Cleveland State Vikings vs Youngstown State Penguins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/11/25
Looking to win big? The Vikings and Penguins face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Penguins are hosting the game at Beeghly Center in Youngstown, OH. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 140.5 points, and Youngstown State is favored by -3.5 to win at home against Cleveland State.
CLEVELAND STATE VIKINGS VS YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Youngstown State Penguins -3.5
This game will be played at Beeghly Center at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 11th.
WHY BET THE YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Penguins.
- Not only will Youngstown State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Can Cleveland State Lock in a Road Win?
Cleveland State Vikings Recent Game/Games
The Vikings improved to 8-6 on the season with an 80-69 road win over Robert Morris on Wednesday. Cleveland State entered the game as +2 underdogs but managed to cover the spread with the victory.
After trailing 38-37 at halftime, the Vikings turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Robert Morris 43-31. The game’s total points of 149 went over the O/U line of 139.5.
Cleveland State’s offense put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 47.6% from the field. They hit 47.1% of their threes, going 8-for-17, and had an effective field goal percentage of 54%.
Kam Woods led the team with 18 points and 6 assists, while Tevin Smith added 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Vikings grabbed 16 offensive boards and finished with 18 assists as a team.
Despite Cleveland State allowing 69 points, they struggled defensively, giving up 47% shooting from the field. The Vikings allowed 17 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 53% success rate for their opponent.
From beyond the arc, Cleveland State’s defense conceded 7 threes on 19 attempts, with the other team shooting 36%. They also sent their opponent to the line 23 times, where they hit 14 free throws. Cleveland State gave up 12 offensive rebounds in the game.
Does Youngstown State Have What it Takes at Home?
Youngstown State Penguins Recent Game/Games
Youngstown State improved to 10-6 on the season with a 72-61 win over Northern Kentucky on Wednesday. The Penguins, who were -3 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.
After taking a 42-25 lead into halftime, Youngstown State allowed 36 points in the second half while scoring 30. The game’s total points of 133 fell short of the 136.5 O/U line.
Youngstown State’s offense was fueled by their three-point shooting in their last game, hitting 13 of 28 attempts for 46.4% from beyond the arc. Their overall field goal percentage was 44.6%, with an effective field goal percentage of 57.1%. They were perfect from the free-throw line, going 9 for 9.
Juwan Maxey and Trey Robinson each scored 19 points, with Maxey hitting 5 of 8 threes. Ty Harper also contributed 4 threes, shooting 66.7% from deep. Gabe Dynes was a force on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds while shooting 83.3% from the field.
Even with Youngstown State allowing 61 points, their defense couldn’t stop the Penguins from shooting 44% from the field, as they went 25/56 overall. Youngstown State struggled to contain the three-point line, where the Penguins hit 13 of their 28 attempts, good for 46%.
Youngstown State also sent the Penguins to the free-throw line 9 times, and they converted all 9 attempts. The Penguins grabbed 11 offensive rebounds in the game.