Tough tests ahead for YSU basketball
The Penguins play their first home
game on Nov. 16 against Lock Haven.
YOUNGSTOWN — In his third season, Youngstown State men’s basketball coach Jerry Slocum will play a schedule which begins in California and features a four-game homestand, a four-game conference road swing and a three-game non-league road week during the campaign.
YSU makes its first trip to California, plays former Mid-Con rival Valparaiso, which is now a member of the Horizon League, and travels to Notre Dame for just the second time.
Of the 13 home games, nine will be part of a doubleheader with the women’s program. The 2007-08 schedule features games against four NCAA tournament participants and a possible contest with UCLA.
“I think this year’s schedule will be extremely challenging because we have a younger squad,” Slocum said. “From top to bottom, I think it is one of the tougher schedules in the Horizon League.”
West Coast opener
YSU opens the season Nov. 12 against former Mid-Continent Conference rival Chicago State in the opening round of the UCLA Regional of the CBE Classic in Los Angeles at historic Pauley Pavilion.
The following night the Penguins will play either UCLA or Prairie View A&M in either the championship game or a consolation matchup. The Penguins have never played against a team from the Pac-10.
YSU plays its first home game of the year against Lock Haven Nov. 16.
The semifinals and championship round of the CBE Classic are set for the new Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 19-20.
A three-game non-conference road swing begins Nov. 24 at Notre Dame. YSU suffered a 69-48 loss to the Fighting Irish on Nov. 26, 1996.
For the fourth time in five years the Penguins will play St. Francis (Pa.). Slocum returns to the site of his YSU debut Nov. 28 to take on the Red Flash.
The Bracket Buster payback game at Eastern Kentucky starts the December schedule. YSU will be making its first trip to Richmond, Ky., since being a member of the Ohio Valley Conference in January 1987.
The Penguins open Horizon League play Dec. 8 at Cleveland State.
YSU will also be on the road for an ESPN BracketBuster game Feb. 23. The opponent for the game will be announced in late January.