Every week is important in college basketball. That especially rings true for mid-major conferences that are trying to make a name for themselves. With COVID-19 ramping up once again, a conference like the Horizon League is one of the biggest sufferers. With schools like Oakland and Purdue Fort Wayne missing games already this year, the schools in the conference will continue to work with the Horizon League to find resolutions.
Horizon League Basketball Weekly Highlights
With COVID-19 still here, many teams either did not get to play last week or were limited to one game. With that being said, Youngstown State has taken over the reins as the top Horizon League basketball team. The Penguins enter this week with a 7-3 record, including a 2-0 record in the conference.
Wright State Takes Down NC State
Every time that a Horizon League opponent can schedule a game against the ACC, it is a big deal. In this case, Wright State went to Raleigh, where they upset the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Grant Basile was the story for Wright State, as he scored 23 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Wright State rode a 24-11 run to open the second half in their victory.
North Carolina State had a tough time shooting the ball, as they shot 38% from the field. Wright State shot 52%. Even though NC State pulled down 17 offensive rebounds, the Raiders still outrebounded the Wolfpack, 41-38.
The Raiders broke NC State’s 29-game regular season win streak against non-conference opponents and picked up their second loss all-time to the Horizon League.
Green Bay Goes Down to Minnesota
On the same terms as Wright State/NC State, any time a Horizon League team can play a Big Ten team, it is a big deal. Green Bay entered their game with Minnesota with a 2-9 record. The Phoenix stormed out of the gate, leading at half time, 29-28.
The Golden Gophers then battled back and opened the second half on a 12-2 run. The Phoenix stayed within striking distance the whole game, including a 7-0 run with under two minutes remaining. Their last five shots missed though and Minnesota was able to put the game away, as they made their last three shots.
Kamari McGee scored 14 points and Donovan Ivory scored 11. Green Bay shot 2-18 from the three-point line.
Updated Horizon League Basketball Standings
| School | Conf Record | Overall Record | Streak |
| Youngstown State | 2-0 | 7-3 | W5 |
| Cleveland State | 2-0 | 6-3 | L1 |
| Oakland | 2-0 | 7-4 | L2 |
| Detroit Mercy | 2-0 | 4-7 | W2 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 1-1 | 5-5 | W1 |
| Wright State | 1-1 | 4-7 | W2 |
| Milwaukee | 1-1 | 3-8 | W1 |
| Green Bay | 1-1 | 2-9 | L4 |
| Northern Kentucky | 0-2 | 4-7 | L2 |
| UIC | 0-2 | 4-7 | W1 |
| Robert Morris | 0-2 | 2-9 | W1 |
| IUPUI | 0-2 | 1-10 | L5 |
Upcoming Horizon League Basketball Games to Note
It is undetermined how many games will be played, due to COVID-19. With all of these questions in the air, it should be exciting to see what the Horizon League has to offer this week.
Youngstown State vs. Detroit Mercy
Date: December 30th
Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
TV Coverage: N/A
Milwaukee vs. Wright State
Date: December 30th
Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
TV Coverage: N/A
Green Bay vs. Northern Kentucky
Date: December 30th
Time: 7 P.M. EST
TV Coverage: N/A
