PSAC WEST

[bballfan03]

Thank God GU pulled that one out in the 2nd half. Clarion didn't play well at any point, Gannon just sucked for the first 8 mins of the 2nd half lol

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Not exactly a must-see-TV lineup across the league tonight, but there are some intriguing men's games. The women's games may (likely) all be slaughters.


Gannon at Slippery Rock - On paper, this is a total mismatch. Gannon got healthier, and has rediscovered its stride. The Rock has lost 3 straight (and 4 of its past 5). Add to it, the Knights won the first meeting, 90-64. Making matters worse, the SRU lineup card changes by the game. Who is playing? Who isn't? Why aren't they? Lots of questions. Morrow Field House has seen its share of odd occurrences over the decades. SRU has pulled some big upsets in there. They'd need some extreme Morrow Magic for that to happen tonight. Knights -12.5

IUP at Pitt-Johnstown - IUP freshman point guard Kymani Merraro experienced his first UPJ game last month. Afterward, he said something along the lines of it being an odd experience because the UPJ bench was calling out all of IUP's plays the entire game. IUP won the game (barely). On this young IUP team, it's very likely UPJ may actually know the IUP system better than Joe's current rotation does. Joe doesn't disguise anything. The first meeting saw IUP storm out to a huge lead (20-range) -- and hang on for dear life. UPJ is better than its record. IUP is about right on par with its .500 mark. However, IUP hasn't won a West road game this season. The Hawks likely won't tonight, either. The Dirty J gets hopping for Joe's visit. The Mountain Cats play to well in Johnstown for this up-and-down IUP team to handle. UPJ -5.5

California at Clarion - The Vulcans are red hot all the sudden - winners of their past 4 games. Clarion is as sporadic as a team can get. Cal beat them up in Angelo's Dome last month. However, the Golden Eagles are 6-3 inside Tippin this season. Cal is 8-3 in the empty dome, but just 5-7 outside it. Tonight will be closer than the January meeting. Clarion, however, has trouble finishing games. Danny's team never stops coming at you. Vulcans -8.5

[Bballfan]

The race on the women's side it wild. Basically 1 of those top 4 teams are going to prevail, but they will keep beating up on each other the rest of the regular season. Regardless, the conference tournament is ultimately going to decide who hosts the Atlantic region. The strength of schedule of those 4 teams are very impressive too.

Seton Hill 20-3 0.560
Edinboro 18-4 0.547
IUP 15-4 0.553
Gannon 20-5 0.527

Interestingly enough, all but Seton Hill lost to a GMAC school. Edinboro lost to Findlay. IUP lost to Ashland. Gannon lost to Ohio Dominican. Now losses to Ashland and Findlay are not bad losses. The Gannon loss to Ohio Dominican (a team not even in the top 8 of the GMAC) was bad. Conversely Seton Hill defeating Malone is one of their best wins of the year.

Gannon has what I would say is the easiest finish to the season, but has to make up a two loss deficit. The other three have brutal schedules to finish though. Crazy as it sounds, I think Gannon still pulls it out

[Ship69]

No doubt.

The other key item here is the 'human' vote. They don't all like one another. From what I've heard, GU's new coach isn't exactly popular among the West coaches. Of course, Joe isn't, either.

What I'm getting at is these awards can often result in some animosity voting.

Regardless, long way to go.

Historically, they do tend to get them right (usually).

Both of the above-mentioned players are worthy (as of now).

I agree that they tend to get it right most of the time. Part of being an adult is the ability to acknowledge the achievements of people you don't particularly like. Bob Knight was a classic example. He was an ass much of the time as a person, but he was a helluva basketball coach.

[gman16506]

I didn't discover this site until just a few years ago and have posted regularly, even during the 3-23 season.

Don't sweat it! There is zero correlation between number of posts on this Board and your level of loyalty to the team of your choice. I personally visit this site almost daily, but very seldom post for a variety of reasons.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

UPDATED WOMEN'S STANDINGS

-

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK
Seton Hill	14-2	20-3	W1
Edinboro	14-2	19-4	W5
Gannon	12-4	20-5	L2
IUP	11-3	16-4	W1
California	9-7	13-10	W2
Clarion	7-9	13-11	L1
Slippery Rock	4-11	7-14	L6
Pitt-Johnstown	0-15	2-20	L9

[IUPbigINDIANS]

UPDATED MEN'S STANDINGS

-

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK
Gannon*	13-3	18-6	W2
California	9-7	14-10	W4
Edinboro	9-7	13-10	W1
Slippery Rock	7-8	11-12	L3
Seton Hill	7-9	14-10	W1
IUP	6-8	11-11	L1
Pitt-Johnstown	6-9	10-12	L2
Clarion	6-10	11-11	L1

[TheBigCat2192]

No doubt.

The other key item here is the 'human' vote. They don't all like one another. From what I've heard, GU's new coach isn't exactly popular among the West coaches. Of course, Joe isn't, either.

What I'm getting at is these awards can often result in some animosity voting.

Regardless, long way to go.

Historically, they do tend to get them right (usually).

Both of the above-mentioned players are worthy (as of now).

The real question is whether either guy tests the portal waters after a successful freshman season. My guess would be no since Prosser might be a system player (not saying he definitely is but it’s hard to tell if a guy is a true talent or system talent in one year) and Merraro might be “too small” for D1 ball if his listed height/weight are accurate but the possibility always exists.

[Fightingscot82]

Justin is a great person in general and will keep Boro on the up for as long as he's there.

I agree. I've only met him in passing but people seem to enjoy him. Great recruiter. Hopefully he can keep that up and no less than maintain his fundraising levels. This spring Edinboro will look to hire someone to consult on a full renovation or replacement of McComb. If Jennings sticks around for that completion, watch out.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

There's an eye test too. Coaches watch plenty of film, and see these guys twice a year. It's not just based on stats, and to think that way is very short-sighted...

No doubt.

The other key item here is the 'human' vote. They don't all like one another. From what I've heard, GU's new coach isn't exactly popular among the West coaches. Of course, Joe isn't, either.

What I'm getting at is these awards can often result in some animosity voting.

Regardless, long way to go.

Historically, they do tend to get them right (usually).

Both of the above-mentioned players are worthy (as of now).

[bballfan03]

It's been a while since the Boro has been decent. Crap athletic fundraising and a dead fan culture don't help. Doesn't help that when I was a student Boro was the class of the PSAC West. Those Greg Walkavich and Gary Edwards games were great theater. I do miss those days.

Justin is a great person in general and will keep Boro on the up for as long as he's there.

[bballfan03]

No, you have that all wrong! We come to this board through thick and thin since it was created. We don't go MIA during the bad times like all of you! Gannon fans were nothing but crickets towards the end of Reilly and Jefferson eras and now that they are winning again, here you are.

I didn't discover this site until just a few years ago and have posted regularly, even during the 3-23 season.

[WarriorVoice]

I don't think that will be taken into consideration. They'll look at stats and record. Merrero is "carrying" a below 500 team. Prosser is 3rd leading scorer on the top team.

I wouldn't be surprised if Merrero gets it, but it'll be close either way.

There's an eye test too. Coaches watch plenty of film, and see these guys twice a year. It's not just based on stats, and to think that way is very short-sighted...

[IUPalum]

Why shouldn't he? Your team does well, you let people know.

No, you have that all wrong! We come to this board through thick and thin since it was created. We don't go MIA during the bad times like all of you! Gannon fans were nothing but crickets towards the end of Reilly and Jefferson eras and now that they are winning again, here you are.

[bballfan03]

Someone is getting cocky because the Boro is winning a few games this year.

Why shouldn't he? Your team does well, you let people know.