YSU BASKETBALL Today’s games

MEN
YSU (6-9, 2-3)
vs. DETROIT (4-11, 0-5)

When: 3:35 p.m.
Where: Calihan Hall, Detroit.
Radio: WKBN-AM (570)
Coaches: YSU’s Jerry Slocum (Kings College, N.Y.) is 27-47 in his third season with the Penguins; Perry Watson (Eastern Michigan) is 258-185 in his 15th season with Detroit. Watson has taken a medical leave of absence and associated head coach Kevin Mondro is directing the team.
YSU starters: Byron Davis, 6-2 senior guard (13.9 points per game, 2.3 rebounds); John Barber, 6-7 senior forward (13.1 ppg., 6.7); Vance Cooksey, 6-0, redshirt freshman guard (6.9 ppg., 2.7); Jack Liles, 6-7, junior forward (10.9 ppg., 5.6); Vytas Sulskis, 6-7 freshman guard (8.0. ppg, 3.6).
Detroit starters: John Goode, 5-10 senior (18.0 ppg. 3.1); Chris Hayes, 6-9 junior (10 ppg. 6.6); Zach Everingham, 6-4 senior (5.8 ppg. 2.6); Woody Payne, 5-10 sophomore (5.6 ppg. 2.5); Michael Harrington, 6-8 junior (2.3 ppg. 2.8)
Game notes: The Penguins lost their second straight game on Thursday, dropping a 66-55 decision at Wright State. The Penguins were within one point of the Raiders with about eight minutes to play, but couldn’t get any closer. YSU, which didn’t shoot a free throw in the first half, made just 4 of 11 in the second half. Wright State connected on 15 of 22, which was the difference in the contest. Senior John Barber and senior Byron Davis each had 13 points in the game. Barber also added eight rebounds and Davis had five assists. Detroit has been struggling also, losing its ninth straight to Cleveland State at home on Thursday 74-64. The Titans have now lost five straight at home where they are 3-6 on the season.
Series: The Penguins have never won at Calihan Hall in Detroit, dropping 10 straight and are 4-17 all-time against the Titans. Last season, the Penguins won two of three meetings. Both wins came at Beeghly Center, including an 82-80 win came in the first round of the Horizon League playoffs. The Titans won last year’s contest in Detroit, 66-51.
Next up: The Penguins will return home for their next contest on Thursday when they play host to Horizon League newcomer Valparaiso in a 7:35 p.m. tipoff at Beeghly Center. The game will be part of a doubleheader with the YSU women playing Wright State in the opener at 5:15 p.m.

WOMEN
YSU (7-7, 2-1)
vs. UW-GREEN BAY (11-3, 3-0)

When: 1 p.m.
Where: Kress Center, Green Bay, Wis.
Radio/TV: None.
Coaches: Tisha Hill (Indiana) is 38-88 in her fifth season with the Penguins. Matt Bollant (Winona State) is in his first season with the Phoenix.
YSU starters: Jessica Schloemp, 6-3 senior (6.9 points per game, 7.9 rebounds); Tiara Scott, 6-0 junior (11.6 ppg, 6.2); Lauren Branson, 5-6 senior (5.6 ppg, 2.8); Kelsey Gurganus, 5-10 junior (7.5 ppg, 3.0); Heather Karner, 5-10 senior (13.1 ppg, 4.0)
UW-Green Bay starters: Erin Templin, 6-1 junior (7.1 ppg. 5.4); Lavesa Glover, 6-3 junior (10.5 ppg. 5.8); Kati Harty, 5-6 junior (11.1 ppg. 2.5); Kayla Groh, 5-7 senior (14.2 ppg. 3.5); Rachel Porath, 5-10 junior (14.8 ppg. 6.2)
Game notes: Youngstown State saw its three-game winning streak snapped on Thursday with a 77-66 loss at Milwaukee. The Penguins fell behind early and trailed by as many as 17 points before rallying to cut the margin to six. Junior Tiara Scott led the Penguins with 22 points while senior Lauren Branson added 17 points and five assists. Green Bay has been the hottest team in the Horizon League of late as the Phoenix won their seventh straight game on Thursday beating Cleveland State, 87-61. The Phoenix also have league wins over Detroit 79-55 and Wright State 67-52 and are 6-1 at home. Green Bay is averaging more than 72 points a game while holding opponents to fewer than 60 points. The Phoenix also are shooting 48.3 percent from the field.
Series: The Penguins have won just once in 17 meetings against Green Bay. That win came in the 2004-05 season at Green Bay when the Phoenix was ranked nationally in the polls. The Penguins are 1-8 in Green Bay.
Next up: The Penguins will return home on Thursday when they play host to Wright State in a 5:15 p.m. contest at Beeghly Center. The game will be the opener of a doubleheader with the YSU men taking on Valparaiso in the second game at 7:35 p.m.

Pete Mollica