Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

That was the most scoring production Joe's received outside of the Top 4 since this new stretch began. Hopefully it's a sign they are coming along and growing confidence in their new roles.

Sulaiman went for 8 and Polce got 6. I thought they both played very strong on both ends. If some haven't noticed, they play Sulaiman (a lot) out front defensively. He's fast enough to stay with guards and poses a lot of problems out there. Not only is he 6'6" and extremely physical, but his wing span clogs up a lot of passing lanes. He's also very strong following shots to the basket and gets a lot of rebounds coming back in. Guards have no chance to move him around. Good things happen when he makes it to 20 minutes. He was a foul hack earlier this year but he has improved in that regard.

I couldn't confirm from the video but it didn't appear Bryce Radford was on the bench. He didn't travel to Lock Haven, either. Strange.

They need more out of K.J. if he's going to play long stretches (like he did in the first half). His stat line is essentially blank for 8 minutes.

Demo and David had rough shooting nights but played well on the other end.

Mixed emotions on David's defense because, while great, at times it is coming with a big price. He's leading the league in steals but that aggression is getting him too often in foul trouble. With the lack of bench, they HAVE to have him on the floor for 36 minutes. Every Mercyhurst run came with him OFF the floor. Not a coincidence. I'd much rather have a steal or two less and have him play 35-37 minutes. He's one of the main offensive weapons now. The fall off when he has to sit is tremendous and is a trickle down ... Armoni gets smothered when David is sitting.

Despite the win, as IUPAlum said, still a lot to clean up. They had a couple chances to blow that game open last night and didn't. But, if you beat the Lakers by 3 points or 30 points ... any win against them is a good one. They are tough.

Great win, but not much time to celebrate. Gannon and Slippery Rock visit the KCAC Saturday and Monday. This West run is brutal this year. Not going to be many nights off.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Diop is a mystery.

Come on, Joe. Let that big dog eat.

If he's not ready for 5-7 mpg why the hell is he here?

And, yes, Polce is going to be a star. Eventually.

[IUPalum]

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Hardest part of this game ... with Shawndale they win this game by 25+

But ... that's a season maybe we'll see next year.

To go up there against Manchel full strength and win ... has to be one of Joe's best wins of his tenure.

[Scrub]

Was Alum able to get in the building for that one, or was he watching the feed with the rest of you?

[EyeoftheHawk]

[IUPbigINDIANS]

FINAL

IUP 70
Mercyhurst 67


What a win on the road.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

69-66 IUP

48 secs left

Lang and Morris fouled out

[IUPbigINDIANS]

59-53 IUP

7:50 left

[IUPbigINDIANS]

16:04 left

IUP on 11-0 run

IUP 50
Mercyhurst 38

Lakers (4) fouls so far 2nd half

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Sulaiman had a huge half with 6 points and being a menace. Polce had two big treys.

David got to the half with 2 fouls and sat a good bit. He should be good to go so long as he stays clean.

Demo ... time to go.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

38-33 IUP at half

Clean things up and up by 12

Drop the hammer. It's there.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

David 2nd foul. Whole game gonna change now.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Timeout Gary. He's not happy.

12-2 IUP to start.

Keep it up.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Good start


Note that GQ is one of the officials.