’Guins set for non-conference finale with WVU
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Now the winner of five consecutive games, Youngstown State is ready to put its streak to the test tonight in the Mountain State.
In a battle between mentor and mentee, Jerrod Calhoun will lead his 7-3 Penguins into the WVU Coliseum tonight to take on his former boss, Bob Huggins, and the 10-1 West Virginia Mountaineers.
The game is YSU's second against a Power 5 program. The Penguins opened the season with a 75-59 loss at Penn State.
It also marks the final installment of a 2-for-1 deal the teams worked out that's brought the Penguins to Morgantown twice. In 2019, WVU made a trip to the Mahoning Valley and played YSU in the Covelli Center.
"We've played a lot of Power 5s (since coming to Youngstown State), so it's really nothing new for myself and some of the guys," Calhoun explained. "But not all of them have (faced a Power 5 team). ... Some of these kids have never been in this type of environment, so it will be really neat to see how they react to the players, the size, the strength, the length and the environment. I think it only helps us."
He added, "I think it's awesome because they're going to challenge you every possession physically. It's going to be a hostile environment; the student section and fan base will be great. It only gets you better for Horizon League play."
Like Youngstown State, the Mountaineers pride themselves on defense. Of its 11 opponents, West Virginia has held eight to under 60 points. Overall, WVU gives up 60.5 points per game.
That could spell bad news for YSU, who is 0-3 when scoring under 70.
Gabe Osabuohien (pronounced Oh-sah-boy-in) is the leader of that effort, providing a steady presence underneath off the bench.
"He's kind of an unsung hero and their best defense and toughest guy," Calhoun said. "He's a pain in the butt to play against because he takes charges, he rebounds and he denies you. He's the ultimate glue guy."
Offensively, the Mountaineers are averaging 69.4 points per game, and nearly a third of that comes from guard Taz Sherman. The fifth-year senior averages 21.4 points per game, and is adept at scoring both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Behind him, fellow guard Sean McNeil is a streaky shooter who can heat up from beyond the arc.
"Those two kids are All-Big 12-type players. I think Taz right now would be a first team All-American. He's one of the best scorers I've seen come through West Virginia, to be quite honest with you. I have a great respect for his game," Calhoun said.
McNeil, meanwhile, began his career at Sinclair Community College in Dayton before transferring to WVU.
Calhoun also is wary of Jalen Bridges, a former 4-star forward prospect that will present challenges as a stretch forward.
Bridges grew up in Fairmont, the town Calhoun came to Youngstown from after coaching at Division II Fairmont State.
"I've known (Jalen) since he was about in the sixth grade; he used to come to my Fairmont State camps," Calhoun explained. "I used to work him out; he played AAU with my son."
As for the Penguins, YSU has hit its stride as of late, particularly on defense. Youngstown State has kept three of its last four opponents under 60 points.
On the offensive end, the Penguins are doing well at sharing the wealth and attacking with balance. Three YSU players are averaging in double figures right now -- Michael Akuchie (13.5 ppg), Tevin Olison (12.9 ppg) and Dwayne Cohill (10.3 ppg).
Cohill has been especially impressive lately, scoring in double figures in each of YSU's last four games. But what stands out to Calhoun is the secondary scoring the Penguins are getting up and down the bench.
"That's the nice thing about our team. Obviously, Dwayne's been on a real good tear, but it's been multiple guys. This is the ultimate team," Calhoun said. "A lot of different guys can score the ball or play good defense, and I think we've adjusted since losing Garrett (Covington to a ruptured Achilles)."
The game also will mark a homecoming of sorts for Calhoun, who spent five seasons as an assistant under Huggins at WVU and also was a student manager for Huggins at the University of Cincinnati. He also spent four seasons as the head coach at Fairmont State, which is a short drive south from Morgantown.
"I watch every (WVU) game; I watch every press conference. I root for them passionately," Calhoun said. "I love the fans, I love the university. I spent 10 years in (West Virginia). I'm only 40, so it's really another home outside of Youngstown for my wife and me."