No. 9 IUP Crimson Hawks (14-2, 10-2) vs. Mercyhurst Lakers (11-7, 7-5)
Saturday, January 26, 2013 | 7:30 PM
Kovalchick Complex | Indiana, PA

Complete Game Notes (.PDF)

LIVE COVERAGE
Watch: NMTVSports.com (IUP-TV)
Listen: RedZoneMedia.com (WQMU 92.5 FM)
Stats: IUPAthletics.com

AT A GLANCE
Two of the PSAC's best defenses square off at the Kovalchick Complex Saturday as the Crimson Hawks host Mercyhurst. IUP is riding a six-game win streak dating back to early January, while the Lakers are hoping a signature win over the West Division leader will wipe away the sting of recent struggles in conference play.

LAST TIME OUT
Sr. C Dan Ayebo (Indiana/Indiana) scored 13 points, including eight in overtime as the Crimson Hawks hung on for a wild 86-75 win at Edinboro Wednesday night. Jr. G Mathis Keita (Thionville, France/Insep) netted a team-high 21 points and grabbed nine boards, while Sr. G Anthony Wells (Cleveland, OH/Shaker Heights) finished with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. IUP outscored the Fighting Scots 13-2 in the extra session after coughing up a double-digit lead in the second half.

BACK TO THE WELL
After a slow start to the 2012-13 campaign, Wells has found the shooting touch in recent weeks, averaging 15.4 points per game over his last five. The senior logged a career-high 40 minutes against Edinboro, and is the only Crimson Hawk to start in every game this season.

LOCK DOWN DEFENSE
IUP is up to its usual tricks on the defensive tricks this season, ranking 2nd in the conference in scoring defense. The Crimson Hawks allow just 58.6 points per game and are 3rd in the PSAC in field goal percentage defense, forcing opponents to shoot just 38.8% from the field. IUP will face another stifling defensive unit in a Mercyhurst team that ranks 4th in scoring defense (61.7) and steals (8.4).

NOT BY CHANCE
So. G Devante Chance (Philadelphia, Pa. /Electrical & Technology Charter) has continued his development into one of the best young guards in the conference this season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 assists per game off the bench. The sophomore tallied 7 points and a career-high 8 helpers in the Crimson Hawks win at Edinboro.

NATIONAL POLLS
The Crimson Hawks made a dramatic move in the latest NABC Division II Poll this week, jumping up seven spots to 9th after winning their fifth straight game Saturday. The ranking is IUP's highest ranking since March 6, 2012, when the Crimson Hawks were ranked 10th. IUP remains the only PSAC team to be featured in the polls, while undefeated Metro State takes over the top spot for the first time this season following a loss by previous No. 1 West Liberty.

THE HEAD COACH
Joe Lombardi (Youngstown State, '81) enters his seventh season as the head coach of the IUP men's basketball program after leading the Crimson Hawks to a third consecutive PSAC regular season title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament for a fourth straight season in 2011-12. Prior to his time with the Crimson Hawks, Lombardi served as an assistant coach at Saint Francis (PA), LaSalle, and the University of Pittsburgh. Lombardi has a career record of 137-61 at IUP.