IUP Crimson Hawks (17-3, 13-3) at Clarion Golden Eagles (5-15, 3-13)
Saturday, February 9, 2013 | 7:30 PM
Tippin Gymnasium | Clarion, PA

Complete Game Notes (.PDF)

LIVE COVERAGE
Listen: RedZoneMedia.com (WQMU 92.5 FM)
Stats: ClarionGoldenEagles.com
 
AT A GLANCE
The Crimson Hawks saw their ten-game win streak snapped at the hands of Gannon Wednesday, but IUP still sits atop the PSAC West heading into Saturday's tilt with Clarion. Th e Golden Eagles have struggled this season, but an upset win could change the landscape of the West entering the guts of the season.

LAST TIME OUT
Jr. G Mathis Keita (Thionville, France/Insep) scored a game-high 16 points but the Crimson Hawks were unable to hold on to a late lead, falling to Gannon 57-55 Wednesday night. IUP's perfect record at home this season was wiped away, as well as the Crimson Hawks 10-game win streak.

THE CLOSER
Renkin has been the go-to Crimson Hawk late in games this season, delivering in the clutch on several occasions during IUP's win streak. He notched the Crimson Hawks fi nal four points in a 57-54 win over Mercyhurst and put away Slippery Rock with a layup and a tough contested jumper in the game's waning moments Saturday.

ON THE ROAD
IUP has been impressive on the road this season, compiling a record of 5-2 away from campus this season. The Crimson Hawks have not dropped an away game since early January, and will look notch another 'W' Saturday at Clarion.

LOCK DOWN DEFENSE
IUP is up to its usual tricks on the defensive end this season, leading the conference in scoring defense. The Crimson Hawks allow just 57.5 points per game and are 3rd in the PSAC in fi eld goal percentage defense, forcing opponents to shoot just 39.0% from the fi eld.

NATIONAL POLLS
Th e Crimson Hawks jumped another spot in the latest NABC Division II Poll this week, moving up to 7th after winning their ninth straight game last Saturday. IUP and rival East Stroudsburg are the only PSAC teams to be featured in the polls, while undefeated Metro State claims the top spot in the rankings for the third consecutive week.

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 140-62 at IUP.