Princeton, N.J. – The Youngstown State men's basketball team will play in the Axe 'Em Classic, a three-game round-robin multi-team event, hosted by Stephen F. Austin, Nov. 21-23, the Gazelle Group announced.
Each game will take place at William R. Johnson Coliseum on the campus of Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Youngstown State will face Monmouth, Thursday, Nov. 21; Presbyterian, Friday, Nov. 22; and Stephen F. Austin, Saturday, Nov. 23.
This will be the Penguins' first meeting against all three opponents.
Below is the schedule for the event:
Thursday, November 21st:
Monmouth vs. Youngstown State, 5 PM EST/4 PM CST
Presbyterian vs. Stephen F. Austin, 7:30 PM EST/6:30 PM CST
Friday, November 22nd:
Presbyterian vs. Youngstown State, 3:30 PM EST/2:30 PM CST
Monmouth vs. Stephen F. Austin, 6 PM EST/5PM CST
Saturday, November 23rd:
Presbyterian vs. Monmouth, 12 PM EST/11 AM CST
Youngstown State vs. Stephen F. Austin, 7 PM EST/6 PM CST
Head Coach Notes
Stephen F Austin: Head Coach: Kyle Keller (Southland Conference)
Kyle Keller begins his ninth season as the Head Coach of the Lumberjacks after an 18-15 record in 2023-24. Keller has posted impressive accolades during his time with Stephen F. Austin including becoming the fastest coach in school history to 100 wins and a victory over top-ranked Duke in 2019. After spending their last three seasons in the WAC, the Lumberjacks return to the Southland Conference in 2024-25.
Monmouth: Head Coach: King Rice (Colonial Athletic Association)
King Rice enters his 14th season in charge of the Hawks. Rice has posted a 207-208 (.499) record in his 13 years as head coach and won 3 regular season conference championships. The Hawks hope to build off a winning season in 2023-24 and emerge to the top of the CAA.
Presbyterian: Head Coach: Quinton Ferrell (Big South Conference)
Quinton Ferrell enters his 6th season as head coach, and 11th season at Presbyterian. Ferrell posted a career high in wins during 2023-24 and hopes to build off last season's momentum. Kobe Stewart and Jamahri Harvey highlight the returners for the Blue Hose in 2024-25
Youngstown State: Head Coach: Ethan Faulkner (Horizon League)
Ethan Faulkner enters his first season as the head coach of Youngstown State. Faulkner became a member of the Penguins' staff in 2019 and promoted to associate head coach in 2022. Youngstown State's 98 wins since 2019, when Faulkner joined the Penguins' staff, are the most in any 5-year stretch in school history.
Youngstown State opens the 2024-25 season against Westminster, Monday, Nov. 4. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at Beeghly Center.
