PSAC WEST

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Was that the 2016 team? I do think their loss in the PSAC Tournament to WCU is what did them in ultimately. They had that game won multiple times but lost at the buzzer. But yeah, either way, the bottom line is a loss in November counts equally to one in March.

Look at Ship. They've had a couple rough starts that have bit them.

What you say is 100 percent correct. I can't stand to hear the "it's early" comment after a loss. They all count the same.

You only get 8 (usually). For bubble teams to start 0-2 is usually devastating.

[IUP24]

He eluded quite directly in his media day interview that they would likely be in trouble down in Florida. Historically every year he has a big reloading/rebuilding the best time to play them is early. It seems to take a month worth of games for his new players to start catching on to that defense he runs. I'm sure they'll be fine a month from now.

This may not be a powerhouse Lakers' team this year but they'll be a pain to play come January (as always).

Like you said, I hope not many are buying in to these preseason polls. Joe's going to have similar growing pains.

You never want to play them up there either. IUP always struggles up there, regardless of who Gary has on the court.

[IUP24]

Recall the year Joe played in that early tournament with a very young team and started 0-2. They eventually got better but those two losses haunted them at selection time.

Was that the 2016 team? I do think their loss in the PSAC Tournament to WCU is what did them in ultimately. They had that game won multiple times but lost at the buzzer. But yeah, either way, the bottom line is a loss in November counts equally to one in March.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

So looking at Hurst's next 5 games, they should roll to 5-2 before a clash with East Stroud. Gary isn't ducking the road either. Only 3 home games in the first 11.

He eluded quite directly in his media day interview that they would likely be in trouble down in Florida. Historically every year he has a big reloading/rebuilding the best time to play them is early. It seems to take a month worth of games for his new players to start catching on to that defense he runs. I'm sure they'll be fine a month from now.

This may not be a powerhouse Lakers' team this year but they'll be a pain to play come January (as always).

Like you said, I hope not many are buying in to these preseason polls. Joe's going to have similar growing pains.

[IUPalum]

So looking at Hurst's next 5 games, they should roll to 5-2 before a clash with East Stroud. Gary isn't ducking the road either. Only 3 home games in the first 11.

[IUPalum]

A lot going into these new teams this year. The Covid eligibility is now ending for most so the guys on rosters that seemed to be there forever are now gone. The days of the Vet teams will now be few and far between with the transfer portal rules. Guys can bounce all over the place now. Could be an entertaining year.

[Ship69]

He's got a very new team this year to learn his system and they started 0-2. They are in a hole already. Yes, Central Okla is a very good team. 0-2 is tough to dis out of for ny team. Could happen to IUP this year. They have a lot of new bodies too.

A lot of PSAC teams have new bodies this year or ones who haven't played a lot. Ship has one starter back from last year and none of the returnees averaged double digits in scoring. There are a couple of transfers. I believe East Stroud has eight freshmen. Millersville lost several guys, and West Chester has some people transferring in. From reading posts here, it looks as if Slippery Rock and Gannon have brought people in, and that Pitt-Johnstown lost a lot. I think this is going to be a constant theme with transfers the way they are now. If you can field a veteran team (providing, of course, that you have kids who can play), it's going to be an even bigger advantage than in the past.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

He's got a very new team this year to learn his system and they started 0-2. They are in a hole already. Yes, Central Okla is a very good team. 0-2 is tough to dis out of for ny team. Could happen to IUP this year. They have a lot of new bodies too.

Recall the year Joe played in that early tournament with a very young team and started 0-2. They eventually got better but those two losses haunted them at selection time.

[IUPalum]

Define long… didn’t see them play, but I’d be very surprised if they had a losing record.

He's got a very new team this year to learn his system and they started 0-2. They are in a hole already. Yes, Central Okla is a very good team. 0-2 is tough to dis out of for ny team. Could happen to IUP this year. They have a lot of new bodies too.

[IUPHawks24]

Gary is going to have a long year.

Define long… didn’t see them play, but I’d be very surprised if they had a losing record.

[Ship69]

Gary is going to have a long year.

Perhaps so, but that Central Oklahoma team might be a pretty good ball club.

[IUPalum]

Gary is going to have a long year.

[Ship69]

Mercyhurst is 0-2 (and got blown out of the building in the first game).

Looks like Central Oklahoma is coming off a 26-6 season, has a top 10 ranking, and has two 6-10 guys on the front line — probably too much for Mercyhurst to handle. The Mines game was apparently a lot closer.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Mercyhurst is 0-2 (and got blown out of the building in the first game).

[Ship69]

Pitt-Johnstown plays at Pitt tonight (exhibition).


Mercyhurst opens its season this weekend in Lakeland, FL.

The Lakers play Central Oklahoma on Saturday and Colorado School of Mines on Sunday.

They always seem to play a ton of games.