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Grizzlies vs Penguins Picks and Predictions – Thursday January 1, 2026
Oakland opens Horizon League play on the road Thursday afternoon, heading to the Beeghly Center for a matchup with Youngstown State. Tip is set for 1:00 PM ET on ESPN+. This is a short-number game, with Youngstown State laying 1.5 at home, which tells you the market sees these teams as fairly close even though the records and home/road splits point in different directions.
Youngstown State is 8-6 with a strong 6-2 home record. Oakland is 6-8 and has struggled away from home at 3-8. In a coin-flip spread, I usually side with the team that can control shot quality in the building, but Oakland’s offensive volume keeps them live if they’re not wasting possessions.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Youngstown State Penguins Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should monitor updated college basketball odds as tip approaches.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Golden Grizzlies | -109 | +1.5 (-122) | 157.5 |
| Youngstown State Penguins | -115 | -1.5 (-104) | 157.5 |
Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Form
Oakland’s offense is built on shot volume and the ability to score even when the efficiency is not perfect. They’re putting up 82.3 points per game and getting a lot of attempts, averaging 62.4 field goal tries per night. That matters in a game like this because you can survive a mediocre shooting night if you’re getting extra possessions, second looks, or simply out-working the other team for attempts.
The recent loss to Wright State still showed the ceiling. Brody Robinson went for 27 and Tuburu Naivalurua added 18, and that kind of production is enough to win this matchup if Oakland is also taking care of the ball. The issue away from home is that Oakland can lose the possession battle with sloppy turnovers or long, empty trips. With a road record like 3-8, you have to assume the execution is the swing variable.
For a deeper look at recent results and trends, check the Oakland stats and results.
Youngstown State Penguins Betting Form
Youngstown State has been dependable at home, and the offensive efficiency is the stat that jumps out. The Penguins are scoring 78.9 points per game, but the quality behind it is strong with a 55.7 effective field goal percentage. They can score in different ways, and they’re comfortable getting points without needing to live at the line.
The perimeter shooting also matters here. Youngstown State makes 10.2 threes per game and has been efficient inside the arc too, hitting 57.7% on twos. That blend is what makes them attractive in a short spread. If they’re getting clean looks early, they can build a small lead and then play from in front, where home teams usually manage late possessions better.
For home splits and recent form, check the Youngstown State schedule and stats.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Youngstown State Penguins Matchup Breakdown
This is a classic “volume vs efficiency” matchup. Oakland wants to win by taking more shots and keeping pressure on the defense for 40 minutes. Youngstown State wants to win by taking better shots. When you see that dynamic, the game often comes down to turnovers and rebounds. If Oakland is getting extra attempts without giving away easy transition points, they can absolutely win this outright.
Youngstown State’s edge is how clean they can be at home. If they’re shooting well inside the arc and forcing Oakland to defend multiple actions per trip, the Grizzlies can get worn down. That matters late in a game that’s basically priced as a one-possession finish. The team that executes better in the final four minutes usually cashes the ticket.
The total at 157.5 is high enough that you need sustained scoring, not just a few bursts. Oakland can get you there with volume, but Youngstown State’s ideal game script might actually lower the total if they’re scoring efficiently while also limiting Oakland’s second-chance points. If this turns into a half-court game with fewer transition runouts, the under is very live.
If you want a clean framework for how shot profile, pace, and end-game variance can swing totals, the expert betting guide is a solid reference point.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Youngstown State Penguins Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Youngstown State -1.5. The home record, the offensive efficiency, and the ability to score both inside and from three is exactly what you want in a short spread. Oakland can win, but the road profile suggests the floor outcome includes too many sloppy possessions to trust them as the side.
On the total, I lean under 157.5. The projection you gave (155) is close enough that I’m not calling it a slam dunk, but I prefer unders in short-spread conference games when one team’s advantage is efficiency rather than pace. If Youngstown State plays a controlled game, Oakland’s volume doesn’t automatically translate into points.
If you’re betting this pregame, the cleanest position is the side. The total can swing on free throws and late fouling, and with a spread this small, you’re more likely to get intentional fouls late. That’s another reason I’m keeping the under lean smaller.
Best Bet: Youngstown State Penguins -1.5 (-104)
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more college hoops plays, start with the college basketball picks page, then compare matchups across the NCAAB previews hub as lines move.
If you want to track which bettors are consistently beating the market, check the best handicappers list and validate current form on the leaderboard. If you prefer packaged plays, you can browse buy picks.
For quick team navigation, the NCAAB teams hub helps you move around the slate, and the main ScoresAndStats blog is useful for broader betting angles. If you’re comparing where to place wagers, you can also check the sportsbook reviews and handicappers sites reviews sections.
