BASKETBALL Penguins to take on St. Francis

Tonight's game is YSU's first since a 76-68 win over Loyola of Chicago.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team returns to non-conference action, playing two games in three days. The Penguins play host to Saint Francis (Pa.) tonight at 7 at the Beeghly Center.
YSU visits Duquesne at 1 p.m. Friday. Both games will be broadcast on WNIO-AM (1390).
The Penguins (3-6) defeated Loyola of Chicago 76-68 on Dec. 21. Quin Humphrey scored a career-high 26 points and Zach Silverman added 17 as YSU snapped a six-game losing streak.
Saint Francis is 5-4, with the Red Flash's last game an 85-67 loss to Minnesota on Dec. 22.
Players are 'getting it'
Youngstown State coach John Robic was pleased with the team's most recent practices.
"I think [the players] are getting it; they really are," he said. "They are much more talkative. I think the [Loyola] win helped a ton. I like their spirits right now."
Robic said his message is starting to resonate with the players.
"They are understanding that they have to communicate a little bit more," he said. "They are relying on each other [and] pushing each other more. They are starting to understand that they have to be ready to accept that responsibility of being ready to go every day."
Saint Francis, which has also lost to Pittsburgh this season, is led in scoring by Darshan Luckey, at 19.7 points per game. Luckey scored 14 against Minnesota. Jason Osborne is averaging 12.7 points and a team-best 6.7 rebounds per game.
"[The Red Flash] are playing really well," said Robic. "They have a very good low-post scorer in Jason Osborne. Darshan Luckey can score from the perimeter and in the post. They have two real good scorers.
"The point guard [Garrett Farha] they brought in has really helped them. I think it's going to be a tough game.
"I think we match up well with them. They have good size. Athletically we are about the same. As far as matchups, there is not one matchup that really bothers me."
Silverman on a roll
Junior guard Zach Silverman has scored 54 points the past four games, including 17 against Loyola. In the first five games of the year he had just nine points. He has made 11 3-pointers the past four games.
"He has more confidence in his shooting right now," said Robic of Silverman. "Even at practice he is still passing up some shots that I need him to shoot.
"He is playing within what we are trying to do. Guys are starting to get him shots too. It's a nice weapon to have on the floor."