay, Ohio -- Aaliyah Gillespie and Nick Smith earned All-Ohio honors at the All-Ohio Championships on Saturday at the University of Findlay to highlight a weekend where members of the Youngstown State track and field teams competed in three different meets in three different states.
Gillespie finished third in a school-record time of 8.78 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles while Smith was earned All-Ohio honors in two events, finishing third in both the mile and the 3,000.
Also at the All-Ohio Championships, Jarrod Davis broke the school record in the weight throw with a seventh-place heave of 49-11 1/4. In the distance events, Chris Hine finished sixth in the 3,000 and Jeremy Riehm finished tenth in the 5,000. Edwin Jackson placed tenth in the long jump to round out top-ten finishers.
On the women's side, Emily Schnitkey finished sixth in the 5,000 and Delores Gaines placed eighth in the weight throw. In the jumps, Lissette Alamo finished eighth in the long jump and sixth in the triple jump while Laura Schatz placed fifth in the high jump.
On Friday, Feb. 14, the sprinters from the men's squad and the women's field competitors traveled to Slippery Rock, Pa., for the Slippery Rock Invitational. Alexandra Casi won the long jump with a distance of 16-11 while Sherod Holmes took second place in the 55-meter dash. Lauren Girdler, Katy Williams and Christina Campana finished third trough fifth respectively and Kim Lammers grabbed fifth place in the shot put.
Junior Kurt Michaelis traveled to Fayettville, Ark. to compete in the Tyson Invitational on Friday, Feb. 14. Michaelis finished fourth in the mile with a time of 4:07.30.
The Penguins will continue their season when travel to Kent State on Feb. 22 to compete in the Kent State Tune-Up.

YSU Plays Host to League-Leader Milwaukee  Posted Saturday, February 15, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team plays host to league-leader UW-Milwaukee on Saturday night at the Beeghly Center. The Penguins have never beaten UWM in Youngstown and will face a tough task against a Panther team who brings a seven-game winning streak into the contest.
YSU (8-14 overall and 4-7 in the Horizon League) has lost two straight games after falling 86-76 at Cleveland State on Thursday night. Doug Underwood scored a team-high 22 points, but YSU could not hold a six-point second-half lead while suffering their 26th straight road defeat and 28th consecutive away from home.
Milwaukee (20-5 and 11-2) capped off a perfect 11-0 home season beating Illinois-Chicago 81-78 on Thursday night at the Klotsche Center. Against the Flames, Clay Tucker drilled a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left to put the Panthers in front for good at 79-78. Tucker had 28 points and Ronnie Jones had 21 in the win over UIC.
Against YSU, the Panthers have dominated the series winning 11 of 12 games, including all six meetings in Youngstown. YSU’s lone series win came in Milwaukee on Feb. 7, 1991. Earlier this year, the Panthers defeated YSU 74-56 on Jan. 11 in Milwaukee.
But, Youngstown has been tough to beat at home posting an 8-3 record this year.
The Penguins are back out on the road Wednesday night when they play at UW-Green Bay at the new Resch Center.

Robic Fourth All-Time At YSU in Victories
Coach John Robic is in his fourth season as the head basketball coach at Youngstown State. With a victory over UW-Green Bay he became just the fourth coach in school history to win at least 44 games at YSU. He owns a career mark of 44-64. Robic and his staff -- Eric Skeeters (fourth year), Dolph Carroll (first year) and Ross Burns (first year) -- lead the Penguins in their second year in the Horizon League.


Scouting the UW-Milwaukee Panthers
Milwaukee is the hottest team in the Horizon League winning seven straight games. Six of those contests were played at the Klotsche Center where the Panthers went 11-0 this season. On the road they are 6-4, with the six road triumphs the most in a season since 1992-93.
Four players average in double figures for UWM, led by Dylan Page who averages 18.2 points per contest. Page also averages a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game. Clay Tucker, who had 28 against UIC on Thursday, is averaging 17 points per game. Jason Frederick (11.6) and Ronnie Jones (10) are also averaging double figures. UWM has made 197 3-pointers this year and is averaging 77.2 points per game. They lead the league in field goal percentage (47.8).
Head Coach Bruce Pearl owns an impressive 36-18 mark in his second year with the program.

Penguins Visit UW-Milwaukee Saturday  Posted Saturday, February 15, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio – After a short stint at home, the Youngstown State women’s basketball team (5-16, 2-8 Horizon League) plays three of the next four games on the road beginning Saturday, Feb. 15, against UW-Milwaukee. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. (EST).

The Penguins are coming off a disappointing 89-72 loss to Cleveland State in Beeghly Center on Saturday, while the Panthers moved into sole possession of second place in the Horizon League standings after beating UIC, 61-49, on Wednesday evening.


THE SERIES
This is the 10th meeting between Youngstown State and UW-Milwaukee with the Panthers owning a 6-3 advantage in the all-time series. UW-Milwaukee won the first meeting between the schools this season with a 79-59 victory at Beeghly Center. The Panthers have also won the last six contests against YSU. The Penguins have not won in Milwaukee, Wis., since the 1990-91 season with a 95-66 victory on Feb. 11, 1991.


THE COACHES
Youngstown State Head Coach Ed DiGregorio is in his 20th season at the helm of the YSU women’s basketball program and owns a career mark of 318-235. DiGregorio also owns a career Horizon League mark of 10-16 and has a record of 3-6 record against UW-Milwaukee.


UW-Milwaukee Head Coach Sandy Botham is in her seventh year at the helm of the Panthers and owns a career record of 109-82. She led UWM to its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth during the 2000-01 season and has been twice named Coach of the Year. Botham also owns a 3-0 mark against YSU.

SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
UW-Milwaukee is currently in sole possession of second place in the Horizon League with an 8-4 League mark and an overall record of 12-11. The Panthers, who have won their last four games and six of the last seven, are coming off a 61-49 victory over Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday evening. Senior Jessica Wilhite led the Panthers with 15 points and 11 rebounds while junior Maria Viall added 10 points and 12 boards. Viall leads the team and ranks third in the League in scoring with 17.7 points per game. The 6-foot-3 center also leads the circuit with .562 field goal percentage and ranks second with 10 rebounds per game. Wilhite is second on the squad and eighth in the League with 12.7 points per game.


LAST TIME OUT
Cleveland State junior Ashley Schrock scored a game-high 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the fourth triple-double in Cleveland State history to lead the Vikings (7-15, 5-7 Horizon League) past the Youngstown State women's basketball team (5-16, 2-8 Horizon League), 89-72, Wednesday night at the Beeghly Center.

Men's Basketball: Vikings Rally in Second to Beat Guins 86-76  Posted Saturday, February 15, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Cleveland, Ohio -- Sophomore Doug Underwood scored 22 points, but the YSU men's basketball team let a six-point second-half lead slip away as the Penguins suffered an 86-76 loss to Cleveland State at Goodman Arena on Thursday night.
Youngstown State (8-14 overall and 4-7 in the Horizon League) led 42-38 at halftime and held two six-point leads early in the second half before the Vikings (8-16 and 3-8) rallied to snap a seven-game losing streak and hand the Penguins their 26th consecutive road defeat.
In the first half, Youngstown State was sharp making 15-of-26 shots (57.7 percent) and outrebounding the Vikings 16-9 in building its four-point advantage.
But in the second half, YSU shot just 29.7 percent (11-of-37) and was outrebounded 31-20 while the Vikings shot 42.2 percent (14-of-33). Cleveland State outscored YSU 48-34 in the final half.
CSU was led by Percell Coles who had a game-high 25 points. Jermaine Robinson added 24 points and Tahric Gosley had 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Gosley had all 17 of his rebounds and 16 of his 18 points in the second stanza. Adam Baumann added 11 for the Penguins along with eight rebounds while Marlon Williamson had 10.
For the game, the Vikes outrebounded the Penguins 40-36. YSU made 26-of-63 field-goal attempts (41.3 percent) while CSU made 28-of-58 (48.3 percent) shots.
The Penguins play host to league-leader UW-Milwaukee (20-5 and 11-2) on Saturday night at the Beeghly Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Rush Becomes 18th Member of Football Signing Class  Posted Saturday, February 15, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Youngstown State Football Coach Jon Heacock announced on Friday that Anton Rush, a cornerback out of Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at YSU.
Rush joins a group of 17 individuals who signed with the Penguins on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Of the now 18-member class, he boosts the number of defensive signees to 15 and secondary personnel to six.
Rush had an outstanding two-way career at Pioneer. During his senior year, he had 65 tackles, including 32 solo stops while intercepting seven pass and recorded 17 pass breakups. On offense, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the second overtime against Belleville in the District Final. He was a first-team all-conference and all-area selection as a corner and earned All-Metro West and honorable-mention all-state accolades.

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Soccer: Penguins Sign Two West Virginia Standouts  Posted Thursday, February 13, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Youngstown State Soccer Coach Liz Bartley announced today that Maddie Lawther and Shirley Hartness have both signed national letters of intent to continue their soccer careers at Youngstown State.
Lawther, a standout forward from Moundsville, West Virginia, accumulated 45 goals last season, finishing with 128 career goals and 75 career assists. She will join her sister, Hannah, who ranked second on the team in goals last season. Bartley said the two compliment each other very well. "Maddie will give us speed upfront," Bartley said. "She is a very hard worker both offensively and defensively."
Also signing is Shirley Hartness, a midfielder from Parkersburg, West Virginia. Hartness will give the Penguins needed control in the middle. "She sees the field very well," Bartley said.

Women's Basketball: Shrock's Triple-Double Leads Vikings Past Penguins, 89-72  Posted Thursday, February 13, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Final Stats

Youngstown -- Cleveland State junior Ashley Schrock scored a game-high 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the fourth triple-double in Cleveland State history to lead the Vikings (7-15, 5-7 Horizon League) past the Youngstown State women's basketball team (5-16, 2-8 Horizon League), 89-72, Wednesday night at the Beeghly Center.
Schrock hit 6-of-12 from the floor including 3-of-5 from the three-point arc and added six points from the foul line for her 21 points. Jessica Olmstead and Devin Novak had 16 points apiece to lead four Penguins in double figures. Jessica Forsythe added 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double on the season.
The Penguins jumped out to an early 11-3 lead on a 7-0 run with 15:55 remaining, holding the Vikings to just 1-of-7 from the field. However, Cleveland State grabbed their first lead of the contest at 14-13 with 11:58 remaining in the opening half on part of a 16-2 run over a five minute span.
YSU brought the lead back to one at the 8:05 mark after an Olmstead three, but Cleveland State countered with a 14-4 run to take their largest lead of the half at 33-22 with 3:35 remaining.
Cleveland State owned a 40-32 lead after Maggie Johnston scored the final bucket of the half on a layup with 55 seconds left. Johnston finished with 13 points on the night.
The Vikings led the entire second half and grabbed a 25 point lead at the 11:40 mark. YSU decreased the lead to 14 on an 11-2 run with 3:56 remaining, but would not get any closer.
For Cleveland State, Erika Roudenbush scored 21 points to go along with seven rebounds while Shannon Sword scored 16 points and Canfield native Erin Martin chipped in with 12 points.
Cleveland State shot 50 percent in the second half and 46 percent for the game. The Penguins finished converting on 37.3 percent.
Schrock had eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the first half.
The Penguins continue their season at UW-Milwaukee on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. EST.

Michaelis Earns Third Consecutive Athlete of the Week Honor  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Indianapolis, Ind. -- Junior Kurt Michaelis earned his third straight Horizon League Male Track and Field Athlete of the Week honor for the period ending Feb. 9 for his performance at the Meyo Invitational, league contact Kyle Smith announced Tuesday.
Michaelis provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships in the mile with a school-record time of 4:02.71 in the "Meyo Mile" at Notre Dame. He finished ninth in the field that featured the top five times run in the world this season. His mile time is currently ranked 12th in the nation.
In addition to provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Championships and running the best time in school history in the mile, Michaelis has dominated other events in his junior campaign. In the opening meet of the season, he set the top mark in YSU history in the 1,000-meter run with a 2:28.23 and was also just .61 seconds from provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 800 two weeks ago at the Penn State National Open.
"It's nice to see that Kurt's work ethic and the sacrifices he makes for his team are getting recognized," Head Coach Brian Gorby said. "He's being mentioned with a very elite group of athletes."
Michaelis became the first YSU track athlete in history to earn three-consecutive weekly honors.
Michaelis will travel to Fayettville, Ark. on Feb. 14 to compete in the Tyson Invitational at the Randal Tyson Track Center on the University of Arkansas' campus.

Swimming & Diving: Leveto Named Athlete of the Week  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Indianapolis, Ind. -- Sophomore diver Kalyn Leveto was named the Horizon League's Women's Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week for the period ending Feb. 9, league contact Kyle Smith announced Tuesday.
Leveto earned two first-place finishes at the YSU Diving Invitational on Feb. 9, with wins in the one-meter and three-meter events. She finished with a 12-dive score of 522.95 in the one-meter and an 11-dive score of 411.85 in the three-meter competition.

YSU Returns to League Action At Cleveland State  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team plays four of their final six games on the road beginning with a contest at Cleveland State on Thursday night. Tipoff at the Convocation Center is set for 7 p.m.
The Penguins (8-13 overall and 4-6 in the Horizon League) are coming off a disheartening 65-63 loss at IPFW this past Saturday. After falling behind by nine points early in the second half, YSU kept chipping away and on three occasions pulled within one of the Mastodons. But trailing by two in the game’s final seconds, TeJay Anderson had a layup waived off with 0.4 seconds because of a traveling violation and YSU went on to suffer its 25th straight road loss and 27th consecutive away from home.
The Vikings (7-16 and 2-7) suffered their seventh straight loss dropping a 86-69 decision at UW-Milwaukee on Saturday. CSU last won on Jan. 11 against Wright State at home. The Vikings have also dropped nine of their last 10 contests. At home this season, CSU is 4-5 but plays four of its final six games on its home court. The Vikings have played just two contests at home since playing at YSU in early January.
Youngstown State owns a 31-27 advantage in the all-time series, but has not won in Cleveland since 1983. Since that time, YSU has lost eight straight games in Cleveland. The Penguins beat the Vikings 57-55 earlier this year at the Beeghly Center.
YSU returns home to play host to UW-Milwaukee on Saturday night.


Pre-Game

Leveto Wins Twice at YSU Diving Invitational  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Sophomore diver Kalyn Leveto defended her own pool by winning both the women's one and three-meter diving events at the YSU Diving Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Beeghly Natatorium.
Leveto won the one-meter with a 12-dive score of 522.95 and the 11-dive three-meter event with a 411.85.
Senior Mandie Smail finished third in both events, earning scores of 453.10 in the one-meter and 335.00 in the three-meter.
Clarion University's Kim Perez placed second in both events, with scores of 481.20 in the one-meter and 344.00 in the three-meter. Erin Cooper placed fourth in the one-meter with a score of 413.40, while Sarah Swerdlow placed fourth in the three-meter and fifth in the one-meter.
In the men's competition, Clarion's Shawn Colten won both the one and three-meter competitions with scores of 534.05 and 441.80, respectively. James McGee placed second in both while Ray Murray came in both events.
The Penguins will compete in the Horizon League Championships at Cleveland State on Feb. 26.

Leveto Wins Twice at YSU Diving Invitational  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Sophomore diver Kalyn Leveto defended her own pool by winning both the women's one and three-meter diving events at the YSU Diving Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Beeghly Natatorium.
Leveto won the one-meter with a 12-dive score of 522.95 and the 11-dive three-meter event with a 411.85.
Senior Mandie Smail finished third in both events, earning scores of 453.10 in the one-meter and 335.00 in the three-meter.
Clarion University's Kim Perez placed second in both events, with scores of 481.20 in the one-meter and 344.00 in the three-meter. Erin Cooper placed fourth in the one-meter with a score of 413.40, while Sarah Swerdlow placed fourth in the three-meter and fifth in the one-meter.
In the men's competition, Clarion's Shawn Colten won both the one and three-meter competitions with scores of 534.05 and 441.80, respectively. James McGee placed second in both while Ray Murray came in both events.
The Penguins will compete in the Horizon League Championships at Cleveland State on Feb. 26.

Diving: Leveto Wins Twice at YSU Diving Invitational  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Sophomore diver Kalyn Leveto defended her own pool by winning both the women's one and three-meter diving events at the YSU Diving Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Beeghly Natatorium.
Leveto won the one-meter with a 12-dive score of 522.95 and the 11-dive three-meter event with a 411.85.
Senior Mandie Smail finished third in both events, earning scores of 453.10 in the one-meter and 335.00 in the three-meter.
Clarion University's Kim Perez placed second in both events, with scores of 481.20 in the one-meter and 344.00 in the three-meter. Erin Cooper placed fourth in the one-meter with a score of 413.40, while Sarah Swerdlow placed fourth in the three-meter and fifth in the one-meter.
In the men's competition, Clarion's Shawn Colten won both the one and three-meter competitions with scores of 534.05 and 441.80, respectively. James McGee placed second in both while Ray Murray came in both events.
The Penguins will compete in the Horizon League Championships at Cleveland State on Feb. 26.

Track & Field: Michaelis Provisionally Qualifies, Schnitkey Breaks Record at Notre Dame  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
South Bend, Ind. -- Junior Kurt Michaelis broke the school record and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships in the mile while Emily Schnitkey broke her own school record in the mile at the Meyo Invitational hosted by Notre Dame on Friday and Saturday.
Michaelis ran a time of 4:02.71 to finish ninth in a mile race that featured the top five mile times run in the world this season. Schnitkey placed 13th in the women's mile with a time of 5:03.00 to break the record.
"Kurt ran awesome today," Gorby said. "I think that time puts him in the top ten in the nation. I'm proud that someone from Youngstown State can be mentioned in such high esteem."
In the women's 800-meter, Lindsay Wojciak finished 15th with a time of 2:21.65. In the men's 3,000, Nick Smith placed 21st with a time of 8:36.28 while Nick Buzek ran a 30th-place time of 8:43.37.

Gaines Sets Record at Doug Raymond Invite  Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Kent, Ohio -- Senior Delores Gaines set the school record in the weight throw with a seventh-place heave of 53 feet 3/4 inches at Kent State's Doug Raymond Invitational on Friday and Saturday.
Gaines also finished fifth in the shot put, throwing 42-0 3/4. Behind Gaines, Lissette Alamo finished fourth in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump. Aaliyah Gillespie came away with a sixth-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.98.
Jarrod Davis finished ninth the men's weight throw with a distance of 47.2 1/2.
The men's and women's track teams continue their indoor campaign on Feb. 14 at the All-Ohio Championships.

Men's Basketball: Penguins Fall Just Short at IPFW, 65-63  Posted Saturday, February 8, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team suffered a disheartening 65-63 loss to IPFW on Saturday afternoon at the Gates Sports Center.
Trailing by as many as nine in the second half, YSU (8-13) rallied and trailed by two with seven seconds left after a Marlon Williamson layup. On the inbounds pass, Williamson fouled Ric Wyand who missed the front end of the one-on-one with five seconds left. Jonathan Mends grabbed the rebound and pushed the ball up court to TeJay Anderson who had a layup disallowed with 0.4 seconds remaining after being called for traveling.
Head Coach John Robic said the final sequence was tough, but the effort by his team was not worthy of earning a victory.|
"On the final play, our players did exactly what they were supposed to do," Robic said. "I was really disappointed in our effort however and we have to play harder. I was fearful of playing this game, but good teams figure out how to win these contests."
With the loss, the Penguins have now dropped 25 consecutive road games since February 2001. IPFW improves to 6-18 on the year and earned its first win over a Horizon League team in four tries this season.
Junior center Adam Baumann recorded his fifth double-double of the year scoring a team-high 17 points and grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds. TeJay Anderson scored 11 and Doug Underwood added 10 for Youngstown State.
For IPFW, Jim Kessenich had a game-high 19 points leading four players in double figures. Kessenich, a 6-10 forward, made a game-high three 3-pointers.
The Penguins trailed by nine with 16:56 left in the game and were able to get within one at 49-48 with 9:51 left, 54-53 with 6:12 remaining and 61-60 with 56 seconds left, but could never forge ahead.
For the game, YSU outrebouned IPFW 39-32. The Mastodons shot 41.1 percent from the field (23-of-56) while Youngstown State shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56).
The Penguins return to Horizon League action on Thursday night when they play at Cleveland State. YSU has not won Cleveland since January 1983.

Women's Tennis: Penguins Perfect in Win Over Cleveland State  Posted Saturday, February 8, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Boardman -- The Youngstown State Women's Tennis team improved their spring record to 1-2 after defeating Horizon League foe Cleveland State, 7-0, Friday night at the Boardman Tennis Center.
In singles action, at No. 1 Whitney Thomas defeated Paulina Reyes (6-1, 6-1), at No. 2 Anne Marino beat Audrey Shade (6-1, 6-1), at the No. 3 spot Heather Hagood downed Rebekah Bicksler (6-1, 6-0), at No. 4 Alyson Finamore beat Amanda Cerney (6-0, 6-1) at No. 5 Nicolette Bondi defeated Katie Shears (7-5, 6-3) and at No. 6 Andrea Dixon downed Mandy Sweeney (6-0, 6-1).
In doubles action, at No. 1 Thomas/Hagood defeated Reyes/Cerney (8-1), at the No. 2 spot Marino/Finamore beat Shade/Shears (8-2), and at No. 3 Dixon/Bondi downed Bicksler/Sweeney (8-0).
The Penguins return to action on March 2, when they play host to the University of Dayton at 1 p.m., at the Boardman Tennis Center.

Men's Tennis: Vikings Streak Past Penguins, 6-1  Posted Saturday, February 8, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Boardman -- The Youngstown State Men's tennis team fell to 0-2 on the spring season and 0-1 in the Horizon League after falling, 6-1, to Cleveland State on Friday night at the Boardman Tennis Center.
Senior Kevin Schaffert was a doublewinner for the Penguins winning his match at No. 3 singles, 7-5, 6-4 over Paul Haley and then teamed up with RJ Pepino at No. 1 doubles for a 8-6 over Winn/Haley.
In other singles action, at No. 1 Eric Winn (CSU) defeated RJ Pepino (6-0, 6-2), at No. 2 Jay Tee (CSU) beat Mark Posta (6-2, 6-2) at the No. 4 spot Shawn Whitehouse (CSU) downed Dan Conese (6-1, 6-1), at the No. 5 spot Jordan Reynolds (CSU) defeated Justin Beck (6-0, 6-2). Cleveland State won at No. 6 by default.
In doubles play, at No. 2 Tee/Reynolds (CSU) defeated Posta/Beck, 8-2.
The Penguins return to action on Saturday, Feb. 22, when they play at St. Francis (Pa.) at 1 p.m.

Fan Favorites from the Past Two Decades  Posted Saturday, February 8, 2003 by  vince
Many who can remember the days of Penguin basketball at the South High Fieldhouse can tell you a story or two on some of the exceptional teams who played for Dom Rosselli. In 1972, Youngstown State basketball moved to the Beeghly Center. Although the Pens struggled in their first couple of seasons in their new house, YSU once again became the Northeast Ohio beast. From 1975 to 1978, YSU won 74 and lost 34 games. On March 7, 1977, the Beeghly Center host the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Tournament. It marked the first time since 1957 that Youngstown, Ohio played host to a playoff game.

Many want to remember those days but few want to reminisce about the next two decades to follow. From 1987 to 1992, YSU was a dismal 46-146 during the seven year stretch. It was a dark time in YSU basketball. Although everyone wants to see success with championships, these two decades saw great performances by special players like Dave Ziegler, Tilman Bevely, and Craig Haese just to name a few.

Youngstown State has had a few post players over the last twenty years that have been dependable inside on defense and on offense. In 1988-89, 6'8 Shane Johnson led a team that went 5-23 by averaging close to 14 points and 10 boards a contest. Cincinnati native and Miami (OH) transfer Bob Fick came to YSU in 1990 to finish out his athletic career. Fick averaged 13.9 points and 7.3 caroms a game as a junior. The next year, the Penguins got a dose of good inside play from 6'7 Jerome Sims. Sims was incredible on the boards. In 1994, YSU went to Canada to find their 6'9 big man in Allister Green. He had a banner year but struggled in his senior season. Dave Brown filled the middle for the remainder of the 1990s as he became a fixture in the Penguin lineup. Today, we have the opportunity to see Adam Baumann. A 6'7 junior who goes to the boards hard and shoots well from the free throw line. He also possesses a nice offensive game near the hoop.

From 1984-88 YSU fans had the pleasure of watching one of the best athletes ever to compete for the red and black attack. Campbell High's own Tilman Bevely was known for his scoring ability nationwide. He pumped in 55 against Tennessee Tech on January 26, 1987. As a junior, he averaged 23.6 points per game. He was an incredible player to say the least. Another scorer who ranks in the same category with Bevely is Dave Ziegler. Ziegler competed in the Beeghly Center from 1978-82. The 6'5 Ziegler finished first among freshman in the nation for scoring with an average of 24.9. He then came back the next campaign and put up a phenomenal 27.7 average. Playing alongside Ziegler was guard Bruce Alexander. In 1980-81, he was the second best free throw shooter in the land (92 of 101) with a free throw percentage of .911.

Tim Jackson will be remembered as a menace inside during the late 80s. The 6'6 forward averaged over 12 points each of his four years. Reggie Kemp was tremendous. Kemp averaged over 20 points in his sophomore and junior seasons. The 6'4 swingman suffered an injury and sat out the 1991-92 season. Reggie was unable to perform at the same level afterward.

Recently fans have been treated to seeing terrific performances by Willie Spellman, Leroy King, Derrick Simmons, Anthony Hunt, Andre Smith and Craig Haese just to name a few. When you think of a player who has overcome a lot in his YSU career, the name that comes to mind immediately is Ryan Patton. The 5'11 guard went from being told that he would never start to being needed on the court as much as possible. In 2001-02, as a senior Patton scored 14.6 points per game to cap off an incredible run at the University.

Defying the odds. That is what Ryan Patton did and that is what the Youngstown State Penguins are trying to do. Coach John Robic's team is coming of age and playing winning basketball. The fans haven't fully began to come out of hibernation yet. This 2002-03 team is beginning to be noticed around the league as a young, pesky bunch which doesn't know the word quit. They haven't given up on this season and with two home games left against the top two teams in the Horizon League (Wisconsin Milwaukee on Feb. 15 and Butler on Feb. 22) I don't look for them to fold it up anytime soon. This is a good bunch of talented players who can compete with any team in this league. The future is bright for this program and for the fans who come out and watch this gritty group of young men lay their hearts on their sleeves night in and night out.

Loyola vs Youngstown State  Posted Friday, February 7, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Final Stats


Youngstown -- Junior Adam Baumann scored four of the last five Penguin points, including the winning jumper with 46 seconds remaining, and came up with two key blocks in the last 40 seconds to give the Penguins another down-to-the-wire victory at the Beeghly Center over Loyola-Chicago, 65-63 on Thursday night.
After trailing by eight with 7:52 remaining in regulation, the Ramblers went on a 9-0 run over the next 5:42 to take their first lead since the 19:00 mark in the second half at 60-59. The Penguins answered back and tied the game at 60 on a Baumann free throw and reclaimed the lead 62-61 after a TeJay Anderson make from the charity stripe, but Loyola recaptured the lead 63-62 with 1:10 left.
On the ensuing possession, Baumann grabbed his 14th rebound on the night off a Khari McQueen miss to set up the winning bucket. Baumann added a free throw with five seconds left to seal the victory.
Loyola had one final chance calling timeout with 2.9 seconds remaining, but Corey Minnifield's desperation 3-pointer missed as time expired.
Leading 43-42 at the 15:20 mark in the second half, the Penguins scored the next six points ignited by a fast-break ally-oop from Marlon Williamson to Anderson to take a 50-43 lead with 12:27 left. YSU extended its lead to eight on two occasions with the second leading up to Loyola's late run.
The Penguins claimed a 2-0 lead on a fast break lay-up from Baumann at the 18:50 mark in the first half, but Loyola scored the next eight points on two three-pointers and a fast break dunk. YSU regained the lead by scoring the next seven points to take a 9-8 advantage on a layup by Anderson.
The Penguins would extend their lead to nine at 31-22 with 1:35 remaining in the opening half, but Loyola answered with a 7-0 run of their own to get within two heading into the break.
With the win, the Penguins move to 8-12 overall and 4-6 in the Horizon League, doubling their total league victories last year. The win also puts the Penguins into a fifth place tie with the Ramblers, who fall to 4-6 in the league and 9-14 overall.
"We're having a good year," Head Coach John Robic said. "The progress this program's made in a year is tremendous."
Baumann finished with his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 17 points to go along with his 14 rebounds. Doug Underwood had a team-high 19 points, and Anderson chipped in with 11. Williamson finished with nine assists and three steals.
YSU shot 45 percent from the field on the night, including 59.1 percent in the second half. The Penguin defense held Loyola to just 33.8 percent from the floor and 9.1 percent in the second half behind the three-point arc.
The Penguins will travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. to take on IPFW on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

Men's Basketball: Baumann Clutch Down the Stretch, Leads Penguins Over Loyola, 65-63  Posted Friday, February 7, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Junior Adam Baumann scored four of the last five Penguin points, including the winning jumper with 46 seconds remaining, and came up with two key blocks in the last 40 seconds to give the Penguins another down-to-the-wire victory at the Beeghly Center over Loyola-Chicago, 65-63 on Thursday night.
After trailing by eight with 7:52 remaining in regulation, the Ramblers went on a 9-0 run over the next 5:42 to take their first lead since the 19:00 mark in the second half at 60-59. The Penguins answered back and tied the game at 60 on a Baumann free throw and reclaimed the lead 62-61 after a TeJay Anderson make from the charity stripe, but Loyola recaptured the lead 63-62 with 1:10 left.
On the ensuing possession, Baumann grabbed his 14th rebound on the night off a Khari McQueen miss to set up the winning bucket. Baumann added a free throw with five seconds left to seal the victory.
Loyola had one final chance calling timeout with 2.9 seconds remaining, but Corey Minnifield's desperation 3-pointer missed as time expired.
Leading 43-42 at the 15:20 mark in the second half, the Penguins scored the next six points ignited by a fast-break ally-oop from Marlon Williamson to Anderson to take a 50-43 lead with 12:27 left. YSU extended its lead to eight on two occasions with the second leading up to Loyola's late run.
The Penguins claimed a 2-0 lead on a fast break lay-up from Baumann at the 18:50 mark in the first half, but Loyola scored the next eight points on two three-pointers and a fast break dunk. YSU regained the lead by scoring the next seven points to take a 9-8 advantage on a layup by Anderson.
The Penguins would extend their lead to nine at 31-22 with 1:35 remaining in the opening half, but Loyola answered with a 7-0 run of their own to get within two heading into the break.
With the win, the Penguins move to 8-12 overall and 4-6 in the Horizon League, doubling their total league victories last year. The win also puts the Penguins into a fifth place tie with the Ramblers, who fall to 4-6 in the league and 9-14 overall.
"We're having a good year," Head Coach John Robic said. "The progress this program's made in a year is tremendous."
Baumann finished with his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 17 points to go along with his 14 rebounds. Doug Underwood had a team-high 19 points, and Anderson chipped in with 11. Williamson finished with nine assists and three steals.
YSU shot 45 percent from the field on the night, including 59.1 percent in the second half. The Penguin defense held Loyola to just 33.8 percent from the floor and 9.1 percent in the second half behind the three-point arc.
The Penguins will travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. to take on IPFW on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

YSU Drops 10th Straight On The Road With 73-62 Loss At Loyola  Posted Friday, February 7, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Chicago, Ill -- The Youngstown State women's basketball team lost its 10th straight road game after falling to Loyola, 73-62, on Thursday evening at the Joseph J. Gentile Center.
The Penguins quickly fell behind, 9-0, and did not get on the scoreboard until junior Jessica Forsythe made a layup at the 14:36 mark to cut the deficit to seven points, 9-2.
After falling behind, 13-2, the Penguins, again, sliced the Loyola advantage to seven points, 15-8, with 10:41 to go. The Rambler advantage, however, ballooned to 14 points, 24-10, over the next two minutes.
The Penguins put together a spirited rally, scoring the next nine points of the game to pull within five points, 24-19, with 3:35 before the intermission. Sophomore Jen Perugini, who scored 12 points, converted 1-of-2 from the free throw line and made a layup; senior Maggie Johnston hit a jumper and sophomore Tara Fleming connected twice in the paint to get YSU back in the game.
Loyola recovered to extend its lead back to 10 points, 31-21, at the 2:37 mark, but the Penguins shaved the Rambler lead to two points, 31-29, with 50 seconds remaining on a jumper and a 3-pointer by sophomore Jessica Olmstead and a 3-pointer by junior Devin Novak. Olmstead and Novak each finished the game with 13 points to lead YSU.
"We made a great first-half comeback after being down by 14 points," said YSU Head Coach Ed DiGregorio. "We had a chance to tie the game right before halftime but missed the shot."
The second half began just like the first with the Ramblers gaining the momentum right away. Loyola scored the first four points of the second half and outscored the Penguins, 17-6, in the first five minutes of the second stanza and never looked back.
"To start the second half, Loyola scored on its first nine possessions," DiGregorio said. "When you let your opponents do that, you won't be in many ball games.
Loyola out-rebounded YSU, 50-30, and out-scored the Penguins, 34-24, in the paint and scored 22 second-chance points compared to 10 for the Penguins.
YSU returns to action against Cleveland State, Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Beeghly Center. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.

2003 Penguin Football Signees  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Youngstown State Head Football Coach Jon Heacock has announced that 17 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the YSU football program.
Of the group, 13 are freshman and four are junior-college transfers including defensive lineman Matt Porter and punter/place kicker Nick Terracina who enrolled at YSU during the semester break and will participate in spring drills. Also, 14 of the 17 will play on the defensive side of the ball while two are on offense and Terracina is a specialist.
On offense, quarterback Tom Zetts our of nearby Boardman High School and wide receiver Rory Berry from Beaver Falls, Pa., are the two signees. Zetts was a second-team All-Ohio selection in Division I, the state's largest classification.
On defense, YSU signed seven defensive lineman/defensive ends, five defensive backs and two linebackers. Three of the four junior college players will play defense. Porter (American River College) and Coby Hayslett (Pasadena City College) will be part of the defensive line while Justin Martin (College of DuPage) is a linebacker.
Two local players will join the YSU defense as well. Defensive backs Tim Dewberry (Canfield, Ohio) and Rob Massucci (Warren, Ohio) both signed with Youngstown State on Wednesday.
The Penguins, who finished 7-4 last year and were third in the Gateway Football Conference, were especially thin on the defensive line following last season losing four of their top six lineman -- including all three starters -- from last year's squad.
Seven of the members of the signing class are from Ohio while four are from Florida. Other states represented include Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, California and Louisiana.
The Penguins begin Spring practice on Friday, March 21 with the Annual Spring Game set for Wednesday, April 16.

2003 Signee's Facts & Bios

YSU Entertains Fifth-Place Loyola  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team returns home for a key Horizon League contest against Loyola on Thursday night. Tipoff for the contest is set for 7 p.m. The Ramblers are currently in fifth place in the league, a game ahead of the Penguins.
YSU (7-12 overall and 3-6 in the Horizon League) enters the game following an 80-68 loss at Wright State. Doug Underwood led four Penguins in double figures with 15 points, but Seth Doliboa scored 30 and Vernard Hollins added 24 as the Raiders built a 15-point halftime lead and never looked back.
Loyola (9-13 and 4-5) suffered its first home loss of the year on Saturday losing to UW-Milwaukee 92-91. The Ramblers trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half before rallying. Against the Panthers, Loyola’s David Bailey scored 33 points while teammate Demetrius Williams scored 22 points and grabbed 21 rebounds.
This will be the second meeting this season between the two teams. The Penguins suffered a 76-59 setback at Loyola on Dec. 31, 2002. The series is tied 3-3, but the Ramblers have won all three games since YSU joined the Horizon League last year.
Following the game against Loyola, YSU concludes its non-league portion of the schedule playing at IPFW on Saturday at 3 p.m. Altogether, the Penguins play six of its final eight games on the road before the Horizon League Tournament begins at site to be determined on March 4.

Robic Fourth All-Time At YSU in Victories
Coach John Robic is in his fourth season as the head basketball coach at Youngstown State. With a victory over UW-Green Bay he became just the fourth coach in school history to win at least 43 games at YSU. He owns a career mark of 43-62. Robic and his staff -- Eric Skeeters (fourth year), Dolph Carroll (first year) and Ross Burns (first year) -- lead the Penguins in their second year in the Horizon League.


Scouting the Loyola Ramblers
Loyola suffered its first home defeat on Saturday losing 92-91 to UW-Milwaukee. On the road this year, the Ramblers are 3-10 with wins at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, UW-Green Bay and IPFW. Loyola has played six games decided by six points or less, winning just one time.
David Bailey, who tied his season-high with 33 against the Panthers, averages 17.5 points per game to lead the team. Paul McMillen is second on the squad averaging 14.5 points. Demetrius Williams averages 10.5 points and a team-high eight rebounds per contest.
The Ramblers have split their last 10 games (5-5) since snapping a six-game losing streak against Youngstown State on Dec. 31. Loyola is coached by Larry Farmer who is 55-79 in his fifth season with the program.

Series Notes
Loyola has pulled even in the all-time series (3-3) with the Penguins by winning the last three games. Youngstown State won the first three contests. Since YSU has joined the Horizon League, Loyola is 3-0 winning all three games by a combined score of 223-177.


Earlier This Year vs. Loyola
Youngstown State had a solid second-half effort, but came up short on Dec. 31, 2002 losing at Loyola, 76-59.

Pre-Game

YSU Looks For First-Ever Win Against Loyola Thursday  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown, Ohio – The Youngstown State women’s basketball team (5-14, 2-6), coming off an 80-68 win over Wright State on Saturday, looks to snap a four-game losing streak against Horizon League foe Loyola (7-13, 4-5) when the Penguins take on the Ramblers, Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Joseph J. Gentile Center in Chicago, Ill. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. (EST).

THE SERIES
This is the fifth meeting between Youngstown State and Loyola. The Penguins have yet to defeat the Ramblers in four previous attempts. In the last meeting between the two schools, the Ramblers handed the Penguins a 21-point defeat, 84-63, in Beeghly Center. Last season, Loyola defeated Youngstown State three times, sweeping the season series, 81-69, and 58-57, and eliminating the Penguins from the Horizon League Tournament, 76-60.


THE COACHES
Youngstown State Head Coach Ed DiGregorio is in his 20th season at the helm of the YSU women’s basketball program and owns a career mark of 318-233. DiGregorio also owns a career Horizon League mark of 10-14 and has a record of 0-4 against Loyola.


Loyola Head Coach Mary Helen Walker is in her fourth season at the helm at the Loyola women’s basketball program. Walker owns a career record of 36-68 and a 17-36 Horizon League mark. She also owns a 4-0 record against Youngstown State.

SCOUTING THE RAMBLERS
Loyola is currently tied for sixth place in the Horizon League standings with a 4-5 League record and a 7-13 overall mark. The Ramblers, after winning their first four League games, have dropped the last five contests to Horizon League foes. Leading the Ramblers is sophomore Ciara Henderson, who is averaging 13.3 points per game. Senior Sarah Hamilton is also averaging in double figures with 12.5 points per game and ranks second on the squad with 5.9 rebounds per contest.

Pre-Game

Michaelis Wins Second-Straight League Honor  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Junior Kurt Michaelis was named the Horizon League's Male Athlete of the Week for the second-straight week for his performance at the Penn State National Open, league contact Kyle Smith announced.
Michaelis finished fourth in 800-meter run at the meet against the some of the top runners in the nation. His time of 1:50.81 was just shy of the NCAA provisional qualifying time of 1:50.20.

Penguin Club: Penguins of the Year Honored  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
    Youngstown -- The 2003 Youngstown State
Scholarship/Ring Banquet will be held tonight at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman. At
this evening's dinner, YSU Board of Trustee Member
Bill Knecht, Boston College
Director of Athletics
Gene DeFilippo and the
1979 Football Team, which advanced
to the NCAA Division II title game, are being honored as the Penguins of the
Year. The banquet begins at 6:15 p.m. with a buffet dinner followed by the
night's program that begins at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Women Set Distance Medley Relay Record, Michaelis Fourth at Penn State  Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2003 by  ysupenguins
State College, Penn. -- Lindsay Frontz, Aaliyah Gillespie, Racheal Albert and Emily Schnitkey combined to set the school record in the distance medley relay while Kurt Michaelis nearly provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 800-meter at the Penn State National Open on Friday and Saturday.
The distance medley relay ran a time of 12:13.69 to place tenth and break the record that was set last year. Michaelis' time of 1:50.81 in the 800 and ust missed the qualifying time of 1:50.20.
For the women, Frontz finished 11th in the 1,000 on a personal-best time of 3:00.04 and Racheal Albert finished three places behind her with a 14th-place time of 3:04.31. Delores Gaines finished 13th in the weight throw with a 47-6 1/2. Emily Schnitkey ran a personal-best time in the 3,000 (10:15.65) and Lindsay Wojciak bested her top career time in the 5,000 (18:39.75).
On the men's side, Nick Smith and Jeremy Riehm set personal bests in the 3,000 with a 8:42.77 and 8:54.14, respectively. Chris Hine ran a personal-record time in the 5,000 with a 15:57.08.
The Penguins will continue their season when travel to Kent State on Feb. 8 to compete in the Doug Raymond Invitational.

Basketball Tradition at YSU  Posted Tuesday, February 4, 2003 by  vince

Youngstown State v Canisius  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Meet Results

Youngstown -- Jordan Dunn led the Penguins with three victories while Missy Weise and Kalyn Leveto each chipped in with two wins each to lead the Youngstown State swimming and diving team over Canisius 156-77 on Saturday afternoon at the Beeghly Natatorium.
Dunn dominated the distance events, winning both the 1,000-yard freestyle and the 500 freestyle and added a win in the 400 IM to earn 27 points for the Penguins. Leveto won both the one and three-meter diving events to earn while Weise earned victories in the 100 and 200 freestyle to earn 18 points apiece.
Also earning victories for YSU were Lena Arens in the 50 freestyle, Erin Carter in the 100 backstroke, Danielle Blagg in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.
Finishing second and earning four points for the Penguins were Lauren Connolly in the 1,000 freestyle, Carter in the 50 freestyle, Val Keim in the 100 butterfly and Erika Gregos in the 500 freestyle.
Senior Mandie Smail earned two second place finishes on YSU's senior day with seasonal-best scores in both the one and three-meter diving.
Megan Blazek, Blagg and Amanda Howard each had a third-place finish.
The diving team will compete in the YSU Diving Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 9. The swimming squad will continue their season on Feb. 26 at the Horizon League Championship.

Swimming & Diving: Dunn Wins Three, Penguins Defeat Canisius, 156-77  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Jordan Dunn led the Penguins with three victories while Missy Weise and Kalyn Leveto each chipped in with two wins each to lead the Youngstown State swimming and diving team over Canisius 156-77 on Saturday afternoon at the Beeghly Natatorium.
Dunn dominated the distance events, winning both the 1,000-yard freestyle and the 500 freestyle and added a win in the 400 IM to earn 27 points for the Penguins. Leveto won both the one and three-meter diving events to earn while Weise earned victories in the 100 and 200 freestyle to earn 18 points apiece.
Also earning victories for YSU were Lena Arens in the 50 freestyle, Erin Carter in the 100 backstroke, Danielle Blagg in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.
Finishing second and earning four points for the Penguins were Lauren Connolly in the 1,000 freestyle, Carter in the 50 freestyle, Val Keim in the 100 butterfly and Erika Gregos in the 500 freestyle.
Senior Mandie Smail earned two second place finishes on YSU's senior day with seasonal-best scores in both the one and three-meter diving.
Megan Blazek, Blagg and Amanda Howard each had a third-place finish.
The diving team will compete in the YSU Diving Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 9. The swimming squad will continue their season on Feb. 26 at the Horizon League Championship.

Youngstown State vs Wright State  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Official Box Score

Dayton, Ohio -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team had four players score in double figures, led by Doug Underwood's 15 points, but Wright State's Seth Doliboa scored a game-high 30 points to help lead the Raiders to a 80-68 victory over the Penguins at the Nutter Center on Saturday afternoon.
YSU (7-12 overall and 3-6 in the Horizon League) trailed by as many as 17 points in the game before rallying with four. However, Wright State (8-11 and 2-7) hung on to snap a six-game losing streak.
Besides Underwood's 15, TeJay Anderson and Adam Baumann scored 11 points apiece while Brian Radakvoich added 10. Baumann had a team-high seven rebounds.
For the Raiders, Doliboa had 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double. He was 13-of-16 from the free-throw line. The only other WSU player in double figures was Vernon Hollins who poured in 24.
YSU made 24 field goals to WSU's 21 and outrebounded the Raiders 34-33. However, the difference came at the free-throw line in a game that featured 51 fouls. The Raiders were 32-of-39 from free-throw line while the Penguins were 15-of-21. Youngstown State finished the game shooting 41.4 percent (24-of-58) while Wright State shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47).
The Penguins will look to bounce back on Thursday night when they play host to Loyola at the Beeghly Center.

Men's Basketball: Penguins Falter at Wright State, 80-68  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Dayton, Ohio -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team had four players score in double figures, led by Doug Underwood's 15 points, but Wright State's Seth Doliboa scored a game-high 30 points to help lead the Raiders to a 80-68 victory over the Penguins at the Nutter Center on Saturday afternoon.
YSU (7-12 overall and 3-6 in the Horizon League) trailed by as many as 17 points in the game before rallying with four. However, Wright State (8-11 and 2-7) hung on to snap a six-game losing streak.
Besides Underwood's 15, TeJay Anderson and Adam Baumann scored 11 points apiece while Brian Radakvoich added 10. Baumann had a team-high seven rebounds.
For the Raiders, Doliboa had 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double. He was 13-of-16 from the free-throw line. The only other WSU player in double figures was Vernon Hollins who poured in 24.
YSU made 24 field goals to WSU's 21 and outrebounded the Raiders 34-33. However, the difference came at the free-throw line in a game that featured 51 fouls. The Raiders were 32-of-39 from free-throw line while the Penguins were 15-of-21. Youngstown State finished the game shooting 41.4 percent (24-of-58) while Wright State shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47).
The Penguins will look to bounce back on Thursday night when they play host to Loyola at the Beeghly Center.

Penguins Go For First Sweep Of Wright State  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team travels to Wright State on Saturday in hopes of earning their first Horizon League regular-season home-and-away sweep. The Penguins beat the Raiders 66-60 and will look to do the same in a 1 p.m. contest at the Nutter Center in Dayton.
YSU (7-11 overall and 3-5 in the Horizon League) is fresh off a thrilling come-from-behind 77-76 victory over UW-Green Bay on Wednesday. YSU trailed by nine with just under six minutes remaining and by five with two minutes left. Sophomore Doug Underwood had the best scoring night of his career with 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting. His bucket with 13 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner.
Wright State (7-11 and 1-7) has lost six straight games and eight of nine following an 89-76 setback to Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday evening. Vernard Hollins scored 25 points and Seth Doliboa added 22 for the Raiders in the loss to the Flames. The last win for Wright State came on Jan. 9 against Detroit (67-64).
Eighteen days ago, the Penguins beat the Raiders 66-60 at the Beeghly Center. In the game, Underwood scored 24 points and Adam Baumann contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. YSU has not beaten a league opponent twice in the same year since joining the conference last year.
Youngstown State returns home on Thursday night to play host to Loyola.

YSU Pre-Game vs Wright St.

UW-Green Bay vs Youngstown State  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins

Official Box Score


Youngstown -- Doug Underwood nailed a 14-foot jumper with 13 seconds left in regulation to give the Penguins the lead, then Marlon Williamson made a key steal with three seconds on the clock to seal the victory as the Youngstown State men's basketball team pulled out a thriller over UW-Green Bay 77-76 Wednesday night at the Beeghly Center.
After trailing by eight with 3:23 left in the second half, the Penguins went on an 11-4 run to bring the lead to one behind five of Underwood's career-high 28 points. Trailing by one with 25 seconds remaining, the Penguins came out of the huddle after a timeout and Williamson looked to Underwood once again on his career-high 12th assist.
"Doug's starting to come of age as he's working harder in practice," Head Coach John Robic said. "Hopefully other guys will feed off of that."
Youngstown came out of the locker room for the second half with a one-point lead and exchanged buckets with UW-Green Bay, but the Phoenix grabbed an eight-point advantage at at the 11:08 mark keyed by seven straight points from Mike King.
UW-Green Bay led by as many as nine with less than six minutes remaining on a three-pointer by Matt Rohde before the Penguins made their late-game run.
The Penguins opened up the first half hot from the field and seized a seven point lead at the 13:21 mark after two straight jumpers from Bill Mallernee. UW-Green Bay battled back and grabbed a two point advantage with 2:07 remaining, but the Penguins scored the final four points of the half on a lay-up by Jamel Porter and two free throws from TeJay Anderson.
The Penguins shot a commanding 57.7 percent from the field in the second half and 54.7 percent for the game. UW-Green Bay converted on 50 percent for the game and outrebounded YSU 30-29.
With the win, the Penguins surpassed last year's win total in league contests and move to 7-11 overall and 3-5 in the Horizon League. The Phoenix fall to 7-13 and 2-6. It was the first one-point victory for the Guins since winning 63-62 at Oral Roberts on Dec. 2, 2000.
The Penguins will go back on the road and travel to Wright State on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Men's Basketball: Underwood's Career High, Winning Jumper Key Penguin Win   Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins
Youngstown -- Doug Underwood nailed a 14-foot jumper with 13 seconds left in regulation to give the Penguins the lead, then Marlon Williamson made a key steal with three seconds on the clock to seal the victory as the Youngstown State men's basketball team pulled out a thriller over UW-Green Bay 77-76 Wednesday night at the Beeghly Center.
After trailing by eight with 3:23 left in the second half, the Penguins went on an 11-4 run to bring the lead to one behind five of Underwood's career-high 28 points. Trailing by one with 25 seconds remaining, the Penguins came out of the huddle after a timeout and Williamson looked to Underwood once again on his career-high 12th assist.
"Doug's starting to come of age as he's working harder in practice," Head Coach John Robic said. "Hopefully other guys will feed off of that."
Youngstown came out of the locker room for the second half with a one-point lead and exchanged buckets with UW-Green Bay, but the Phoenix grabbed an eight-point advantage at at the 11:08 mark keyed by seven straight points from Mike King.
UW-Green Bay led by as many as nine with less than six minutes remaining on a three-pointer by Matt Rohde before the Penguins made their late-game run.
The Penguins opened up the first half hot from the field and seized a seven point lead at the 13:21 mark after two straight jumpers from Bill Mallernee. UW-Green Bay battled back and grabbed a two point advantage with 2:07 remaining, but the Penguins scored the final four points of the half on a lay-up by Jamel Porter and two free throws from TeJay Anderson.
The Penguins shot a commanding 57.7 percent from the field in the second half and 54.7 percent for the game. UW-Green Bay converted on 50 percent for the game and outrebounded YSU 30-29.
With the win, the Penguins surpassed last year's win total in league contests and move to 7-11 overall and 3-5 in the Horizon League. The Phoenix fall to 7-13 and 2-6. It was the first one-point victory for the Guins since winning 63-62 at Oral Roberts on Dec. 2, 2000.
The Penguins will go back on the road and travel to Wright State on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Penguins Try To Rebound Against Green Bay  Posted Saturday, February 1, 2003 by  ysupenguins
The Youngstown State men’s basketball team closes out a three-game homestand with a crucial contest against UW-Green Bay on Wednesday night at 7 at the Beeghly Center. The Penguins have lost three straight entering the game while the Phoenix are winless on the road this year losing all seven contests.
The Penguins (6-11 overall and 2-5 in the Horizon League) are coming off a disappointing 78-76 home loss to Illinois-Chicago on Saturday. Doug Underwood scored a career-high 26 points and TeJay Anderson had his first career double-double with career-high’s 22 points and 14 rebounds. But UIC’s Cedrick Banks had a game-high 29 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the game.
UW-Green Bay (7-12 and 2-5) is coming off a four-game homestand where it was 2-2 with victories over UW-Milwaukee and Wright State and losses to Butler and Loyola. The Phoenix lost to league-leader Butler on Saturday 68-53. UWGB led 26-23 at halftime before being outscored 45-27 in the second half.
This is the ninth all-time meeting between the two schools. The Penguins earned their first win against the Phoenix last year winning 69-55 at the Beeghly Center. UWGB beat YSU at home and in the opening round of the Horizon League Tournament.
Youngstown State returns to the road for the first time in two weeks when it plays at Wright State on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff at the Nutter Center is set for 1 p.m.