Youngstown State Penguins at Pittsburgh Panthers, Odds, Preview, Picks and Prediction for Monday, November 3, 2025
Use Code WWWC The college basketball slate has returned and there are a host of games on Monday, Nov. 3. Read our Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh prediction along with our NCAAB picks for the night. The Penguins have rebuilt their roster after last year’s successful season that saw them reach the conference title game. The Panthers also return just two players from last year’s team. Pittsburgh was picked No. 14 in the ACC preseason poll. This non-conference clash will tip-off at 7 P.M. EST.
Youngstown State off impressive campaign last year
Youngstown State ended last season with a 21-13 record and a record of 13-7 in the Horizon League. The Penguins reached the Horizon League Championship game, but they untimely lost to Robert Morris 89-78.
In the offseason, Youngstown State was picked No. 3 in the Horizon League preseason poll. They received two first-place votes, too. Cris Carroll highlights the Penguins roster as he was picked to the preseason all-league first team list.
A majority of the team has left the Penguins in the offseason. Only two players return this season who played meaningful minutes. Jason Nelson averaged eight points and 2.7 assists as he started 13 games a season ago. Nelson,along with Carroll, who averaged 9.2 points per game, are the two leaders. Youngstown State’s big loss was center Gabe Dynes' transfer to USC.
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Three transfers have entered the fold for the Penguins. Vlad Salaridze arrives from Tennessee-Martin, where he was the only player in the country to record 300 points, 250 rebounds, 75 assists, 60 steals and 30 three-point field goals made. He led the Ohio Valley Conference in offensive rebounds. Rich Rolf arrives from Charlotte after playing in 30 games and making seven starts for them. Tyler Robinett will be making his Division I debut after playing five years with the NAIA’s College of Idaho. He helped the Coyotes to two National title bids during his career.
Last week, Youngstown State defeated Akron 84-78 in an exhibition game at home. Tae Blackshear, a community college transfer, led the team in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
Last season, Youngstown State finished as the No. 199th-ranked team according to KenPom. They ranked 249th in offensive efficiency, but they did place 137th in defensive efficiency. They have ranked 94th or faster in tempo percentages in the previous two years.
Pitt begins its 8th season under head coach Jeff Capel
Last season, Pitt finished the year with a 17-15 record and an 8-12 ACC record. The Panthers lost in its first game of the ACC Tournament to Notre Dame. The lost bounced them from any more postseason hoops as they weren’t picked for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. The Panthers also declined an NIT spot.
During the offseason, Pittsburgh was picked No. 14 out of 18 teams in the ACC preseason poll. Pitt did not have a single player selected to the preseason first or second team. Pitt lost Jaland Lowe in the offseason to Kentucky, which is a huge blow for the team. He averaged 16.8 points and 5.5 assists per game.
Barry Dunning is the transfer highlight over the offseason. Dunning comes from South Alabama, where he averaged 15.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
The Panthers have played two exhibition games in the previous few weeks. They defeated Providence 81-74 at home on Sunday, Oct. 19. They also defeated NCAA Division II Pitt-Johnstown 100-65 on Monday, Oct. 27.
Fifth-year senior guard DaMarco Minor led the team in scoring against Providence. The Oregon State transfer averaged 9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds last season. True freshman Omari Witherspoon is one to watch, too. He started against Pitt-Johnstown and was one of the first players off the bench against Providence. He was a four-star selection out of high school.
Last season, Pitt finished No. 63 in KenPom rankings. They were No. 53 in offensive rating and 90th in defensive rating. The Panthers have been one of the slower teams in the country as they have ranked 235th or slower in the previous two seasons.
Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh Picks
Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh Spread Pick
- Youngstown State +13.5 (5 units)
Last season, Youngstown State pushed Syracuse to an OT matchup where they ultimately lost. The team’s DNA is pushing power conference opponents to the brink in early-season contests. They have plenty of strong players who have played in big atmospheres that are ready to compete. While the Panthers have the better talent, the team is completely new and will need time to mesh together. Only two players from last year’s team return and this could be a tough game to find knock-out punches against a senior-led team that will play hard. Pitt should win, but Youngstown State will hang around for a lot longer, making the game uncomfortable for the home team. Expect a close one to start the season.
Take Youngstown State to cover.
Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh Over/Under Pick
- Over 149.5 (5 units)
Pittsburgh has always wanted to play at a slow tempo with head coach Jeff Capel at the helm. The team has ranked 235th or slower in tempo. Youngstown State should control this game for at least the first half and get the tempo moving the way that they would like. The Penguins love a fast-paced game and they rank inside the top-100 in tempo consistency year in and year out.
Take the over on Monday.
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