PSAC WEST

[IUPalum]

Not a shock, the UPJ broadcast isn’t working. Dump of a school!

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Unlike Wednesday's rather dull lineup, Saturday has several intriguing PSAC games on tap. Note: These point spreads are not gambling advice. Gambling problem call 1-800-Gambler.


Shepherd at Bloomsburg - This is becoming the typical season in Shepherdstown. The Rams have had stretches of playing well mixed in with stretches of looking pretty rough -- most recently being walloped by Mercyhurst, 70-45. Bloomsburg remains winless but appears to be slowly making progress. The Huskies' margin of defeat is slowly -- for the most part -- shrinking as each month goes by. Prediction: Shepherd is the better team, but where are the Rams at mentally at this point? Despite the losses, Bloomsburg has played pretty well the past three weeks. Rams -5.5


West Chester at Clarion - By most reports, West Chester took Wednesday night off so it should be pretty rested. Clarion hasn't won a game since November - and remains winless against D2 competition. Prediction: On certain nights, Clarion has hung around with some teams. On other nights, the Golden Eagles have been blown out of the building. They typically play a little better in Tippin -- and, it's a long bus ride for the sporadic Rams. West Chester is too deep, but Clarion may get a backdoor cover. WCU -12.5


Seton Hill at Edinboro - The Griffins, winners of two straight, head up 79 fresh off an 84-77 home win against Slippery Rock. Since being hammered at Mercyhurst, Edinboro lost but played respectably against Shippensburg and California. Prediction: The Fighting Scots typically play better in McComb, but Seton Hill's overall team speed and guard play -- not to mention its zone -- will cause all sorts of problems for the hosts. Griffins -12.5


Lock Haven at Kutztown - The Bald Eagles' three-game winning streak came crashing down 48 hours ago -- at Mansfield (of all places). Lock Haven lost, 76-64, and that final spread was way closer than how the actual game played. That was a run-away at one point in the second half. After an awful 0-5 start, Kutztown has gone 5-3. There's no science to playing the Golden Bears as of late. If you slow them down, they struggle. If you get in to a shootout, they typically win. Prediction: Perhaps the toughest game on the board. KU -3.5

East Stroudsburg at Millersville - The Marauders are typical of any young team in a major rebuild. They look good some nights (such as when they put up 84 points and defeated Mercyhurst). They also look awful some nights (such as when they lost at home to IUP by 31 and scored just 45 points). Prediction: ESU has won (5) straight since losing in Greensburg -- all in blowout fashion. This will make No. 6. Warriors -17.5

Slippery Rock at Mercyhurst - The Rock has been a major pest to the Lakers in recent years. The past 10 meetings are an even split. SRU didn't look too hot in Greensburg two days ago. That's a tough place to play. Tomorrow's trip doesn't get any easier. Slippery Rock has the big bodies and athletes to keep up with Mercyhurst. SRU's shooting, however, has been inconsistent at times. They seem to really light it up or go ice cold. The MAC is a tough place to play with the odd sight lines, etc., -- not to mention the matchup zone. Prediction: In most seasons, just when you think SRU is about to tank, well, they don't. But, this is a tall task. Lakers -7.5

Mansfield at Shippensburg - For those paying attention, Mansfield's upset of Lock Haven the other night shouldn't have been a total shock. The Mounties are a lot better than their 3-9 record would lead one to believe. Mansfield easily could have won 4 of the games it lost this year. They've had some bad luck in close games. Nonetheless, playing at Shippensburg is never an easy mission. The Raiders are coming off a throttling of West Chester. Prediction: Mansfield has played pretty well against mid-tier teams. They've been blasted, however, by IUP, ESU and Mercyhurst. Raiders can look really good or somewhat so-so, but they should have too much in this one. Ship -9.5

IUP at Pitt-Johnstown - UPJ has won 6 straight -- the last (5) all by double digits. IUP is 14-0 but coming off its worst performance of the season. Most are calling said performance the classic trap game -- as the trip to winless Gannon fell in between Mercyhurst and UPJ. Regardless, this is one of the better rivalries in the league -- and almost nobody talks about it. IUP is 17-2 in the last 19 meetings, but there have been lots of single digit games in there. There are no tricks in this one. These two know one another better than any other opponent. These two coaches also say all the right things about each other, but there's no love lost between these programs. UPJ has played, all on the road, (3) high-level teams (WL, Nova Southeastern and East Stroudsburg) -- and got blown out in all three. Those are all 40-minute pressing teams. IUP doesn't press and will play right in to UPJ's strength (the half court game). UPJ is undefeated in half-court games this season and typically shoots the lights out at home. Prediction: This will be a chippy one. UPJ draws about 150 a game all season but will have a packed, hostile house tomorrow. The weather, oddly, is clear in Johnstown, so IUP should travel well. The Rukavina Dance hasn't been forgotten in Indiana. IUP escapes, but it won't be easy. IUP -3.5

California at Gannon - The Golden Knights are 0-12 -- and just put a scare in to the No. 1 ranked team in the country. Gannon, of course, is a whole different team with the long-awaited debut of Zach Kent, who is not only the biggest player in the PSAC (6'10", 250 lbs), but he can also shoot from all over and is a physical monster. Had he been around all season Gannon wouldn't be winless. The Vulcans are still fighting despite continuing to play short-handed. The lack of depth has really shown as the season wears along as better teams have been putting up big numbers against Cal. Prediction: UPSET alert. Gannon should be flowing with confidence right now. Highmark is still a tough venue and the Knights are far from lifeless. Gannon -3.5

[IUPalum]

I'll say this about Gannon -- the Knights aren't going to be winless much longer.

That's a whole different animal with the debut of Zach Kent (formerly of Tennessee and Delaware State). He's only been back a couple games now after missing the first two months. He's a house at 6'10" and 250 lbs -- and can really shoot the ball. I could see how they struggled so much without him.

They still have some others out. But, they may be better off without a couple of them. Demetrius Mims and Thomas Whitley are very good players.

They are winless but that's not a typical winless/lifeless team. If they can get Chris Clancy back (their sharpshooter) to go along with Kent's emergence, Gannon could wins some games down the stretch. They've played a tough schedule and lost a lot of close games -- even with a revolving door.

I think they are certainly favored against Clarion and Edinboro, and should have a good shot against Cal this Saturday. That first win is coming.

There are little things about coaching that separate the elite from the average. Yesterday, prime examples: during the tech free throw and the 2 foul outs Joe huddled his team giving directions. Jefferson was to busy arguing with the refs and his players just stood around getting no instruction. I don't think Jefferson is the right guy for the job.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I'll say this about Gannon -- the Knights aren't going to be winless much longer.

That's a whole different animal with the debut of Zach Kent (formerly of Tennessee and Delaware State). He's only been back a couple games now after missing the first two months. He's a house at 6'10" and 250 lbs -- and can really shoot the ball. I could see how they struggled so much without him.

They still have some others out. But, they may be better off without a couple of them. Demetrius Mims and Thomas Whitley are very good players.

They are winless but that's not a typical winless/lifeless team. If they can get Chris Clancy back (their sharpshooter) to go along with Kent's emergence, Gannon could wins some games down the stretch. They've played a tough schedule and lost a lot of close games -- even with a revolving door.

I think they are certainly favored against Clarion and Edinboro, and should have a good shot against Cal this Saturday. That first win is coming.

[WarriorVoice]

ESU 91, Bloom 73. Bloomsburg radio announcer Jim Doyle told me after the game it was the best game the Huskies have played all year. Even though the Warriors increased the lead in the 2nd half, the Huskies never gave up. With the win, ESU HC Jeff Wilson now has 371 career victories, 5th best in PSAC history.

[Ship69]

Final Scores / Men's


Mercyhurst 70 Shepherd 45

UPJ 66 Clarioin 53

Kutztown 89 Millersville 88

Cal 78 Edinboro 63

Seton Hill 84 Slippery Rock 77

Shippensburg 76 West Chester 61

Mansfield 76 Lock Haven 64

IUP 79 Gannon 67

ESU/Bloom not posted yet

Wow. Guess Ship better not sleep on Mansfield Saturday.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Final Scores / Men's


Mercyhurst 70 Shepherd 45

UPJ 66 Clarioin 53

Kutztown 89 Millersville 88

Cal 78 Edinboro 63

Seton Hill 84 Slippery Rock 77

Shippensburg 76 West Chester 61

Mansfield 76 Lock Haven 64

IUP 79 Gannon 67

ESU/Bloom not posted yet

[Ship69]

Hope all is OK.

Basketball-wise, Ship having numerous upperclassmen starters should help in his absence.

This is an interesting match-up. WCU has an edge at guard but Ship should control the glass.

He's fine —family matter that required him to be out of town. Results at West Chester are always difficult to predict. If the Raiders are to hang in at all in the East, they'll have to win some games such as this. For now, East Stroud has firmly established itself as the class of the division.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

For personal reasons, Coach Fite won't be at the Ship-West Chester game tonight.

Hope all is OK.

Basketball-wise, Ship having numerous upperclassmen starters should help in his absence.

This is an interesting match-up. WCU has an edge at guard but Ship should control the glass.

[Ship69]

Two good ones tonight.

In the East, Shippensburg at West Chester should be highly entertaining - on many levels.

In the West, Slippery Rock at Seton Hill should be quite the battle (providing the Griffins are full strength).

For personal reasons, Coach Fite won't be at the Ship-West Chester game tonight.

[IUPalum]

Sure, but you can only buy what you can pay for. Edinboro isn't exactly flush with cash.

ESU gets ripped off then!

[Fightingscot82]

You get what you pay for...

Sure, but you can only buy what you can pay for. Edinboro isn't exactly flush with cash.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Two good ones tonight.

In the East, Shippensburg at West Chester should be highly entertaining - on many levels.

In the West, Slippery Rock at Seton Hill should be quite the battle (providing the Griffins are full strength).

[WarriorVoice]

Local radio guys want money. Students are free. None of our schools are swimming in cash.

You get what you pay for...

[IUPbigINDIANS]

UPDATED MEN'S STANDINGS

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK
IUP	7-0	13-0	W13
Pitt-Johnstown	6-1	10-3	W5
Slippery Rock	5-2	11-2	W2
Mercyhurst	5-2	9-2	L1
Seton Hill	2-5	7-6	W1
California	2-5	5-8	L1
Edinboro	2-5	4-8	L2
Clarion	0-7	2-10	L8
Gannon	0-7	0-11	L11

------

The week ahead:

IUP - The show goes on the road this week. The Crimson Hawks play at Gannon and UPJ. The Golden Knights are coming off a tough week on the road - having lost both games by double digits. However, they have been more competitive in Erie. The trip to Johnstown won't be an easy one, but IUP has to avoid a trap by the lake. Gannon is winless, but not lifeless. IUP has had some tussles up there as a heavy favorite. As for Johnstown, it's going to be a tough, loud environment against a hot team. UPJ can really elevate its game up there and this will be, by far, their best crowd of the year. Prediction: Hawks go 2-0, but Saturday is going to be a war.

Pitt-Johnstown - The Mountain Cats have won 5 straight -- three by double digits. UPJ is now 10-0 in half-court games. They'll have a final tune-up at Clarion prior to IUP making the short trip to Johnstown. Prediction: 1-1 (but ... don't be shocked).

Slippery Rock - The Rock struggled with winless Gannon last week prior to blasting California, 96-71. Both wins came in Morrow Field House, where SRU is undefeated this season. Things get much tougher this week. Trips to Seton Hill and Mercyhurst -- perhaps the two oddest venues in the West to play inside -- await. Students should be back on campus at Seton Hill Wednesday, which can make playing in the McKenna Center even more difficult. The Rock will then be a road underdog at Mercyhurst. Prediction: Seton Hill is very hard to predict. If the Griffins are full strength, they can win this game. Vegas says 1-1.

Mercyhurst - It probably isn't a good time for Shepherd to visit the MAC. This should be an angry Lakers' group coming off Saturday's loss at IUP. SRU then visits this weekend. Not an easy week for Mercyhurst. The Rams aren't a pushover and play more of a West style. Shepherd is 7-6 with several close losses. A stat most don't realize is SRU has been a thorn to Mercyhurst over the years. Would you believe these two have split the past 10 games? It's true. Prediction: The Lakers will take both home games this week, but both could be by single digits.

Seton Hill - The Griffins are a deceiving 2-5 in PSAC play (7-6 overall). They are a tough out and can play well on both ends. Seton Hill has to find a way to beat Slippery Rock this Wednesday. Another division loss will start to put the Griffins in a deep hole. They should then be favored to win at Edinboro this weekend. Prediction: 1-1

California - The Vulcans got blasted at Slippery Rock 48 hours ago, and have dropped 5 of their past 7 outings. This week is a good opportunity to get back on track with a pair of wins. Cal should be favored in both Edinboro's visit to Angelo's Dome and also the Saturday trip to Gannon. Prediction: 2-0

Edinboro - The Scots had a tough week with losses against Mercyhurst and Shippensburg. Things don't get much easier this week. Edinboro has to find a way to beat an injury-riddled California team. The Vulcans got pummeled at SRU and some said didn't look all that interested. So, they may be catching them as the bottom is falling out in the Mon Valley. Seton Hill comes to McComb this Saturday as one of the tougher teams to figure out. Prediction: 0-2 (but, they may have a shot against Cal).

Clarion - The Golden Eagles are now 0-10 against D2 competition. Since a stretch of playing decent despite losing before the holiday, Clarion has been blown out in its past three games. And, there's no cure on the way. UPJ and West Chester visit Tippin this week. Both games will likely be ugly. Prediction: 0-2

Gannon - How do things get worse inside Highmark? GU's next four games are IUP, California, Millersville and (at) Mercyhurst. IUP's visit is going to be a tall task. The Crimson Hawks, with many players from the Erie area, should have a large contingent in the building. With GU's current state, this could actually be like a de facto IUP home game. California visits this weekend, and the Vulcans are struggling. The Knights are 0-11 but should have at least 3-4 wins. Of the 11 losses, (7) have been by single digits. Prediction: 0-2