PSAC WEST

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Sharp lines last night. You need to start handicapping some of the other Atlantic Region games with a preview. West Liberty at West Virginia State tonight. Lol

#PSACtion

My football lines are pretty accurate, too. Not my first rodeo. Lol. Nothing to be proud of.

[IUP24]

Sharp lines last night. You need to start handicapping some of the other Atlantic Region games with a preview. West Liberty at West Virginia State tonight. Lol

#PSACtion

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Confirmed per his Twitter, UPJ's Andrew Shull is no longer on the team and has entered the transfer portal.

He had a very strong freshman season last year - including big games against IUP and West Liberty. Nice outside shot.

It will be interesting to see where he lands.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

A somewhat rare PSAC version of Big Monday has arrived (minus the ESPN cameras, of course). There are several interesting games tonight. It's not 'early' anymore. The conference standings are starting to get locked in a bit. As always, happy gambling, you degenerates.


Millersville at West Chester - The Marauders' fancy winning streak came to a crashing halt in Koehler Fieldhouse. Things won't get much easier tonight. Two very tough games in three days. West Chester has won three straight and should have a juiced up crowd tonight. The winner takes over the three hole in the East race. Huge game for both teams' NCAA resume. On one hand, you could make a case Millersville should bounce back. On the other hand, the Rams are very good -- and very tough to beat inside Hollinger. This is close to a coin flip. WCU -1.5

Kutztown at East Stroudsburg - One team is 16-2. The other is 2-16. Obviously, there's not much build-up to this game. After Saturday's big win, it's possible ESU could come out a little flat. Maybe the Golden Bears hang around for a bit, but, it's doubtful. This has massacre written all over it. Warriors -24.5

California at IUP - The Crimson Hawks defeated Slippery Rock 48 hours ago for the 35th straight time in Indiana. IUP has amazingly ran up a current 21-game winning streak against California -- a streak that has been full of close games and drama. While the Hawks dispatched SRU comfortably -- leading by 20+ late in the game -- tonight will likely be a much, much different story. The Vulcans are (finally) almost 100% healthy. That's bad news for everybody outside of California, PA. The Vulcans have an extremely deep, talented rotation. There are some glaring mismatches in their favor tonight -- and a drastically better bench. IUP is tough to beat at home, but this Crimson Hawks team likely isn't deep enough to pull this off. California has been waiting for this game for years. IUP won't lay down, but Cal has too much. Danny likely finally beats Joe. Vulcans -11.5

Clarion at Mercyhurst - If you like teams physically pounding each other, this is the game. The Lakers are fresh off a beating by California. Clarion has lost 4 straight. However, neither team is an easy out. This could go either way, but, the MAC is still a tough place to play. Lakers -4.5

Shippensburg at Shepherd - Somebody has to win. Shippensburg is on a current 8-game skid. The Rams are a disappointing 7-10. Both can play well in stretches -- not so well in other stretches. The Raiders' smaller guards are going to have some fits with Shepherd's dynamic, big guards. Call it a hunch, but Ship is (over) due. Raiders -1.5

Bloomsburg at Lock Haven - The Huskies are in dangerous territory regarding the PSAC Tournament. Lock Haven has the longest winning streak in the PSAC. That said, this is a game Bloomsburg can muddy up and perhaps keep close. There's talent on that team. We just don't see it every night. Expect a competitive game for 20-25 minutes. The Bald Eagles will eventually pull away. LH -10.5

Slippery Rock at Edinboro - Both teams are coming off a loss. The Scots desperately need a win to stay in the tournament conversation. SRU is shockingly now 8-10. Tough to say how both bounce back tonight. The Rock has a lot of talent and can score in bunches against certain defenses. Edinboro is a scrappy bunch and has slowly improved. Take the Rock. I think. Maybe. SRU -5.5

Pitt-Johnstown at Seton Hill - The Mountain Cats have lost 7 in a row -- a streak unheard of in Johnstown under Bob Rukavina. Things won't get any easier tonight. Seton Hill is a tough, mid-pack team and the McKenna Center is a rough environment. Making matters worse for UPJ, star sophomore PG Andrew Shull didn't play this past weekend and is no longer listed on the roster. That is a huge blow for an already very thin team. The Griffins should take care of business tonight. SH -8.5

[WarriorVoice]

A big Saturday on deck. You gambling degenerates better be careful. There are some hard games to pick -- some of them tougher than the records may indicate.


Millersville at East Stroudsburg - This one is real simple. The winner takes over first place in the East. The Mauraders are riding a 7-game winning streak. The Warriors have won two straight after a rare home setback to Lock Haven. One advantage for Millersville is they've already played (and defeated) a 40-minute press this season. So, ESU's pressure isn't going to come as any shock to their system. Millersville can also really turn up its own defensive pressure. ESU is fresh off an unexpected dog fight against Bloomsburg. The Huskies' 'junk' defenses caused the Warriors some issues. Perhaps ESU was looking ahead a bit. Expect a much more focused team tomororw. The Marauders are very strong, but there's some magic inside Koehler Fieldhouse. ESU rarely loses at home. As with most first-place showdowns, this is close to a pick 'em. When in doubt, take the home team. ESU - 1.5

Fun Fact: Both ESU losses are at home this year...

[IUPbigINDIANS]

A big Saturday on deck. You gambling degenerates better be careful. There are some hard games to pick -- some of them tougher than the records may indicate.


Mansfield at West Chester - The Mounties, losers of two straight, are actually on the move -- oddly, upward. Mansfield has climbed in to the five hole in the East standings. West Chester, on the other hand, has won its past two games -- and has shown flashes of being one of the better teams in the league. However, Damien Blair's Rams don't play at that level every night. Both of these teams can be a bit up and down, but the Rams are up a lot more than they are down. The Mounties can muddy up any game -- and have come within a couple buckets of some signature wins this year. West Chester is too good at home. With students back, that's a tough enviornment. Expect a chippy game. Rams -8.5

Millersville at East Stroudsburg - This one is real simple. The winner takes over first place in the East. The Mauraders are riding a 7-game winning streak. The Warriors have won two straight after a rare home setback to Lock Haven. One advantage for Millersville is they've already played (and defeated) a 40-minute press this season. So, ESU's pressure isn't going to come as any shock to their system. Millersville can also really turn up its own defensive pressure. ESU is fresh off an unexpected dog fight against Bloomsburg. The Huskies' 'junk' defenses caused the Warriors some issues. Perhaps ESU was looking ahead a bit. Expect a much more focused team tomororw. The Marauders are very strong, but there's some magic inside Koehler Fieldhouse. ESU rarely loses at home. As with most first-place showdowns, this is close to a pick 'em. When in doubt, take the home team. ESU -1.5

California at Mercyhurst - The Vulcans know where they are going Monday evening -- Indiana, Pa. But, prior to their arrival in Jimmy Stewart's town, is there a trap waiting in Erie? There's an old movie quote that said 'The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist'. Gary Manchel's Lakers (9-10) have been written off by most. However, to those diving deeper than just the win/loss record, well, they know that's incorrect. Anybody looking past Mercyhurst is going to get burnt. This was an exceptionally young team at the start of the season. The Lakers have lost numerous close games throughout this teams' learning curve. The Lakers' traditional vaunted defense, which takes time to learn and execute, is getting better by the game (reference its recent performance against high-scoring Gannon). Manchel's team is likely going to be a terror in the second loop of West play. All of that said, California is almost (finally) healthy. There's no question the Vulcans are favored in this game. But, all the ingredients are there for an upset. The MAC is a notoriously difficult gym to play inside. The Lakers' matchup zone is odd and can cause fits. A big rivalry game follows 48 hours later. Vulcans win, but this is the 'don't be shocked' game of the day. California -7.5 (BTW, say a prayer for the officials)

Slippery Rock at IUP - Many, even the IUP faithful, have said this is finally the year ... Slippery Rock will at long last win a game in Indiana. The Rock's last victory at IUP came way back in the 1991-92 season. It's an incredible streak -- one that has nearly ended many times. SRU has come extremely close on numerous occasions. For the Memory Lane lovers, a famous Kevin Reynolds late technical foul cost Slippery Rock a win during the '13-'14 season -- due in large part to one of the biggest and rowdiest crowds ever at the KCAC. Records aside, this is THE game of the year at the KCAC. Despite the series being incredibly lopsided, it is without question the biggest home game of the season. Last year's edition set a new KCAC attedance record. Things are much different in Indiana, however, than they were last February. At 12-5, IUP isn't anywhere near the Top 25. The Hawks have four players out for the season and play a different, mish-mash lineup nightly. Amazingly, they are still a tough out (most nights). SRU, on the other hand, started this season about as bad as it could have -- likely due to the pains that come with importing numerous new transfers. It's January now, and SRU is suddenly rolling. On paper, the Rock is the better team. But, as they know, it's hard to win in Indiana. IUP isn't a pushover (unless you press them for 40 minutes). In a half-court game, which is what tomorrow will be, IUP can still play with just about anybody. Tough game to bet. I think the streak lives, somehow, another year. IUP -1.5

Lock Haven at Shippensburg - Few realize it, but these Bald Eagles are sizzling. Winners of 7 straight -- including a signature win at East Stroudsburg -- Lock Haven is not only in the East race but is in the hunt for an NCAA bid. It's quite the opposite for the host tomorrow. The Raiders' losing streak is now at 7 games. During Ship's past decade of strong teams, Lock Haven was always a thorn in their side. The Bald Eagles pulled some massive upsets against the Raiders. The page is clearly turned now. Can Chris Fite return the favor? Not likely. LH -12.5

Bloomsburg at Shepherd - The Dr. Phil Game of the Day. Both of these teams can play really well -- at times. Both can also stink. If they both don't show up tomorrow, the score could be 21-19. Joking aside, this is a huge game for both teams in regard to qualifying for the conference tournament. The Huskies played really well against ESU two nights ago. Can they carry the momentum down to Shepherdstown? Betting on either is essentially playing Russian Roulette. Bloomsburg -3.5

Gannon at Pitt-Johnstown - Tough week for the Mountain Cats -- Cal and Gannon. UPJ got roughed up pretty good at the Angelo Dome. Tomorrow won't be any better. Pitt-Johnstown's bench is way too short to stay in this game. Gannon -25.5

Seton Hill at Edinboro - Both teams are playing pretty well of late. Their recent records may not indicate it but neither is an easy out. The Fighting Scots had a week to prepare for the Griffins' zone. Seton Hill is deeper. This should be an interesting affair. This is also the best women's game of the weekend. Griffins -4.5

[TheMadLibs]

SHU looks to me like a potential trap game at the end of the season for Gannon. Senior night. Team's that's learning to win. Hate having another senior night against SHU on their court for a both teams. They always play Gannon well.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Have to give credit where it's due ... Ben Wilkins is doing an incredible job at Seton Hill.

Two years ago (prior to his arrival) they won 3 games and, honestly, were putrid. He won 16 games last year in his first season. They will probably win about the same this year.

This past off-season he recruited two future stars -- PG Dimitrios Sklavenitis and and PF Kedrick Curtis. Both are really coming on strong as true freshmen. Last year he signed PF Gabe Gillespie (who has been out the past month).

They aren't quite there yet but as long as Wilkins stays, that could be a pretty dangerous team in a year or two.

Seton Hill would be a whole different animal right now with Gillespie. Sklavenitis and Curtis are getting better by the game as they adjust to college basketball. The zone they run (very well) is tricky to play against. You better be making treys or you're going to be in trouble.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

TEAM	PSAC	OVERALL	STREAK
Gannon	10-2	16-2	W5
California	9-2	15-2	W2
IUP	9-2	12-5	W3
Slippery Rock	6-5	8-9	W2
Seton Hill	5-6	10-7	L2
Mercyhurst	5-6	9-10	L1
Edinboro	4-7	5-12	L1
Clarion	4-8	6-12	L4
Pitt-Johnstown	3-9	5-13	L6

-

Updated MEN's Standings

[IUPalum]

With KJ playing, Cal win by 20 plus.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Just in time to play IUP on Monday.

Their PG Whitehead also finally returned.

The other SG (WCU transfer) is still out.

[IUPalum]

Keith Palek is back on the court for limited minutes so far. Tonight 8 pts and 10 rbds in 14 minutes. He seems to be moving well and would be a big addition down the stretch.

Just in time to play IUP on Monday.

[CALUPA69]

The spreads are up. Interesting night -- lots of rivarly games. Strange things happen in rivalry games. Happy gambling, you degenerates.


IUP at Seton Hill - The McKenna Center draws about 100 people per game all season - with one exception. Tonight. For whatever reason, IUP's short trip to Greensburg gets a near sellout. At times, this has been a tricky game for Joe Lombardi. The Griffins feed off the rare, big crowd and have given IUP some real battles over the years. Since creating its men's basketball program, Seton Hill has just one win against the Crimson Hawks. It came in Greensburg nearly 10 years ago in one of the craziest enviornments the PSAC has ever seen. There's also been a lot of lopsided games in this series, including IUP winning by 53 points in the McKenna Center a couple years ago. Times have changed. The Griffins are no longer a pushover, and, well, IUP isn't exactly the IUP most of us know. Based on this particular season, we know IUP can be good -- at times -- but is very sporadic. Seton Hill plays a tough zone defense and is very aggressive on offense. Both teams have similar records (IUP is 11-5 and SH is 10-6). This is going to be a tough enviornment -- by far the toughest IUP has seen to this point. How will the Hawks respond? Expect a 'final minute' type of game. IUP -2.5 ... but, don't be shocked.

Clarion at Slippery Rock - The Golden Eagles take their current three-game losing streak on the road and make the short trip to Slippery Rock. This is an interesting battle of two of the biggest lineups in the league. Most would say both have underachieved this season. However, SRU is suddenly trending up after a very poor start. Clarion continues to stay in nearly all its games, but is having trouble getting in to the win column. Make no mistake, the Golden Eagles are no pushover. They will eventually crack the code and get a couple big wins this season. This is a tough game to pick. Both teams match up with one another very well. But, when in doubt, take the Morrow Magic. It's tough to win in that building -- for a lot of reasons. The only way Clarioin could sneak out of there victorious tonight is if the Rock is already looking ahead to its trip to Indiana -- which, it may be. SRU -6.5

Mercyhurst at Gannon - This game was once played in the 40s - back in the heyday of the JR vs Manchel rivalry. Tonight, it's possible Gannon may be in the 40s by the second media timeout. But, this is still Mercyhurst. Yes, this is a rare, 9-9 version of the Lakers, but this is still a proud program. Keep in mind, Mercyhurst has lost a lot of real close games this year. The Lakers' defense isn't nearly what is usually is, but it is still formidable. Strange things also happen in heated rivalry games. All of that said, a year ago the Lakers probably could have won this game -- or, at least made it real interesting. However, this Mercyhurst teams lacks the offense of the past. Old Lakers' teams could slow the game way down and they'd crush you from outside at the end of the shot clock. This group doesn't have that magic. One other item to keep in mind is Mercyhurst really struggled against IUP's press, which is just a basic 1-2-2. They'll face total havoc tonight for 40 minutes. If any coach could pull this upset off, it probably would be Manchel. But, not tonight. It may be different next month in the MAC, but tonight in the rent-a-gym, the Knights will roll -- and likely run it up if given the opportunity. GU -17.5

Pitt-Johnstown at California - You wouldn't know it based on UPJ's 5-game losing streak, but the Mountain Cats are getting better. Last week, UPJ lost twice -- by a combined 4 points -- to IUP and Slippery Rock. Devastating week, but there is a silver lining. Wins are on the way. Bob Rukavina started the season with, aside from Kutztown's nearly all-freshmen roster -- the youngest team in the league (certainly in the West). UPJ's 1950s system of pick-n-rolls, backdoors, etc., takes time to learn. So, what will all those positives mean tonight? Nothing. The Vulcans are a different animal - especially in Angelo's (empty) Dome. California is 14-2 and still hasn't played a single game with a full rotation. When (if) that happens, it's game over for the PSAC. Look for UPJ to stick around for perhaps a half tonight, but for the Vulcans to hammer them in the second stanza. Cal -16.5

Kutztown at Millersville - The Marauders are 13-3, blew out Gannon and are on a 6-game winning streak -- and, not a soul is talking about them. Maybe that's how they like it. Talk or not, the 'Ville is a tough team. Millersville is extremely balanced with an array of big, strong post players and a slew of athletic, 6'4" guards. This is a team capable of making some serious noise in March. As for the young (and improving) Golden Bears, well, this will be a hard lesson. Marauders -19.5

Mansfield at Lock Haven - When was the last time the Bald Eagles started conference play with an 8-2 record (and a current 6-game winning streak)? Mansfield is 6-10 but easily could be 10-6. This is an interesting game -- especially if the Mounties are full strength. Like Clarion in the West, Mansfield isn't a pushover. Don't let the record fool you. The Mounties have a nice combination of size and guard play. At times, however, they have a bit of the Bloomsburg disease. Some nights they don't seem to show up. The smart money goes on the Bald Eagles tonight in the cramped gym, but it should be a good one. LH -6.5

East Stroudsburg at Bloomsburg - The Huskies could stay in this game and lose, 105-99, or they could lose, 112-59. Neither would surprise most people. One thing to watch is the film of Bloomsburg vs Shippensburg. Bloom was crushing the Raiders -- up 24 points -- when Chris Fite went to a full-court press. The Huskies looked like they'd never, ever seen a press. Five minutes later, that massive lead was toast. The Huskies did pull out a win, but unless they figured out how to deal with the pressure, this could be a very long night. Bloomsburg is tremendously sporadic -- but is capable of hanging. Why? Who knows. Sometimes they just play well. ESU -23.5

West Chester at Shippensburg - The Raiders have dropped 6 straight, and are fresh of an epic beatdown. Unfortunately for Chris Fite, there's no cure coming to town tonight. West Chester is coming in with a 10-5 record (and it should be a little better). The Rams feature an array of talented guards who can score from all over. Add in some good size under the basket, and this has all the makings of another massacre. That said, Ship usually plays pretty well at home, and, the Raiders are due. West Chester isn't always consistent (i.e. they don't always turn up the volume). So, they can be a tricky bunch to bet. Regardless, take the Rams. WCU -15.5

Keith Palek is back on the court for limited minutes so far. Tonight 8 pts and 10 rbds in 14 minutes. He seems to be moving well and would be a big addition down the stretch.

[gman16506]

The spreads are up. Interesting night -- lots of rivarly games. Strange things happen in rivalry games. Happy gambling, you degenerates.


IUP at Seton Hill - The McKenna Center draws about 100 people per game all season - with one exception. Tonight. For whatever reason, IUP's short trip to Greensburg gets a near sellout. At times, this has been a tricky game for Joe Lombardi. The Griffins feed off the rare, big crowd and have given IUP some real battles over the years. Since creating its men's basketball program, Seton Hill has just one win against the Crimson Hawks. It came in Greensburg nearly 10 years ago in one of the craziest enviornments the PSAC has ever seen. There's also been a lot of lopsided games in this series, including IUP winning by 53 points in the McKenna Center a couple years ago. Times have changed. The Griffins are no longer a pushover, and, well, IUP isn't exactly the IUP most of us know. Based on this particular season, we know IUP can be good -- at times -- but is very sporadic. Seton Hill plays a tough zone defense and is very aggressive on offense. Both teams have similar records (IUP is 11-5 and SH is 10-6). This is going to be a tough enviornment -- by far the toughest IUP has seen to this point. How will the Hawks respond? Expect a 'final minute' type of game. IUP -2.5 ... but, don't be shocked.

Clarion at Slippery Rock - The Golden Eagles take their current three-game losing streak on the road and make the short trip to Slippery Rock. This is an interesting battle of two of the biggest lineups in the league. Most would say both have underachieved this season. However, SRU is suddenly trending up after a very poor start. Clarion continues to stay in nearly all its games, but is having trouble getting in to the win column. Make no mistake, the Golden Eagles are no pushover. They will eventually crack the code and get a couple big wins this season. This is a tough game to pick. Both teams match up with one another very well. But, when in doubt, take the Morrow Magic. It's tough to win in that building -- for a lot of reasons. The only way Clarioin could sneak out of there victorious tonight is if the Rock is already looking ahead to its trip to Indiana -- which, it may be. SRU -6.5

Mercyhurst at Gannon - This game was once played in the 40s - back in the heyday of the JR vs Manchel rivalry. Tonight, it's possible Gannon may be in the 40s by the second media timeout. But, this is still Mercyhurst. Yes, this is a rare, 9-9 version of the Lakers, but this is still a proud program. Keep in mind, Mercyhurst has lost a lot of real close games this year. The Lakers' defense isn't nearly what is usually is, but it is still formidable. Strange things also happen in heated rivalry games. All of that said, a year ago the Lakers probably could have won this game -- or, at least made it real interesting. However, this Mercyhurst teams lacks the offense of the past. Old Lakers' teams could slow the game way down and they'd crush you from outside at the end of the shot clock. This group doesn't have that magic. One other item to keep in mind is Mercyhurst really struggled against IUP's press, which is just a basic 1-2-2. They'll face total havoc tonight for 40 minutes. If any coach could pull this upset off, it probably would be Manchel. But, not tonight. It may be different next month in the MAC, but tonight in the rent-a-gym, the Knights will roll -- and likely run it up if given the opportunity. GU -17.5

Pitt-Johnstown at California - You wouldn't know it based on UPJ's 5-game losing streak, but the Mountain Cats are getting better. Last week, UPJ lost twice -- by a combined 4 points -- to IUP and Slippery Rock. Devastating week, but there is a silver lining. Wins are on the way. Bob Rukavina started the season with, aside from Kutztown's nearly all-freshmen roster -- the youngest team in the league (certainly in the West). UPJ's 1950s system of pick-n-rolls, backdoors, etc., takes time to learn. So, what will all those positives mean tonight? Nothing. The Vulcans are a different animal - especially in Angelo's (empty) Dome. California is 14-2 and still hasn't played a single game with a full rotation. When (if) that happens, it's game over for the PSAC. Look for UPJ to stick around for perhaps a half tonight, but for the Vulcans to hammer them in the second stanza. Cal -16.5

Kutztown at Millersville - The Marauders are 13-3, blew out Gannon and are on a 6-game winning streak -- and, not a soul is talking about them. Maybe that's how they like it. Talk or not, the 'Ville is a tough team. Millersville is extremely balanced with an array of big, strong post players and a slew of athletic, 6'4" guards. This is a team capable of making some serious noise in March. As for the young (and improving) Golden Bears, well, this will be a hard lesson. Marauders -19.5

Mansfield at Lock Haven - When was the last time the Bald Eagles started conference play with an 8-2 record (and a current 6-game winning streak)? Mansfield is 6-10 but easily could be 10-6. This is an interesting game -- especially if the Mounties are full strength. Like Clarion in the West, Mansfield isn't a pushover. Don't let the record fool you. The Mounties have a nice combination of size and guard play. At times, however, they have a bit of the Bloomsburg disease. Some nights they don't seem to show up. The smart money goes on the Bald Eagles tonight in the cramped gym, but it should be a good one. LH -6.5

East Stroudsburg at Bloomsburg - The Huskies could stay in this game and lose, 105-99, or they could lose, 112-59. Neither would surprise most people. One thing to watch is the film of Bloomsburg vs Shippensburg. Bloom was crushing the Raiders -- up 24 points -- when Chris Fite went to a full-court press. The Huskies looked like they'd never, ever seen a press. Five minutes later, that massive lead was toast. The Huskies did pull out a win, but unless they figured out how to deal with the pressure, this could be a very long night. Bloomsburg is tremendously sporadic -- but is capable of hanging. Why? Who knows. Sometimes they just play well. ESU -23.5

West Chester at Shippensburg - The Raiders have dropped 6 straight, and are fresh of an epic beatdown. Unfortunately for Chris Fite, there's no cure coming to town tonight. West Chester is coming in with a 10-5 record (and it should be a little better). The Rams feature an array of talented guards who can score from all over. Add in some good size under the basket, and this has all the makings of another massacre. That said, Ship usually plays pretty well at home, and, the Raiders are due. West Chester isn't always consistent (i.e. they don't always turn up the volume). So, they can be a tricky bunch to bet. Regardless, take the Rams. WCU -15.5

Hey Big Indian! Just wanted to say "thank you" for your gameday reports on all the teams. I really enjoy the analysis and it is much appreciated even though I have never bet on a PSAC game in my life and probably never will!! Keep up the great work if your schedule permits!!!

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The spreads are up. Interesting night -- lots of rivarly games. Strange things happen in rivalry games. Happy gambling, you degenerates.


IUP at Seton Hill - The McKenna Center draws about 100 people per game all season - with one exception. Tonight. For whatever reason, IUP's short trip to Greensburg gets a near sellout. At times, this has been a tricky game for Joe Lombardi. The Griffins feed off the rare, big crowd and have given IUP some real battles over the years. Since creating its men's basketball program, Seton Hill has just one win against the Crimson Hawks. It came in Greensburg nearly 10 years ago in one of the craziest enviornments the PSAC has ever seen. There's also been a lot of lopsided games in this series, including IUP winning by 53 points in the McKenna Center a couple years ago. Times have changed. The Griffins are no longer a pushover, and, well, IUP isn't exactly the IUP most of us know. Based on this particular season, we know IUP can be good -- at times -- but is very sporadic. Seton Hill plays a tough zone defense and is very aggressive on offense. Both teams have similar records (IUP is 11-5 and SH is 10-6). This is going to be a tough enviornment -- by far the toughest IUP has seen to this point. How will the Hawks respond? Expect a 'final minute' type of game. IUP -2.5 ... but, don't be shocked.

Clarion at Slippery Rock - The Golden Eagles take their current three-game losing streak on the road and make the short trip to Slippery Rock. This is an interesting battle of two of the biggest lineups in the league. Most would say both have underachieved this season. However, SRU is suddenly trending up after a very poor start. Clarion continues to stay in nearly all its games, but is having trouble getting in to the win column. Make no mistake, the Golden Eagles are no pushover. They will eventually crack the code and get a couple big wins this season. This is a tough game to pick. Both teams match up with one another very well. But, when in doubt, take the Morrow Magic. It's tough to win in that building -- for a lot of reasons. The only way Clarioin could sneak out of there victorious tonight is if the Rock is already looking ahead to its trip to Indiana -- which, it may be. SRU -6.5

Mercyhurst at Gannon - This game was once played in the 40s - back in the heyday of the JR vs Manchel rivalry. Tonight, it's possible Gannon may be in the 40s by the second media timeout. But, this is still Mercyhurst. Yes, this is a rare, 9-9 version of the Lakers, but this is still a proud program. Keep in mind, Mercyhurst has lost a lot of real close games this year. The Lakers' defense isn't nearly what is usually is, but it is still formidable. Strange things also happen in heated rivalry games. All of that said, a year ago the Lakers probably could have won this game -- or, at least made it real interesting. However, this Mercyhurst teams lacks the offense of the past. Old Lakers' teams could slow the game way down and they'd crush you from outside at the end of the shot clock. This group doesn't have that magic. One other item to keep in mind is Mercyhurst really struggled against IUP's press, which is just a basic 1-2-2. They'll face total havoc tonight for 40 minutes. If any coach could pull this upset off, it probably would be Manchel. But, not tonight. It may be different next month in the MAC, but tonight in the rent-a-gym, the Knights will roll -- and likely run it up if given the opportunity. GU -17.5

Pitt-Johnstown at California - You wouldn't know it based on UPJ's 5-game losing streak, but the Mountain Cats are getting better. Last week, UPJ lost twice -- by a combined 4 points -- to IUP and Slippery Rock. Devastating week, but there is a silver lining. Wins are on the way. Bob Rukavina started the season with, aside from Kutztown's nearly all-freshmen roster -- the youngest team in the league (certainly in the West). UPJ's 1950s system of pick-n-rolls, backdoors, etc., takes time to learn. So, what will all those positives mean tonight? Nothing. The Vulcans are a different animal - especially in Angelo's (empty) Dome. California is 14-2 and still hasn't played a single game with a full rotation. When (if) that happens, it's game over for the PSAC. Look for UPJ to stick around for perhaps a half tonight, but for the Vulcans to hammer them in the second stanza. Cal -16.5

Kutztown at Millersville - The Marauders are 13-3, blew out Gannon and are on a 6-game winning streak -- and, not a soul is talking about them. Maybe that's how they like it. Talk or not, the 'Ville is a tough team. Millersville is extremely balanced with an array of big, strong post players and a slew of athletic, 6'4" guards. This is a team capable of making some serious noise in March. As for the young (and improving) Golden Bears, well, this will be a hard lesson. Marauders -19.5

Mansfield at Lock Haven - When was the last time the Bald Eagles started conference play with an 8-2 record (and a current 6-game winning streak)? Mansfield is 6-10 but easily could be 10-6. This is an interesting game -- especially if the Mounties are full strength. Like Clarion in the West, Mansfield isn't a pushover. Don't let the record fool you. The Mounties have a nice combination of size and guard play. At times, however, they have a bit of the Bloomsburg disease. Some nights they don't seem to show up. The smart money goes on the Bald Eagles tonight in the cramped gym, but it should be a good one. LH -6.5

East Stroudsburg at Bloomsburg - The Huskies could stay in this game and lose, 105-99, or they could lose, 112-59. Neither would surprise most people. One thing to watch is the film of Bloomsburg vs Shippensburg. Bloom was crushing the Raiders -- up 24 points -- when Chris Fite went to a full-court press. The Huskies looked like they'd never, ever seen a press. Five minutes later, that massive lead was toast. The Huskies did pull out a win, but unless they figured out how to deal with the pressure, this could be a very long night. Bloomsburg is tremendously sporadic -- but is capable of hanging. Why? Who knows. Sometimes they just play well. ESU -23.5

West Chester at Shippensburg - The Raiders have dropped 6 straight, and are fresh of an epic beatdown. Unfortunately for Chris Fite, there's no cure coming to town tonight. West Chester is coming in with a 10-5 record (and it should be a little better). The Rams feature an array of talented guards who can score from all over. Add in some good size under the basket, and this has all the makings of another massacre. That said, Ship usually plays pretty well at home, and, the Raiders are due. West Chester isn't always consistent (i.e. they don't always turn up the volume). So, they can be a tricky bunch to bet. Regardless, take the Rams. WCU -15.5