Setting the Scene
The Youngstown State men's basketball team returns to action for three games in three days at the 2024 Axe 'Em Classic hosted by Stephen F. Austin Nov. 21-23 in Nacogdoches, Texas. The Penguins open the tournament against Monmouth on Thursday at 5 p.m. YSU also plays Presbyterian Friday at 3:30 p.m. and SFA on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Up Next
Youngstown State returns home to host Western Michigan Wednesday, Nov. 27, in the 2024-25 home opener. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center.

Penguins Picked Sixth
The Youngstown State men's basketball team was predicted to finish sixth in the 2024-25 Under Armour Horizon League Preseason Poll after a vote by the league's head coaches, sports information directors and select media, the league announced. The Penguins garnered 272 points and one first-place vote.

Last Time Out
Youngstown State nearly upset ACC member Syracuse on Nov. 16, but dropped a 104-95 double-overtime decision. Senior EJ Farmer led four Penguins scoring in double figures with 26 points. Fifth-year senior Nico Galette poured in 21 points while Ty Harper had 17 and Jason Nelson added 10 points.

A Win Would...

• Improve YSU's record to 2-2 overall.
• Mark Ethan Faulkner's second career win.
• Mark Youngstown State's first win over Monmouth.
• Mark Ethan Faulkner's first win over Monmouth.
• Mark YSU's third win over current members of the Coastal Athletic Association.
• Give the Penguins a 1-0 neutral site record. 

Scouting Monmouth

• Monmouth enters the game with an overall record of 0-5 and is coming off a 70-66 loss at Wichita State on Nov. 18.
• Abdi Bashir, Jr. leads the Hawks with 21.6 points per game and has made 20 3-pointers.
• Madison Durr is averaging 13 points per contest.
• The Hawks are averaging 68.8 points per game and allowing 86.2 points per contest.

Series vs. Monmouth
This is first meeting between Youngstown State and Monmouth.

Series vs. Presbyterian
This is first meeting between Youngstown State and Presbyterian.

Series vs. Stephen F. Austin
This is first meeting between Youngstown State and Stephen F. Austin.

Farmer Hits Career High
Senior EJ Farmer turned in a career day in the Penguins' loss to Syracuse on Nov. 16. Farmer scored a career-high 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field and 8-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line. The nine field goals made and eight charity tosses made were also career bests.