Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS
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The Clarion Golden Eagles visit the KCAC tonight.
Some of you newer fans may not realize it, but this was once a fierce men's basketball rivalry. Clarion had some loaded teams in the 90s and even in to the early 00s. In fact, Clarion pulled a major upset in the 2000 PSAC Tournament -- knocking off a powerful IUP inside Memorial Field House. To this day, I still can't believe what happened that night.
That was a long time ago, however. Clarion is currently 0-9 in PSAC play and 2-13 overall.
IUP has won 22 straight in the series. Clarion's last win came on Jan. 22, 2011 in Memorial Field House.
Since then, the series has largely been an onslaught of blowouts, with IUP cracking the century mark several times. The Golden Eagles' best shot during this stretch came inside Tippin Gymnasium in 2016 (against Joe's Island of Misfit Toys team). IUP trailed almost the entire game before pulling out a 69-68 win in the final seconds. That was actually a very talented Clarion team. It was also the last Golden Eagles team to have a competitive season.
Looking at this current version, Clarion has played competitively some nights and has been hammered others. Their best two performances of the season came this past weekend. The Golden Eagles gave UPJ a tussle before falling, 66-53. Sunday, Clarion, on the strength of 12 made three-pointers, was in the game until the final minute against West Chester, ultimately falling, 82-75. Late free throws gave the Rams a cushion.
The Golden Eagles have been a much better home team than road team. They also nearly knocked off Lake Erie (77-70), Millersville (72-62) and Shepherd (54-52) inside Tippin.
The road, however, has been a very different story. Clarion has been blasted on trips to East Stroudsburg, Daemen, Shippensburg, California and Seton Hill.
Scouting this team isn't difficult. Everything starts and ends with guards Mekhi Reynolds (15.7 ppg) and Gerald Jarmon (15.5 ppg). Cam Kearney can also get hot. The 6'6" freshman guard is averaging 13.6 ppg. But, the scoring takes a dramatic decline after those three. Clarion does have some size (mostly young players), highlighted by 7'0" sophomore center Madior Seye.
What to expect tonight? Hard to say. This particular game (not the opponent but the game) always worries Joe Lombardi. After an endless winter break (funeral season), students return this evening -- fans, cheerleaders, dance teams, etc. Joe has said some of his past teams, in this calendar game, have 'performed' rather than played basketball. They've had some (oddly) close games in this first game back (student body) after break.
Don't be shocked if Clarion hangs around for 15-18 minutes tonight - perhaps even the whole first half. Their three guards are very good and could play anywhere in the PSAC. But, the lack of depth kills this team. Jarmon is capable of having some monster nights. I'd peg IUP to win this game in the 85-62 range. IUP's depth and relentless defense will somewhat quickly take its toll.
Some of you newer fans may not realize it, but this was once a fierce men's basketball rivalry. Clarion had some loaded teams in the 90s and even in to the early 00s. In fact, Clarion pulled a major upset in the 2000 PSAC Tournament -- knocking off a powerful IUP inside Memorial Field House. To this day, I still can't believe what happened that night.
That was a long time ago, however. Clarion is currently 0-9 in PSAC play and 2-13 overall.
IUP has won 22 straight in the series. Clarion's last win came on Jan. 22, 2011 in Memorial Field House.
Since then, the series has largely been an onslaught of blowouts, with IUP cracking the century mark several times. The Golden Eagles' best shot during this stretch came inside Tippin Gymnasium in 2016 (against Joe's Island of Misfit Toys team). IUP trailed almost the entire game before pulling out a 69-68 win in the final seconds. That was actually a very talented Clarion team. It was also the last Golden Eagles team to have a competitive season.
Looking at this current version, Clarion has played competitively some nights and has been hammered others. Their best two performances of the season came this past weekend. The Golden Eagles gave UPJ a tussle before falling, 66-53. Sunday, Clarion, on the strength of 12 made three-pointers, was in the game until the final minute against West Chester, ultimately falling, 82-75. Late free throws gave the Rams a cushion.
The Golden Eagles have been a much better home team than road team. They also nearly knocked off Lake Erie (77-70), Millersville (72-62) and Shepherd (54-52) inside Tippin.
The road, however, has been a very different story. Clarion has been blasted on trips to East Stroudsburg, Daemen, Shippensburg, California and Seton Hill.
Scouting this team isn't difficult. Everything starts and ends with guards Mekhi Reynolds (15.7 ppg) and Gerald Jarmon (15.5 ppg). Cam Kearney can also get hot. The 6'6" freshman guard is averaging 13.6 ppg. But, the scoring takes a dramatic decline after those three. Clarion does have some size (mostly young players), highlighted by 7'0" sophomore center Madior Seye.
What to expect tonight? Hard to say. This particular game (not the opponent but the game) always worries Joe Lombardi. After an endless winter break (funeral season), students return this evening -- fans, cheerleaders, dance teams, etc. Joe has said some of his past teams, in this calendar game, have 'performed' rather than played basketball. They've had some (oddly) close games in this first game back (student body) after break.
Don't be shocked if Clarion hangs around for 15-18 minutes tonight - perhaps even the whole first half. Their three guards are very good and could play anywhere in the PSAC. But, the lack of depth kills this team. Jarmon is capable of having some monster nights. I'd peg IUP to win this game in the 85-62 range. IUP's depth and relentless defense will somewhat quickly take its toll.
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