The Northern Kentucky Norse (3-4) will host the Youngstown State Penguins (5-2) in the Horizon League opener for both teams. Last season the Norse won and covered the spread in each of the two head-to-head games.
After going 19-15 last season, the Penguins have even higher hopes this season. Youngstown State was rated No. 155 in the si.com preseason ratings and first in the Horizon League. The Penguins hit the transfer portal hard to upgrade their roster. Interestingly enough, the leading scorer and rebounder for Youngstown State is Adrian Nelson (14.4 ppg, 9.9 rebounds), who is a transfer that averaged 6.9 ppg for Northern Kentucky last season and will now be facing his former team. Canisius transfer Malek Green is second on the team averaging 14.3 ppg and 6.7 rebounds. Youngstown State opened the season with a 92-81 road win against Canisius.
Men's Basketball Opens League Play at NKU Thursday Night https://t.co/Hk4dSrtCIy
— YSU Men's Basketball (@YSUMensHoops) November 29, 2022
Youngstown State is rated No. 156 according to KenPom. The offense is the strength is rated 70th in adjusted efficiency, and the defense is 283rd. Youngstown State's strength of schedule is 274th. Against the spread, they are 5-1 against the spread and the over/under is also 5-1.