YSU PREVIEW BASKETBALL

MEN
Who: YSU (3-7, 0-0) vs. Illinois-Chicago (7-5, 0-0).When: Today, 3 p.m.Where: UIC Pavilion, Chicago.Radio: WNIO-AM 1390.Coaches: Jerry Slocum is in his first season at YSU (3-7) with a career record of 583-332 in 31 seasons; Jimmy Collins is in his ninth season with the Flames with a 153-128 record.Series: This is the 14th meeting between the teams and Illinois-Chicago has never lost to the Penguins in the 13 previous games. Last year, the Penguins suffered a 62-56 loss in Youngstown and dropped a 71-65 decision in Chicago. The Penguins are 0-9 against the Flames since joining the Horizon League.Game notes: The Penguins, who open Horizon League play today, had their two-game winning streak snuffed on Wednesday dropping a 75-67 contest at Siena, their sixth straight defeat on the road this season. The Penguins battled back from a 20-point deficit against the Saints and got to within four points. Junior guard Quin Humphrey continued his strong play with 16 points and has been in double figures in every game this season. Senior Domonique Crawford had his second straight strong effort off the bench with 16 points. UIC comes into the contest with four wins in its last five games including a win over Davidson on Thursday 76-67. Justin Bowen had a career-high 23 points for the Flames. This also will be the league opener for the Flames.Next up: The Penguins return to action Monday to complete a three-game road trip with a conference battle against Loyola in a 2 p.m. tip-off.
WOMEN
Who: YSU (4-8. 0-1) vs. Wright State (4-6, 0-0).When: Today, 1:05 p.m.Where: Ervin J. Nutter Fieldhouse, Dayton.Radio/TV: None.Coaches: Tisha Hill is in her third season with the Penguins, with an overall record of 20-48. Bridget Williams is in her fifth season with a 49-76 record.The series: This is the 30th meeting with Raiders and the Penguins hold a 19-10 advantage. Wright State won both games a year ago winning 65-38 in Dayton and 61-51 at Beeghly Center. Since joining the Horizon League in the 2001-02 season the teams are even at four wins apiece.Game notes: The Penguins opened Horizon League play on Thursday and were soundly defeated by Butler, 78-55. Once again, the Penguins had problems shooting the basketball, hitting only 31 percent against the Bulldogs. Senior Ashlee Russo was the only Penguin in double figures with 15 points. She and junior guard Kristy Gaudiose have been leading the team recently. Wright State has been struggling recently losing four of its last five games. Most recently, the Raiders dropped a 64-48 contest to Seton Hall. The Raiders are led by junior guard Brittney Whiteside with a 13.2 average, while senior guard Rhea Mays has an 11.4 average. This will be the Horizon League opener for the Raiders.Next up: The Penguins will return home on Jan. 7 to meet Detroit in the first of four straight home games. The Horizon League contest will tip-off at 2:05 p.m.
Pete Mollica