Preview: Youngstown State Penguins at Detroit Titans

DETROIT (Interstat) — A surging Youngstown State team will look to continue its climb in the Horizon League standings when it visits a struggling Detroit squad on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Calihan Hall.

The Penguins (14-7 overall) enter on a high note after a dominant 61-38 home victory over Cleveland State this past Sunday. That win highlighted their potential when their defense locks in, holding a conference opponent to a season-low point total.

Youngstown State’s success has been fueled by balance, but forward Sophia Gregory is a key catalyst. The versatile junior is coming off a near triple-double against Cleveland State, posting 9 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks. Over her last eight games, Gregory has shown flashes of high-level production, including three performances of 13 or more points. Her ability to impact the game across multiple statistical categories will be central to the Penguins’ game plan.

Conversely, the Detroit Titans (4-16) are mired in an eight-game losing streak, with their last win coming on Dec. 21. Their most recent outing was a 72-61 loss at Green Bay on Saturday. Despite the team’s struggles, forward Jasmine Edwards has been a consistent bright spot, recording double-doubles in two of her last five games. Edwards is coming off a 9-point, 11-rebound effort against Green Bay and will be tasked with battling Gregory in the paint.

The season series will see a return matchup in Youngstown on Feb. 25, but the immediate focus is on this conference tilt. The Penguins will aim to avoid a letdown against a lower-ranked opponent, while the Titans desperately seek a spark to snap their prolonged skid in front of their home crowd.

Youngstown State’s recent form, including an overtime road win at Wright State earlier this month, suggests they are a team finding its rhythm. Detroit, which has lost its four Horizon League home games by an average of 14.5 points, faces a significant challenge in containing a more confident Penguins roster.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Calihan Hall in Detroit.