PSAC WEST

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Just in time to play IUP on Monday.

Their PG Whitehead also finally returned.

The other SG (WCU transfer) is still out.

[IUPalum]

With KJ playing, Cal win by 20 plus.

[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

[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.

[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]

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

[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 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

[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.

[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]

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.

[Scrub]

West Liberty at West Virginia State tonight. Lol

That's always a tough game to handicap. WVSU could be 2-13 and they'd still play WLU tough. (And obviously they're not 2-13 this year.)

With WVSU having a home court boost, and the status of Spadafora unclear for WLU, I'd lead toward a pick-'em in this match-up.

[IUP24]

That's always a tough game to handicap. WVSU could be 2-13 and they'd still play WLU tough. (And obviously they're not 2-13 this year.)

With WVSU having a home court boost, and the status of Spadafora unclear for WLU, I'd lead toward a pick-'em in this match-up.

I saw somebody say that about the Wheeling game and West Lib won by 45 or something Lol...

[Scrub]

I saw somebody say that about the Wheeling game and West Lib won by 45 or something Lol...

That's fair. But Wheeling has nowhere near the talent WVSU does. Whomever said that was merely banking on "rivalry magic" from Wheeling. No such luck on Saturday.

And that's also why I don't try my hand at odds-making. I always think my team is in danger of losing until they don't.

[boatcapt]

That's fair. But Wheeling has nowhere near the talent WVSU does. Whomever said that was merely banking on "rivalry magic" from Wheeling. No such luck on Saturday.

And that's also why I don't try my hand at odds-making. I always think my team is in danger of losing until they don't.

WVSU is one of those "on any given night" teams. They are always loaded with "athletes" and when they are on, they can hang with and beat the best of them. Problem is that it's a pretty rare occurrence when they are all on at the same time.

Would I be completely surprised if WVSU won this game? Maybe a little, but not gob smacked. Would I be surprised if WLU wins by less that 10? Not really. A 20+ point win? Again, it wouldn't surprise me.