Horizon League Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

By John Parker | Mar 4, 2016

Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jalen Hayes (4) high fives guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) during overtime against the Michigan State Spartans at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 21, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Youngstown State Penguins head coach Jerry Slocum (C) talks to his players in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

8: Youngstown State Penguins

In the early stages of Horizon League play, this season looked like it could be a breakout year for the Penguins. Youngstown State picked up a huge win at Oakland, the Golden Grizzlies first home loss as a member of the Horizon League, and a nice home win over Green Bay.

It’s 2-2 record might not have seemed like much, but this is a team that has finished above .500 in Horizon League play just once since joining the league. Additionally, there were concerns that after going 2-14 in league play and losing four of its top five scorers the Penguins would post one of the worst seasons the Horizon League had ever seen. Instead, it looked like Youngstown State could be a huge surprise in the league and flirt with a .500 record.

Since then, Youngstown State’s season has been more in line with expectations. The Penguins have gone 4-12 down the stretch. In that time they’ve only picked up wins over fellow cellar dwellers Northern Kentucky, UIC and Cleveland State.

Between Youngstown State’s recent lack of big wins and Detroit playing the tournament less than 10 miles from its home court, the Penguins seem like a long shot to advance to the Horizon League Quarterfinals.

Next: 7: Northern Kentucky