YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — Isaac Garrett recorded 27 points and 14 rebounds Thursday as Oakland edged Youngstown State 85-83 in a Horizon League men’s basketball game at Beeghly Center. Garrett’s double-double helped the Golden Grizzlies rally from a three-point halftime deficit before 1,396 fans. Brett White added 22 points for Oakland. Jason Nelson led the Penguins with 14 points and eight assists, while Bryson Dawkins scored 20. The game’s total score went under the betting over/under line of 157.5. Oakland improved to 7-8 overall, while Youngstown State fell to 8-7.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — Horizon League play resumes on New Year’s Day when the Youngstown State Penguins host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Beeghly Center on Thursday. The matchup features two teams looking to establish momentum after closing 2025 with losses. Youngstown State (8-6) fell 73-68 to Detroit Mercy at home on Monday. Oakland (6-8) dropped an 88-73 decision at Wright State the same day. The Penguins, who hold a two-game edge in the overall standings, will lean on guard Cris Carroll. He is averaging 21.1 points per game and is coming off a 27-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist performance in a win over South Carolina Upstate on Dec. 20. Carroll scored 31 in a narrow overtime loss at Robert Morris three days later. Oakland’s hopes will rest heavily on the play of dynamic guard Brody Robinson. He leads the Golden Grizzlies in scoring and has been on a tear, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 assists over his last seven games. Robinson poured in 27 points in Oakland’s recent win over Purdue Fort Wayne and matched that total in Monday’s loss at Wright State. Both teams have shown offensive firepower but struggled for consistency. Oakland averages 83.4 points per game but allows 84.1. Youngstown State scores 76.6 per contest while giving up 70.6. The Golden Grizzlies are seeking their first road win since Nov. 25 at Montana, having lost five straight away from home. The Penguins are 5-2 at Beeghly Center this season. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST and is the conference opener for both squads. Youngstown State visits Northern Kentucky on Sunday, while Oakland hosts Robert Morris on Jan. 4.