PSAC WEST

[Ship69]

Think of it like the small town shot & beer bar. It ain't pretty but if it weren't profitable it wouldn't be there.

If Lock Haven is making money off football with what they're drawing up there, gotta give 'em credit for really knowing how to squeeze a nickel.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

If Lock Haven is making money off football with what they're drawing up there, gotta give 'em credit for really knowing how to squeeze a nickel.

They make it on the tuition. Many of their players pay the bulk of their own way to play there.

They probably don't even make enough on tickets to cover the game-day staff expenses.

LH is a perfect example of the big issue. Kids will continue to go there for a year or two, build their resume ... and get the freak out of there as soon as they are marketable. Can't blame them ... the program stinks and they can get much more money elsewhere. It's basically becoming a farm system.

[CALUPA69]

They make it on the tuition. Many of their players pay the bulk of their own way to play there.

They probably don't even make enough on tickets to cover the game-day staff expenses.

LH is a perfect example of the big issue. Kids will continue to go there for a year or two, build their resume ... and get the freak out of there as soon as they are marketable. Can't blame them ... the program stinks and they can get much more money elsewhere. It's basically becoming a farm system.

It's too late now with the creation of PWU and PEU but the only way out of the interminable pit in which LHU and CLARION find themselves is the ARMENTI METHOD. With a creative and cooperative administration, hire and overpay a successful but aging coach and look the other way. There are certainly a lot of talented, undisciplined and intellectually lazy players available to jump start a program if things can be controlled or covered up until you reach that point. CAL U like LHU and CLARION had been down for a long time. In '84 they beat BLOOM in the state game and for the next 20 years averaged 4-7. AA arrived in '92 but until JOHN LUCKHARDT came on board in '02, the losing contiued. Since '02 the program under 3 HC has flipped to an average of 9-3. This won't happen for the 4 schools that aren't CAL U or BLOOM because the days of broadly independent administrators are gone forever. Much more likely that by '30 those 4 football traditions will go the way of CHEYNEY or MANSFIELD. Time will tell.

[Fightingscot82]

They make it on the tuition. Many of their players pay the bulk of their own way to play there.

They probably don't even make enough on tickets to cover the game-day staff expenses.

LH is a perfect example of the big issue. Kids will continue to go there for a year or two, build their resume ... and get the freak out of there as soon as they are marketable. Can't blame them ... the program stinks and they can get much more money elsewhere. It's basically becoming a farm system.

The revenue for every student is nearly the same at PASSHE. No matter where the money comes from - scholarship, federal, loans, parents, etc. - the total paid is the same because its all real dollars. They're not forgiving or discounting like the privates.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Slippery Rock's upset of California down in Angelo's Dome cost the house a perfect Monday. But, 4 out of 5 in the betting world keeps the cash flowing. Three tough ones to pick tonight on the board. You degenerates be careful.


Mercyhurst at California - Showdown in the Mon Valley. This game has far larger ramifications than just seeding in the conference tournament. A Mercyhurst win will lock them in to the No. 2 seed and get a first round bye. It will also give the Lakers a big quality win for their NCAA resume. But, at 22-4, Mercyhurst is probably in pretty good NCAA shape regardless of what happens tonight. The Vulcans, however, suddenly find themselves in a bit of hot water after their home loss to Slippery Rock just 48 hours ago. California now has 7 losses -- the same amount as UPJ and East Stroudsburg. Shippensburg is right on their tail with 8 losses. California is still mathematically in the hunt for the second seed in the West, but that path has become pretty murky. A month ago, the Vulcans dropped the hammer on the Lakers in Erie, 87-71. Mercyhurst, however, is hot -- as most Lakers' teams tend to be this time of the year. Gary Manchel also was off Monday. Check out his record when he has extra time to prepare. It's scary good. One has to wonder how the grueling 8 games in 18 days to end the season is effecting California. The Vulcans are 4-2 thus far in this crazy stretch. California also likely has a bad hangover after Monday. As they say, there's no worse hangover cure than having to play Mercyhurst -- especially rested Mercyhurst. This sounds familiar. Mercyhurst got UPJ both times coming in hungover and with extra rest. Lakers -3

Mansfield at East Stroudsburg - What happens when one team has everything to play for, is at home and the other team can't wait for the season to end (and is winless on the road all season)? Tonight is what happens. Warriors win. Big. ESU -17

Edinboro at Slippery Rock - These two put on one of the more entertaining games of the season just 24 days ago. The Rock left McComb with a tough, 87-84 win. Things are much different now. Edinboro's season ends on Saturday afternoon. The Rock is one of the hottest teams in the league -- winners of 5 straight. It's been known all year SRU had an abundance of talent, size and athleticism. The only thing they were lacking was the confidence to close out big games. They may have found that down at California. And, that could be very bad news for the rest of the West. It's hard to say how interested the Scots will be tonight. Morrow Field House is a tough place to play. SRU -9

Shippensburg at Shepherd - This is a BIG one for the Red Raiders. Shippensburg is clearly on the NCAA bubble with 8 losses. But, they are also still right in the mix of things atop the East standings. A trip to Shepherdstown, where the host Rams are very tough, is a brutal assignment. The Rams have won three in a row at home (including a blowout win over Millersville), and narrowly took down California when the Vulcans visited two weeks ago. There's no question Shepherd is a tough out in their building. The Red Raiders have more to lose, and that extra edge should (barely) give them the advantage. Ship -3

Pitt-Johnstown at Seton Hill - UPJ somehow almost lost to Seton Hill a month ago. The Mountain Cats held on late to escape with an 89-85 win. That's been Seton Hill's story in a nutshell. They play good (and lose) one night. Then they get blown out of the building the next night. It's been a pretty steady rotation of inconsistency. Tonight will be of the 'blown out of the building' variety. UPJ's had a week off. They are well-rested and eager to snap their two-game skid. The Griffins pay the price in the Yellow Shoebox. UPJ -23

West Chester at Millersville - The Marauders' winning streak, which reached 12, was due to end. And, end it did. In fact, it came crashing down in Shepherdstown via an 89-71 knockout. West Chester is one of the league's hottest teams -- winners of 6 of its past 7 games. Five weeks ago, Millersville took a narrow 73-72 win in the Rams' house. West Chester is growing up fast -- and the Rams' physical play and size can cause many problems for opponents. The Marauders' guards are just a bit better. The 'Ville gets a home win. Barely. And, say a prayer for the officiating crew. Millersville -2

Clarion at IUP - The Crimson Hawks have won 21 straight in the series. IUP surely knows what game is next. But, this is a focused group. Make it 22 in a row. Hawks -17

Bloomsburg at Kutztown - Both are eliminated from the conference tournament. Kutztown won the first meeting by a point. Sounds about right tonight, too. Bears -1

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Updated MEN's Standings


WEST

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK	NEXT
IUP* (1)	19-2	25-2	W10	Pitt-Johnstown
Mercyhurst*	16-5	22-5	L1	SRU
Pitt-Johnstown*	16-5	20-7	W1	at IUP
California*	15-6	20-7	W1	at Gannon
Slippery Rock * (5)	13-8	17-10	W6	at Mercyhurst
Gannon* (6)	10-11	13-12	W1	California
Edinboro	6-14	8-17	L3	Seton Hill
Clarion	5-17	9-18	L8	DONE
Seton Hill	3-18	3-23	L7	at Edinboro

EAST

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK	NEXT
Millersville*	16-5	22-5	W1	Lock Haven
East Stroudsburg*	16-5	18-7	W5	at WCU
Shippensburg*	15-6	18-8	W3	Kutztown
West Chester* (4)	10-10	16-10	L1	ESU
Shepherd*	8-13	12-15	L1	at Mansfield
Lock Haven*	8-13	11-14	L2	at Millersville
Kutztown	6-15	9-18	W2	at Shippensburg
Bloomsburg	4-18	5-21	L4	DONE
Mansfield	3-18	4-23	L6	Shepherd

[IUPalum]

Could have some rumblings over the second byes...

[IUPbigINDIANS]

We've reached the last dance of the regular season. There's a couple duds on the board. But, there's also a couple primetime-type meetings. Remember: Gambling problem call 1-800-Gambler.



California at Gannon - The Knights have lost 5 of their past 6. That's not exactly momentum heading in to next week. Things won't get any better today. Unless Gannon has some guys coming off the injured list, there's likely two more games this season for Kelvin Jefferson -- today and Monday. The Vulcans have played two emotional games this week so a bit of a let-down is likely. But, that could mean they win 12 instead of 20. California -12

Kutztown at Shippensburg - The Red Raiders somehow managed to lose this game the first time around. And, it may prove to be a very costly slip-up. Kutztown's season has been a complete disaster. It's probably only fitting it ends on a bad note. Shippensburg gets its revenge -- in a big way. Red Raiders -15

East Stroudsburg at West Chester - The Warriors won a tight, 73-69, first meeting. The Rams enter this game hot, winners of 4 of their past 5 outings. WCU is 8-3 at home this year, but are in the midst of an ugly, 5-game losing streak to ESU. In fact, the Warriors have won 7 of the past 8 meetings in the series. Expect another close one today. West Chester and its physical style of play tends to get more calls at home. The Rams are also much better than they were a month ago and can play a deep bench. But, East Stroudsburg has owned the past -- and, they'll own today, too. Warriors -5

Slippery Rock at Mercyhurst - The Rock is flying high -- winners of 6 straight. SRU finally got its signature win of the second half down at California. It could be the confidence boost that equals bad news for the rest of the league. The Lakers, on the other hand, have to be sulking over blowing Wednesday nights game down in Angelo's Dome. Standings-wise, this game means nothing to Slippery Rock. They are the (5) seed win or lose. With 10 losses, the only hope of going to the Prom is winning next week's tournament. As for the host, this game has massive implications -- both in the PSAC Tournament seeding and in the Regional Rankings. The Lakers won the first meeting, 73-66. But, at that point in time, the Rock hadn't found itself yet. SRU is going to be a major match-up issue for Gary's smaller-than-usual Lake Show. The Rock also has guards big enough to shoot right over top of the infamous zone. The old betting phrase: Ride the hot hand. SRU leaves town with a win today -- in a 'mild' upset. Rock -4

Lock Haven at Millersville - Things were looking up for the Bald Eagles. But, then they had to quit playing the basement teams of the East. Lock Haven recently lost a tight one to West Chester and then got blown out by East Stroudsburg. The depth isn't there to play a 40-minute press. But, they do match-up a little better with Millersville. Granted, the Marauders spanked them in the first meeting, 71-49. It won't be that ugly today. But, it will be ugly. The 'Ville -13

Shepherd at Mansfield - Every time it appears the Rams are about to step forward, well, they don't. They show flashes -- such as the blowout of Millersville 11 days ago. Of course, they followed that up by getting hammered by East Stroudsburg. They'll be a scary team next week in a one-and-done situation. They've shown they can crank up the defense (not so much recently) and on occasion can light up the scoreboard (89 on the Marauders). Of late, they seem to win every other game. So, that means they should win today. Shepherd blew out the Mounties a month ago, 80-57. It won't be that bad today. But, the Rams will win. Shepherd -8

Seton Hill at Edinboro - The only game on the board where neither team has anything to play for ... live from McComb Field House. The women's game is the main attraction, of course, even with Seton Hill's star still likely sidelined. The Scots are the better men's team today and should win fairly easily. Edinboro -9

Pitt-Johnstown at IUP - The Mountain Cats got every bounce, 25' rebound, foul call (double) and crazy shot in the first meeting -- and still won by just 2 points. IUP is much healthier - and deeper - now. This game is inside the KCAC, where IUP almost never loses. The crowd will be a bit more feisty than usual today after UPJ's January celebration. IUP's players have been waiting for this one. The Crimson Hawks are rolling -- winners of 10 straight. UPJ is just 2-3 in its past 5 games. Add all that up and one would probably think IUP may pound them today. Not so fast, my friends. No coach, aside from Joe Lombardi, knows IUP better than Bob Rukavina. UPJ also presents some match-up problems for the much larger Crimson Hawks. Things, of course, are different now than they were Jan. 24. Tomiwa Sulaiman didn't play much in the first meeting. He's since become a budding star on both ends. IUP's young lineup was still growing. But, many of them are still young, and this is an experienced UPJ roster. The Mountain Cats' star guard, Fred Mulbah, will be Target One of the KCAC crowd today. He's known to engage back. If he loses his focus, IUP will roll. If he stays cool, UPJ will be right there in the end. Expect a thriller -- and likely a pretty chippy one. IUP -4

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Unless it's a typo, Gannon beat Cal.

WTF, Vulcans. Three straight losses in the predictions.

[Golden89]

Unless it's a typo, Gannon beat Cal.

WTF, Vulcans. Three straight losses in the predictions.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Alston should be (likely is) wrapping up his D2 career. He's wasting his talent down here in the bus leagues. When he hits the portal in a couple weeks ... the big boys will come calling. He may be playing for Capel in Oakland next year.


Olsen is the key for Gannon. Look back in my posts in Dec and Jan. He's the engine. Why he was playing short minutes is unexplainable.

[CALUPA69]

Alston should be (likely is) wrapping up his D2 career. He's wasting his talent down here in the bus leagues. When he hits the portal in a couple weeks ... the big boys will come calling. He may be playing for Capel in Oakland next year.


Olsen is the key for Gannon. Look back in my posts in Dec and Jan. He's the engine. Why he was playing short minutes is unexplainable.

You're just saying that about Alston to make me feel good........but you're absolutely right :( Physicality, very solid from 15' in and still capable of stepping out for a 3 now and again, what's not to like. If he was on a team with slightly better 3 pt shooters, he would be even harder to defend inside. It's been a fun ride so far and hopefully whatever argument DS made to Heywood Highsmith to keep him at WJU, will be as persuasive for PA !!!

[IUPbigINDIANS]

This past Saturday wasn't friendly. The oddsmaker went just 5-3 with straight winners. But, nobody saw Gannon beating California coming. Shepherd lost at Mansfield. That probably shouldn't be a surprise by now as the Rams tend to choke on the road. And, of course, Slippery Rock got smacked in the MAC. But, going 5-3 will at least keep you in the black for the day. Here are tonight's picks for you gambling degenerates:


Lock Haven at Shippensburg - The Bald Eagles hit the road tonight with the opposite of momentum -- fresh off a 35-point beatdown 48 hours ago in Millersville. In fact, Lock Haven enters tonight having lost three straight -- the most recent two being of the blowout variety. On paper, Shippensburg got the easiest draw in Round 1. The Bald Eagles went a dismal 11-15 on the season. They're on a losing streak and away from home. But, Lock Haven's only signature win all season was against these very Red Raiders. Oddly, Shippensburg has had its struggles in this series. The Red Raiders are just 4-3 in the past 7 meetings. Neither team is overly deep. Shippensburg is playing close to Iron Man basketball right now. If the Red Raiders stay out of foul trouble, they shouldn't have many problems. But, if any starters have to sit for extended periods, well, it may get interesting. Ship -11

Slippery Rock at California - As it proved a week ago, the Rock is a tough match-up for the Vulcans. SRU has the speed and big guards to keep up, and also the muscle and size underneath to bang around the glass. This will be each teams' 9th game in 20 days. Young men or not, those legs have to be getting a little wobbly. Both teams are -- perhaps not too surprising considering the wear and tear -- coming off losses in Erie. With 11 defeats, SRU has to win the tournament this week to make the big dance. A loss by the Vulcans would likely end their season. Both meetings this year were close -- with each winning on the road. Expect Round 3 to be close, too. Rock star guard Frankie Hughes is the key. When he was shut down in the first game, Cal won. When he went off in the second game, SRU won. The house has lost three Cal games in a row. Streaks end. Vulcans -4

Shepherd at West Chester - Shepherd was a tough draw in Round 1. Well, maybe. At just 12-16, one could argue they are a heavy road dog tonight. But, they've lost a lot of tight games. And, on occasion, they can light up the scoreboard. So, which version will West Chester see tonight? Will they get the Shepherd team that blew out first-place Millersville two weeks ago? Or, will they get the Shepherd team that just got beat up by last-place Mansfield? These two split the regular season series with each winning at home. Being at home is great news for WCU, because Shepherd turns in to a pumpkin on the road -- going just 3-10 outside of Shepherdstown this year. West Chester -8

Gannon at Pitt-Johnstown - The Mountain Cats led the West at the half-way point of the conference season. Then, as they say, all hell broke loose in Johnstown. UPJ is is just 3-4 in its past 7 games. Gannon, on the other hand, is hot -- fresh off one of the biggest wins of the Kelvin Jefferson era this past Saturday against California. The Knights are also getting healthier. Point guard Braden Olsen returned against the Vulcans, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes to go along with 5 assists. Alonde LeGrand also returned, giving Gannon some much-needed depth. Gannon has also been a thorn to UPJ this year. The two split the series. The Knights won in Erie, 67-66, and previously lost in Johnstown, 81-79. Two games decided by 3 total points. Will UPJ have a hangover after Saturday's loss in Indiana? Can Gannon keep riding the momentum? Round 3 will be another tight one. But, the home team finds a way. UPJ -4

[Ship69]

This past Saturday wasn't friendly. The oddsmaker went just 5-3 with straight winners. But, nobody saw Gannon beating California coming. Shepherd lost at Mansfield. That probably shouldn't be a surprise by now as the Rams tend to choke on the road. And, of course, Slippery Rock got smacked in the MAC. But, going 5-3 will at least keep you in the black for the day. Here are tonight's picks for you gambling degenerates:


Lock Haven at Shippensburg - The Bald Eagles hit the road tonight with the opposite of momentum -- fresh off a 35-point beatdown 48 hours ago in Millersville. In fact, Lock Haven enters tonight having lost three straight -- the most recent two being of the blowout variety. On paper, Shippensburg got the easiest draw in Round 1. The Bald Eagles went a dismal 11-15 on the season. They're on a losing streak and away from home. But, Lock Haven's only signature win all season was against these very Red Raiders. Oddly, Shippensburg has had its struggles in this series. The Red Raiders are just 4-3 in the past 7 meetings. Neither team is overly deep. Shippensburg is playing close to Iron Man basketball right now. If the Red Raiders stay out of foul trouble, they shouldn't have many problems. But, if any starters have to sit for extended periods, well, it may get interesting. Ship -11

Slippery Rock at California - As it proved a week ago, the Rock is a tough match-up for the Vulcans. SRU has the speed and big guards to keep up, and also the muscle and size underneath to bang around the glass. This will be each teams' 9th game in 20 days. Young men or not, those legs have to be getting a little wobbly. Both teams are -- perhaps not too surprising considering the wear and tear -- coming off losses in Erie. With 11 defeats, SRU has to win the tournament this week to make the big dance. A loss by the Vulcans would likely end their season. Both meetings this year were close -- with each winning on the road. Expect Round 3 to be close, too. Rock star guard Frankie Hughes is the key. When he was shut down in the first game, Cal won. When he went off in the second game, SRU won. The house has lost three Cal games in a row. Streaks end. Vulcans -4

Shepherd at West Chester - Shepherd was a tough draw in Round 1. Well, maybe. At just 12-16, one could argue they are a heavy road dog tonight. But, they've lost a lot of tight games. And, on occasion, they can light up the scoreboard. So, which version will West Chester see tonight? Will they get the Shepherd team that blew out first-place Millersville two weeks ago? Or, will they get the Shepherd team that just got beat up by last-place Mansfield? These two split the regular season series with each winning at home. Being at home is great news for WCU, because Shepherd turns in to a pumpkin on the road -- going just 3-10 outside of Shepherdstown this year. West Chester -8

Gannon at Pitt-Johnstown - The Mountain Cats led the West at the half-way point of the conference season. Then, as they say, all hell broke loose in Johnstown. UPJ is is just 3-4 in its past 7 games. Gannon, on the other hand, is hot -- fresh off one of the biggest wins of the Kelvin Jefferson era this past Saturday against California. The Knights are also getting healthier. Point guard Braden Olsen returned against the Vulcans, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes to go along with 5 assists. Alonde LeGrand also returned, giving Gannon some much-needed depth. Gannon has also been a thorn to UPJ this year. The two split the series. The Knights won in Erie, 67-66, and previously lost in Johnstown, 81-79. Two games decided by 3 total points. Will UPJ have a hangover after Saturday's loss in Indiana? Can Gannon keep riding the momentum? Round 3 will be another tight one. But, the home team finds a way. UPJ -4

It should be pointed out that Lock Haven coach Mike Nestor and his assistant Brian Oleksiak both were players at Shippensburg and were on the coaching staff there for a time. I'm sure they circle Ship on their calendar every year.

[CALUPA69]

All but over at the ANGELO DOME with VULCANS up by 68-50 with 3:00+ left.