Youngstown State at Western Michigan
Dec. 9, 2023 | Univesity Arena
Kalamazoo, Mich. | 1 p.m.

Broadcast Information
Radio: 570 WKBN (Robb Schmidt) | Listen
TV: ESPN+ | Watch
App Audio - iHeartRadio App
Live Stats 

Tipoff Notes
The Youngstown State men's basketball team plays its final non-conference road contest of 2023 when it visits Western Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 9, at University Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. in Kalamazoo, Mich. The game will be broadcast on 570 WKBN and ESPN+.

Up Next
The Penguins return home continue their non-league action when they Bethany, Thursday, Dec. 14. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Beeghly Center. 

Last Time Out
Youngstown State is coming off an impressive 78-72 win over Mid-American Conference member Ohio on Dec. 6. Senior Brandon Rush led the Penguins with 19 points while DJ Burns posted his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Brett Thompson scored 14 points and Ziggy Reid added 10 points, all in the second half.

Scouting Western Michigan
Western Michigan enters the game with an overall record 2-6 and is coming off an 86-65 loss to Notre Dame on Dec. 5. The Broncos, who are 0-3 at home, have wins over Southeastern Louisiana (68-67) on Nov. 24 and Mercer (72-66) on Nov. 25. Leading the Broncos is Seth Hubbard with 15.4 points per game. As a team, Western Michigan is averaging 64.6 points per game while allowing 72.1 points per contest. The Broncos are shooting 43 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range.

Series vs. Western Michigan
This is the seventh meeting between Youngstown State and Western Michigan in a series that dates back to 1989. The Broncos lead the all-time series 5-1 and have won the last two contests, including a 66-64 win in Kalamazoo on Dec. 7, 2019. The last time YSU defeated Western Michigan was a 64-52 victory at Beeghly Center on Nov. 28, 2000. Youngstown State has never won in Kalamazoo, Mich.

A Win Would...

• Improve YSU's record to 7-3 overall.
• Mark YSU's third straight road win and give YSU a 3-3 road record.
• Mark YSU's fourth straight win overall.
• Be YSU's second win over Western Michigan.
• Snap a two-game losing skid to the Broncos.
• Mark YSU's first win over Western Michigan since 2000.
• Be YSU's first win in Kalamazoo.
• Be the 227th in Head Coach Jerrod Calhoun's career and his 103rd at Youngstown State.
• Make Jerrod Calhoun the third coach in school history to record at least 103 wins.
• Be Jerrod Calhoun's first win over Western Michigan.

Thompson Turnin Up
Youngstown State fifth-year senior Brett Thompson has turned up his offensive production since being inserted into the starting lineup four games ago. Thompson averaged 15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists game. He shot 51.2 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range.

Dynes Dynamite
Youngstown State freshman Gabe Dynes made an impressive showing against Cleveland State on Nov. 29. Dynes turned career highs with seven points and four blocks while also grabbing three rebounds in 16 minutes of play. Dynes also ranks second in the Horizon League with 16 blocks and 1.8 blocks per game.

Burns Among Rebound Leaders
Graduate student DJ Burns has been a force on the boards and scoring the ball this season. In his first eight games at Youngstown State, Burns has record five double-doubles and has posted at least five rebounds eight times. He also ranks second in the Horizon League with 8.4 rebounds per game. Most recently, Burns posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds at Ohio. He posted 18 points and 13 rebounds against Robert Morris, 13 points and 11 rebounds at Louisiana, 17 points and 11 rebounds against Ohio Christian, and 16 points and 11 boards against Utah Tech.

Langdon Nearing Marks
Fifth-year senior Bryson Langdon is approaching a couple of career milestones. The Chicago, Ill., native has scored 792 career points and dished out 358 career assists. He needs just 208 points to reach 1,000 for his career and 42 more assists for 400.

Reid Rampin' Up
Senior Ziggy Reid has been on the upside offensively over the last four games. Reid is averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He shot 52.9 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from beyond the arc.