Penguins falter in Horizon League opener

Staff report

Milwaukee

The Youngstown State men’s basketball team began its conference play with a 76-67 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

The Penguins (4-1, 0-1 in the Horizon League) were led again by senior guard Vytas Sulskis. His 18 points and six rebounds were both team highs. He was 11-of-15 from the free-throw line. Behind Sulskis was junior guard Devonte Maymon with 16 points, and sophomore forward Damian Eargle with 10.

Eargle also blocked five shots, giving him 22 for the season.

Maymon and sophomore guard Blake Allen each had three assists.

Allen had seven points while junior guard Tre Brewer had six.

The Panthers (4-4, 1-0) snapped a two-game losing streak, and won their third league opener in as many years.

Milwaukee was paced in scoring by Anthony Hill with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Both were game highs. Teammate Kaylon Williams had 14 points. Williams and Tony Meier each had eight rebounds.

Both of the Penguins’ losses have come on the road. The first came in a 91-84 overtime loss at Akron.

The Penguins trailed the Panthers 43-39 at halftime. But Milwaukee came out strong in the second half. For the game, the Penguins brought down 35 rebounds, 10 assists and seven turnovers. Milwaukee had 45 rebounds, 14 assists and turned the ball over 13 times.

The Penguins will remain on the road until Dec. 13. Their next game will be at Green Bay on Dec. 4.

Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.