Horizon League basketball has not been one of the better conferences in the country this year, to say the least. While this conference has some promising college basketball teams, who may play spoiler come March time, those teams have yet to step up. The Horizon League is a combined 14-33 on the year, with Northern Kentucky at the top with a 2-1 record.
Here is a short recap of some of the biggest Horizon League basketball games in the past week.
Horizon League Basketball Weekly Headlines
The Horizon League has, unsurprisingly, no ranked teams. In the College Insider mid-major rankings, Oakland is the lone representative of the Horizon League, at the 25 spot. With another tough non-conference schedule this coming week, the Horizon League may suffer come tournament time.
Green Bay Blows 16-Point Lead Against UNC Greensboro
In a matchup between the Green Bay Phoenix and the UNC Greensboro Spartans, Green Bay went up early, scoring 27 of the first 38 points. The Spartans fought back and cut that lead to seven, with Green Bay leading going into halftime.
UNC Greensboro then went on a 7-0 run to open the half, tying the game at 34 apiece. After trading baskets and leads during the second half, Green Bay tied the game, 58-58, with a banked three-pointer. The Spartans’ junior guard Keyshaun Langley scored the game-winning layup with three seconds left.
The Phoenix were led by guard Donovan Ivory’s 19 points and six assists. Forward Emmanuel Ansong added another 11 points, as the duo were the only ones in double figures for Green Bay. The game came down to rebounds, as the Phoenix were out-rebounded, 33-20.
Wright State Loses Big to Purdue
The most anticipated college basketball matchup this week for the Horizon League was Wright State vs Purdue. Now, even though this game went as projected, each and every game against a ranked opponent helps to solidify the Horizon League. Purdue did what they have been doing all year, dominating at all facets of the game. The Boilermakers got out to a 14-3 lead to start the game. That quickly turned into a 33-10 and Purdue never looked back, winning 96-52.
In what has become a theme with Purdue, they out-rebounded Wright State, 53-23, with the help of 7-4 center Zach Edey. He was one of the reasons that Purdue was able to score 46 out of their 96 points in the paint.
Wright State guard Trey Calvin scored 21 points on 9/17 shooting. Guard Tanner Holden added another 17 points and seven rebounds.
Updated Horizon League Basketball Standings
School | Conf. Record | Record |
Northern Kentucky | 0-0 | 2-1 |
Purdue Fort Wayne | 0-0 | 2-1 |
Cleveland State | 0-0 | 2-2 |
Oakland | 0-0 | 2-2 |
UIC | 0-0 | 2-2 |
Youngstown State | 0-0 | 2-3 |
Milwaukee | 0-0 | 1-2 |
Wright State | 0-0 | 1-2 |
Detroit Mercy | 0-0 | 0-4 |
Robert Morris | 0-0 | 0-4 |
Green Bay | 0-0 | 0-5 |
IUPUI | 0-0 | 0-5 |
Upcoming Horizon League Basketball Games to Note
Horizon League basketball will have several opportunities to make more headlines in the upcoming week. Here are a handful of college basketball games to watch for throughout this Thanksgiving week.
James Madison vs. Wright State
Date: Tuesday, November 23
Time: 12 p.m. EST
TV Coverage: N/A
UIC vs. Hawaii
Date: Thursday, November 25
Time: 4 p.m. EST
TV Coverage: N/A
Northern Kentucky vs. DePaul
Date: Friday, November 26
Time: 5 p.m. EST
TV Coverage: Fox Sports 2
Western Michigan vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
Date: Saturday, November 27
Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
TV Coverage: N/A