Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Youngstown State Penguins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/7/24

Looking to win big? The Golden Grizzlies and Penguins face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Penguins are hosting the game at Beeghly Center in Youngstown, OH. This Horizon League conference matchup has an over/under of 132.5 points, and Youngstown State is favored to win by -1 at home vs. Oakland.

OAKLAND GOLDEN GRIZZLIES VS YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Youngstown State Penguins -1

This game will be played at Beeghly Center at 2:00 ET on Saturday, December 7th.

WHY BET THE YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Penguins.
• Not only will Youngstown State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 132.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.

Will the Golden Grizzlies Defense Show Up on the Road?

Oakland Golden Grizzlies Recent Game/Games

Oakland improved to 2-4 on the season with a 66-64 win over Wright State on Thursday, December 5th. The Golden Grizzlies were -1 favorites at home and covered the spread with the win.

Oakland led 37-34 at halftime and scored 29 points in the 2nd half while allowing 30. The total points for the game were 130, which was under the O/U line of 138.5.

Oakland’s offense put up 66 points in their last game, shooting 42.6% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, with an effective field goal percentage of 51.9%. They struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 57.9% of their attempts.

Allen Mukeba led the way with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Buru Naivalurua added 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Solomon Callaghan and Andrew Welage each hit 4 threes, with Callaghan shooting 80% from deep and Welage hitting 66.7% of his attempts.

Oakland’s defense held their opponent to 64 points, with a 42% shooting performance from the field. The Golden Grizzlies allowed 14 two-point baskets on 29 attempts, a 48% success rate.

From beyond the arc, their opponent shot 36%, hitting 9 of 25 three-point attempts. Oakland also sent them to the free-throw line 19 times, where they made 11, a 57% rate. The Golden Grizzlies gave up 9 offensive rebounds.

Will the Penguins Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Youngstown State Penguins Recent Game/Games

The Penguins improved to 3-5 on the season with a 72-58 win over Robert Morris on Wednesday. Youngstown State entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs but covered the spread with the win.

Youngstown State took control early, leading 35-21 at halftime. Both teams scored 37 points in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 130 fell short of the 139 O/U line.

Youngstown State put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 45.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.8%, with a strong 57.9% shooting inside the arc, but they struggled from deep, hitting just 26.1% of their threes (6/23).

At the free-throw line, the Penguins connected on 76.9% of their attempts (10/13). Juwan Maxey led the way with 16 points, shooting 62.5% overall and from three-point range (5/8). Kam Woods added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite shooting just 33.3% from the field and 20.0% from three.

Youngstown State’s defense put on a strong performance, holding their opponent to just 58 points on 34% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective in defending the three-point line, where they limited their opponent to just 3 made threes on 23 attempts, a 13% success rate.

Inside the arc, Youngstown State’s opponent shot 48%, converting 17 of their 35 two-point attempts. The Penguins also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they made 15 free throws, shooting 68%. Youngstown State allowed 12 offensive rebounds in the game.