Youngstown State Penguins Welcome Bucknell Bison for a Matchup After Eight Years
This Sunday, Youngstown State University will host the Bucknell Bison at the Zidian Family Arena in Beeghly Center, marking their first encounter at home in eight years. The match is set to tip off at 2 p.m. and will be accessible via multiple platforms, including ESPN+, 570 WKBN, and iHeart.com.
Game Day Essentials
Ticket Information and Promotions
Advance tickets can be purchased via YSUsports.com. The ticket office and arena gates will open at 1 p.m. on game day. Season tickets can be secured by calling the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978.
Promotional Activities
- YSU Schedule Magnet giveaway presented by Compco, HBK, FastTrac, and 21 WFMJ
- Stem Day: General admission tickets available for just $5
- Food Can Drive: Donate a canned good and receive a ticket voucher for a future game
- Veterans Appreciation Game: Veterans eligible for up to four complimentary tickets, sponsored by NECA IBEW
Game Preview
Entering the game with a record of 2-1, the Penguins are establishing their presence on the court, boasting a 1-0 home record and a 1-1 road record. After a dominant 104-33 season opener against Thiel, YSU secured a close 65-58 victory against North Dakota, overcoming a 13-point deficit. Conversely, they faced a loss against No. 24 Michigan State, with a score of 96-52.
The team has seen significant contributions from a blend of returning and new players. Transfer point guard Casey Santoro leads with an average of 11.7 points per game, while forward Sarah Baker, who was absent for a significant part of last season, averages 10.7 points, shooting 65.2% from the field. Transfer forward Paulina Hernandez adds another 9.0 points per game.
Preseason All-Horizon League First-Team choice Sophia Gregory averages 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 points, while fifth-year senior Faith Burch contributes with averages of 7.7 points and 7.3 rebounds. Their performances align with Head Coach Melissa Jackson’s strategy that emphasizes the strength of YSU’s posts this season, warranting some tactical adjustments.
This marks the last home game on a weekend for YSU until January 10. The team will later travel for road games at Mercyhurst and Akron, followed by a home game against Toledo, as they refine their strategies before Horizon League action kicks off on December 5.
A Potential Victory Would
- Improve YSU’s season record to 3-1
- End a three-game losing streak to Bucknell dating back to December 2, 2015
- Boost YSU’s home record to 2-0
- Secure their seventh consecutive home win over nonconference teams
- Provide Coach Melissa Jackson with her 87th career and first win over Bucknell
Milestone Watch
- Sarah Baker is on the verge of reaching 100 career points.
- Faith Burch is just six points shy of amassing 400 in her career.
- Sophia Gregory is set to record her 250th career rebound with her next grab.
- Erica King requires 16 points to hit the 200 mark.
- Casey Santoro is five assists away from 250 and needs 60 more to reach 1,000 career points.
Scouting the Bucknell Bison
Bucknell enters the game following their first win of the season, a narrow 49-45 victory against Mount St. Mary’s. Previously, they faced significant challenges, including an 83-55 defeat to Penn State and a subsequent 80-35 loss to Virginia. The Bison are currently averaging only 46.3 points per game, though they displayed defensive strength in their recent win, limiting their opponents to 62 points or fewer.
With eight returners from a previous season where they achieved a 17-14 overall record, Bucknell was predicted to finish seventh in the Patriot League’s preseason poll.
Series History
The series history favors Youngstown State, leading 8-5 overall. However, Bucknell has claimed victory in the last three encounters. Notably, their previous meeting resulted in a 51-36 win for the Bison, highlighting the challenges faced by YSU in their last performance.
Next Steps for Youngstown State
Following this matchup, Youngstown State is set to continue its nonconference schedule with a matchup against Mercyhurst on Thursday, marking their first visit to the Lakers’ home turf in Erie, Pennsylvania, with the game set for 6 p.m.
