Youngstown State's three-point shooting ability has helped keep the Guins in ballgames. YSU is averaging just over nine three-pointers per contest.
"I'm not sure there's a whole lot of teams in the league that can put five guys on the floor at a given time that score the ball like we can," said head coach Jerry Slocum.
There is not a more balanced team. Four of the Guins five starters average in double digits; however, the Guins effort on the other end of the floor has been above average, allowing an average of just 56 points a game in four Horizon League home games.
"We've really done a great job defensively," said Slocum. "I think our defense has really lead to productive offense."
"If we defend, we'll be fine regardless of whether we hit three's or not," said Horizon League Player of the Week Blake Allen. "But if we defend and hit three's, we'll be a pretty good basketball team."
YSU is already that, but at just one game out of first in the league standings, Youngstown State enters a critical stretch. The Guins host Cleveland State Saturday before leaving Youngstown next Monday to play three road games in six days.
"Because you beat a team the first time or lost to a team the first time," said Allen, "it has nothing to do with the second time you play them. All the teams in our league are good."
Youngstown State has sights set on proving it's the best.
Tip-off against Cleveland State is slated for 7:05 p.m. Saturday at the Beeghly Center.
