Setting the Scene
The Youngstown State men's basketball team (2-2) returns to Ohio to visit in-state foe and Mid-American Conference member Toledo, Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. The game will be aired on 570 WKBN  and ESPN+.

Up Next
Youngstown State heads to the Sunshine State for a pair of games at The Jacksonville Classic, Nov. 23-24. The Penguins face UNC-Greensboro, Sunday, at 5:30 and Georgia Southern, Monday, at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be aired on 570 WKBN.

Series vs. Toledo
This is the 15th meeting between Youngstown State and Toledo in a series dating back to 1942. Toledo owns an 11-3 advantage in the all-time series, but the Penguins snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory last season. In the last meeting, the Penguins knocked off the Rockets, 93-87, on Dec. 14, 2024, at Zidian Family Arena. It marked the Penguins first win over Toledo since 2010. All three of Youngstown State's wins have come in Youngstown, and the Penguins are 0-7 in games played in Toledo. Youngstown State has never won in Savage Arena.

Scouting Toledo
Toledo enters the game with an overall record of 2-2 and is coming off a 90-83 win over Horizon League foe Detroit Mercy on Nov. 15. Both of Toledo's wins have coming against Horizon League opponents.  The Rockets also defeated Wright State, 81-71, on Nov. 11 in Dayton, Ohio. Leading the Rockets is Sonny Wilson with 16.5 points per game and Sean Craig, who averages 15 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Leroy Blyden is averaging 14.0 points per contest. As a team, Toledo is averaging 79.5 points per game and allowing 78.8 points per contest.

A Win Would...

• Improve YSU's record to 3-2.
• Mark Youngstown State's second road win of the year and improve its road record to 2-2.
• Be Youngstown State's fourth win over Toledo and second straight over the Rockets.
• Mark Ethan Faulkner's 24th career win and second straight over Toledo.
• Mark Youngstown State's first win over the Rockets in Toledo.
   

Last Time Out
The Penguins are coming off a tightly-contested 84-80 road loss at St. Bonaventure on Nov. 15. Junior Rich Rolf led the Penguins with 14 points while Vlad Salaridze and Cris Carroll each scored 13 points while Cam Polak contributed 12 points and Bryson Dawkins added 11.

Salaridze Makes Penguin Debut
After missing the first three games of the year, Vlad Salaridze made his Youngstown State debut against St. Bonaventure on Nov. 15. Salaridze scored 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting with two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Rolf Hits Season High
Junior Rich Rolf delivered his most productive game as a Penguins against St. Bonaventure on Nov. 15. Rolf scored a season-high 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting with three 3-pointers, five rebounds and two assists.