Youngstown State sets program scoring mark in 106-82 win over Cleveland State at Beeghly Center

Youngstown State hits historic offensive milestone

Youngstown State produced its highest-scoring game on record and pulled away early in a 106-82 Horizon League victory over Cleveland State on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center in Youngstown.

The Penguins improved to 14-14 overall and 7-10 in league play, while the Vikings fell to 10-18 overall and 6-11 in the Horizon League.

Carroll leads a balanced attack as Penguins shoot efficiently

Senior guard Cris Carroll powered the Penguins with 26 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Youngstown State’s offense was built on efficiency across all three scoring levels: the Penguins shot 63.5% from the field, made 14 3-pointers, and went 26-for-34 at the free-throw line.

Vladimer Salaridze added a season-high 24 points, and Tae Blackshear scored 18. Youngstown State’s shot profile reflected consistent pressure: it finished 18-for-30 on two-point attempts and 14-for-22 from beyond the arc, spreading makes across multiple players.

First-half separation and a decisive second-half run

Youngstown State controlled the game from the opening minutes and never trailed. The Penguins built a 52-38 halftime lead after connecting on nine 3-pointers in the first half and sustaining double-digit pressure for long stretches. Salaridze led all scorers at the break with 15 points, while Carroll had nine.

Cleveland State briefly cut the deficit to 63-51 with 14:26 left, but the game swung decisively moments later. Youngstown State answered with a 12-0 run, fueled by shot-making from Blackshear and Carroll, stretching the margin to 75-51 and keeping the Vikings at a distance the rest of the night.

Lipscomb’s 32 points not enough for Cleveland State

Jaidon Lipscomb scored a game-high 32 points for Cleveland State and recorded three steals. Lipscomb made eight of the Vikings’ 16 3-pointers, accounting for half of Cleveland State’s makes from long range. Kamari Jones added 14 points.

Overall, Cleveland State shot 44.6% from the field and 34% from 3-point range, but it could not match Youngstown State’s pace or efficiency. The Penguins reached 100 points with 3:23 remaining and finished the night with their largest lead at 106-80 in the final minute.

• Final score: Youngstown State 106, Cleveland State 82
• Location: Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center (Youngstown)
• Notable leaders: Carroll 26 points (YSU); Lipscomb 32 points (CSU)
• Team shooting (YSU): 63.5% FG, 14 made 3s, 26-for-34 FT

Youngstown State’s 106 points marked the highest total in the program’s history and the most points scored in the all-time series between the in-state rivals.

Youngstown State is scheduled to close its regular-season home slate Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, against Northern Kentucky.