Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins Picks and Predictions for Sunday February 22 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/22/2026, 12:10 AM ET

The Northern Kentucky Norse travel to the Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio, to take on the Youngstown State Penguins on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM with streaming coverage on ESPN+. Youngstown State enters this Horizon League matchup as a 3.5-point favorite, and the total is listed at 152.5. The moneyline is currently OFF. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis and daily betting insights.

Norse Bringing Offensive Firepower

Northern Kentucky comes into this contest at 17-11 overall and 9-8 in Horizon Conference play. Over their last five games, the Norse are 3-2, recently defeating Purdue Fort Wayne, IUIN, and Milwaukee while falling to Green Bay and Oakland. Their offense has been productive during this stretch, including an 87-point outing against Purdue Fort Wayne.

On the season, Northern Kentucky averages an impressive 83.1 points per game while allowing 76.6 per contest. They shoot 47% from the field and collect 35.1 rebounds per game. The Norse also average 15.6 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 8.9 steals per contest.

The standout trait for Northern Kentucky is scoring ability. Averaging over 83 points per game, they are one of the higher-scoring teams in this matchup. Their 8.9 steals per game also show defensive pressure that can turn into transition offense quickly.

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Penguins Leaning on Balanced Play

Youngstown State enters at 14-14 overall and 7-10 in Horizon Conference action. The Penguins have gone 3-2 over their last five games, recently beating Cleveland State and Purdue Fort Wayne while also picking up a road win at Oakland. Losses to Detroit Mercy and Robert Morris have highlighted some inconsistency.

Youngstown State is averaging 79.1 points per game while allowing 73.2 per contest. They shoot 47% from the field and grab 34.3 rebounds per game. The Penguins also contribute 14.7 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 6.9 steals per contest.

The key for Youngstown State is defensive steadiness. Allowing just 73.2 points per game, they have shown the ability to limit opponents compared to Northern Kentucky’s higher scoring but more vulnerable defense. If they can slow the pace, that will benefit the Penguins at home.

Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins Pick

Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins Spread Pick

Pick: Youngstown State -3.5

While Northern Kentucky brings strong offensive numbers, Youngstown State has been more consistent defensively and benefits from home-court advantage. With the Penguins allowing over three points fewer per game and capable of scoring nearly 80 themselves, I expect them to control tempo and cover the short number.

Northern Kentucky Norse vs Youngstown State Penguins Total Pick

Pick: Over 152.5

I’m leaning toward the over in this Horizon matchup. Northern Kentucky averages 83.1 points per game, and Youngstown State is close to 80. Both teams shoot 47% from the field, and Northern Kentucky’s up-tempo style can push this game into the high 150s. I expect scoring runs on both sides.

Final Score Prediction: Youngstown State 81, Northern Kentucky 77

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