Sports

CHRIS PUGH: Youngstown State still has tournament life left

By Chris Pugh
Adrian Nelson dunks the ball during a game earlier this season against Wright State.
Adrian Nelson dunks the ball during a game earlier this season against Wright State. Photo provided

Let’s admit it.

We were a bit disappointed Monday night.

The Penguins March Madness dreams suddenly ended when the team lost in the Horizon League semifinals to Northern Kentucky.

The team shared the frustration of the fans.

I knew as a coach what we were up against,” Youngstown State head coach Jerrod Calhoun told reporters in a press conference after the game. I just wish we would have played a little better. It’s one thing to lose, but to not play your best, and that’s what is tough. We’re certainly better than what we showed.”

But Monday’s loss had several silver linings.

First, the team kept fighting.

Youngstown State fought back from a 22-point deficit to cut the Northern Kentucky lead to four before the end of the game.

Second, the Penguins’ season is not over yet.

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The team received an automatic bid to the National Invitational Tournament with their regular season Horizon League title.

The season hasn’t ended.

Youngstown State’s fight continues.

It’s been fun to watch this spunky team, predicted to finish fifth in the Horizon League, work together under head coach Jerrod Calhoun.

We’re excited that this story has at least one more chapter left.

We can’t wait to see what happens next.

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