COLLEGE BASKETBALL YSU hits 61.5 percent in win over Argentina

Freshman Doug Underwood scored 30 points and senior Ryan Patton 22 to pace a 118-82 exhibition victory.
By BOB ROTH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Just over 400 fans were on hand in Beeghly Center for the unofficial opening of John Robic's third season at the helm of the Youngstown State men's basketball program.
In an exhibition game against a tall and physical Argentina Select Conarpesa Flash team, the Penguins shot 61.5 percent from the floor, with five players in double figures, and rolled to a 118-82 victory.
Senior point guard Ryan Patton was 8 of 14 from the field, with a pair of three pointers, for 22 points while handing out 10 assists.
"I was fairly satisfied with my play, but I could do better," he said. "The assists came because the guys are running the floor good and I just delivered the ball."
Underwood gets 30: Leading the way for YSU was freshman Doug Underwood, who was 10 of 15 from the field for a game-high 30 points.
"I really wanted to execute well tonight because that is what Coach Robic emphasizes, and they weren't playing the baseline tough so I saw opportunities there and took advantage of them," he said.
Jimmy Moore and Stephen Flores had 16 points and Rafael Cruz added 12 points. Cruz also had six assists and Flores pulled down five rebounds.
Paul Minzer shared scoring honors for Argentina, along with Pablo Marani, with 17 points.
Hit the boards: The Penguins out-rebounded the taller Argentine squad 41-27, with Brian Radakovich leading the way with 11 boards for the Penguins.
"It was a good night with good things being done, but we still have a lot to work on," Robic said. "The team we played was very physical just as the teams in our conference who we will be playing this season are, but anytime you can shoot 61 percent for a game, like we did tonight, we should be OK."
Several members of the YSU team didn't play, with a disclosure that 6-6 sophomore TeJay Anderson and 6-5 sophomore Khari McQueen are ineligible until a Dec. 15th game with Kent State.
The Penguins open their regular season on the road Nov. 17th against Evansville.