Neely Nets 13 In Exhibition Loss To Youngstown State

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Facing a grueling, quick turnaround of two games in 24 hours in two different states, the Mustangs hit the hardwood at NCAA Division I Youngstown State University for a game the team counted as an exhibition.

The quick turnaround, combined with a shorthanded crew that consisted of nine players dressed, led to a 93-52 exhibition loss at the hands of the Penguins of Youngstown State.

In the first half, the Mustangs kept it close until 8:23 to play when the Penguins closed the half on a 20-4 run to make it 43-17 at the break. Down 26 at the half, the youthful Mustangs continued to fight despite giving up considerable size and depth.

The lack of size and fresh bodies led to a sizeable advantage on the glass for the Penguins as the home team corralled 51 rebounds to the Mustangs’ 25.

Sophomore guard Zamarre Neely (Detroit, Mich./Summit Academy) poured in a team-high 13 points in 26 minutes of action.

Freshman guard Diante Taylor (Battle Creek, Mich./Central) chipped in 11 points for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs will hit the court next in 2013 as conference play resumes at nationally-ranked Indiana Tech on Jan. 2.