Setting the Scene
The Youngstown State men's basketball team seeks its ninth straight victory when it visits Horizon League foe Purdue Fort Wayne, Saturday, Jan. 4. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum and the game will be broadcast on 570 WKBN and ESPN+.

Up Next
Youngstown State returns home for the first time in 2025 when it hosts Northern Kentucky, Wednesday, Jan. 8. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center.

Last Time Out
Youngstown State won for the eighth straight game and set the Division I mark for consecutive wins after knocking off IU Indy, 77-61, on Jan. 1. EJ Farmer tied career highs with 26 points and five 3-pointers to lead the Penguins. Senior Siem Uijtendaal scored a season-high 14 points and had a season-best four 3-pointers.

Series vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
This is the 13th meeting between Youngstown State and Purdue Fort Wayne in a series dating back to 2002 The all-time series is tied at 6-6, but the Penguins have won two of the last three contests. Last season, the Penguins defeated the Mastodons, 93-85, in Youngstown, but lost 78-72 in Fort Wayne. Youngstown State won for the first time in Fort Wayne with an 81-72 victory on Feb. 10, 2023. Youngstown State owns a 5-2 record against Purdue Fort Wayne in games played in Youngstown.

Scouting Purdue Fort Wayne
Purdue Fort Wayne enters the game with an overall record of 10-6 and a 3-2 mark in Horizon League play. The Mastodons, who own a 6-0 home record, are led by Jalen Jackson with 18.4 points per game. Rasheed Bello is also in double figures with 12.9 points per game. Purdue Fort Wayne is averaging 81.8 points per game and allowing 72.4 points per contest.

A Win Would...

• Improve YSU's record to 11-5 overall and 6-0 in the Horizon League.
• Would extend YSU's win streak to nine and set the program's Division I win streak record.
• Mark the first time the Penguins won nine consecutive games since 1976-77.
• Mark Youngstown State's first 6-0 start in Horizon League play.
• Mark Ethan Faulkner's 11th career win and first over Purdue Fort Wayne.
• Mark Youngstown State seventh win over the Mastodons and the second in Fort Wayne.
• Give the Penguins a 6-3 road record overall and a 4-0 Horizon League road record. 

Against the League
The Penguins have played well in their first five Horizon League games of the season. Youngstown State is averaging 73.6 points per game and is allowing just 60.6 points per league contest. EJ Farmer leads the Penguins with 16.2 points per game each against league foes while Nico Galette is averaging 10.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Gabe Dynes is posting 7.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.

Guins Set D-I Streak
The Penguins are also seeking their ninth straight victory, which would set the program's Division I record for consecutive wins. The last time Youngstown State won at least nine consecutive games was during the 1976-77 season.

Getting Defensive
Youngstown State has been tough to score on during Horizon League play. The Penguins are allowing just 60.6 points per contest, and their opponents are shooting just 35.4 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from 3-point range. Youngstown State is also forcing 13.4 turnovers per game in league action. 

Guins in the HL
Youngstown State has been on quite a run during league play over the last three-plus seasons. The Penguins own a record of 46-20 in Horizon League play since the start of the 2021-22 campaign. Youngstown State went 12-9 in 2021-22, 15-5 in 2022-23, 14-6 in 2023-24, and is currently 5-0 in 2024-25.