Youngstown State Penguins vs IU Indy Jaguars NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/1/25
Planning on watching today’s Penguins and Jaguars game? Catch the action at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, IN, as the Jaguars hosts this showdown at 12:00 ET on ESPN+. Youngstown State is favored by -5.5 in this Horizon League conference contest against IU Indy. The game’s over/under currently sits at 142 points.
YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS VS IU INDY JAGUARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: IU Indy Jaguars +5.5
This game will be played at Corteva Coliseum at 12:00 ET on Wednesday, January 1st.
WHY BET THE IU INDY JAGUARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Jaguars.
- Not only will IU Indy pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 142 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Can The Penguins Secure a Win at Indianapolis?
Youngstown State Penguins Recent Game/Games
Youngstown State improved to 8-5 on the season with a 73-64 win over Detroit on Sunday. The Penguins were -14.5 favorites going into the game but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 137, which was right on the O/U line.
Youngstown State took control early, leading 38-23 at halftime. However, they allowed 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 35, making the game closer than expected.
Youngstown State managed to put up 73 points in their last game, despite shooting just 36.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.3%, with two-point shooting at 41.9% and three-point shooting at 31% (9/29).
Orlando Lovejoy led the way with 23 points, while EJ Farmer added 16, hitting 3 of 5 from deep. Gabe Dynes was efficient, shooting 80% (4/5) from the field. The Penguins also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists.
Youngstown State’s defense held their opponent to 64 points, with a field goal percentage of just 36% (22/60). They limited two-point shots to 41% (13/31).
From beyond the arc, the Penguins allowed 9 threes on 29 attempts (31%). Their opponent also went 20/32 from the free-throw line (62%).
Is a Home Win Possible for the Jaguars?
IU Indy Jaguars Recent Game/Games
The Jaguars dropped to 2-10 on the season after an 88-81 road loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Despite being +16.5 point underdogs, they kept the game closer than expected.
After a 35-35 first half, the Jaguars scored 46 points in the second half but allowed 53. The game’s total points of 169 went over the pre-game O/U line of 148.5.
In their recent game, the Jaguars put up 81 points, shooting 47.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54%. They hit 57.5% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 30.4% of their threes. At the free-throw line, they were efficient, hitting 82.4% of their attempts.
Themus Fulks led the way with 26 points and 5 assists, shooting 60% from the field. Sean Craig added 22 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 66.7% of his shots, including 2 of 3 from three-point range. Kentrell Pullian contributed 20 points, making 4 of 7 threes, while Paul Zilinskas chipped in 21 points despite shooting just 2 of 8 from deep.
Despite a strong defensive effort, the IU Indy Jaguars couldn’t contain their opponent, giving up 88 points on 53% shooting. The Jaguars struggled to defend inside, allowing 23 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 62% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, the Jaguars held their opponent to 5 made threes on 15 attempts, a 33% shooting percentage. However, they sent their opponent to the free-throw line 37 times, where they converted 27 free throws, shooting 73%. The Jaguars also gave up 12 offensive rebounds.