By Dylan Lux / The Jambar
In its last two contests, the Youngstown State University men’s basketball team has had a total of seven points between its opponents when the clock struck zero.
Following a bye week for the Penguins, the team returned to action Jan. 30 for a matchup with Wright State University, who came off a 67-50 victory over the University of Detroit Mercy.
By halftime in Beeghly Center, Youngstown State found themselves in a 50-36 hole, after allowing nine three-pointers in the first half.
Wright State led the entire game until Youngstown State took over with 19.3 seconds left in the game. Throughout the second half, the lead varied for the Raiders, including an 18-point advantage with 12 minutes remaining.
After a Wright State bucket, the score was 86-85 with just 11 seconds remaining.
Junior Juwan Maxey received an inbound pass and found senior EJ Farmer once he crossed the halfcourt line. Farmer garnered attention from the defense as he drove toward the basket, opening up a spot for Maxey.
With three seconds remaining, Maxey buried the corner three, and Wright State was unable to respond.
Maxey said it was a good feeling and that the play was simple — it went exactly how they planned it.
“It felt great, obviously,” Maxey said. “It was just coming down to find an open spot, and [Farmer] found me and it worked out in my favor.”
Head Coach Ethan Faulkner gave credit to Maxey and said he deserved the opportunity to win the game for the ’Guins.
“[Maxey] puts the work in,” Faulkner said. “When I walk in the building every morning at about 8 o’clock [a.m.], he’s in there shooting. He’s a guy that’s just continued to work.”
Two days later, the Penguins took on Indiana University Indianapolis. The ’Guins struggled from three in the contest, shooting 2 for 13 in the first half and 2 for 14 in the second half, shooting 14.8% beyond the arc.
YSU only trailed by seven at the half, 39-32. Although the Penguins weren’t shooting well from beyond the arc, IU-Indy finished the game shooting 47.8% from three-point range.
The Jaguars won their fourth game in conference play over the ’Guins 84-79, and dropped Youngstown State to 8-5 in the Horizon League.
YSU will look to bounce back on the road against another conference foe in Oakland University at 7 p.m. today.
The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+ and on 570 WKBN.