SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — IUP will hit the road Wednesday for a midweek Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference matchup against Slippery Rock, looking to extend its early-season momentum. The Crimson Hawks have won two of three games in 2026 and enter the contest on a two-game win streak. This marks IUP's first road game of the year.
Slippery Rock and IUP come into the game close in the PSAC standings, with the Rock holding a 6-2 record and the Crimson Hawks at 6-1 in conference play. Last season, the teams split their regular-season meetings, but IUP defeated Slippery Rock 69-67 in the first round of the PSAC Tournament at Morrow Field House.
IUP enters the game riding strong individual performances. Redshirt senior guard Dallis Dillard is having a career year, becoming the only player in the country averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game. He recently posted a career-high 31 points with seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals against Pitt-Johnstown. Dillard leads the Crimson Hawks in scoring, followed by Christian Moore and Kymani Merraro. The team has emphasized efficiency this season, with four players shooting above 50 percent from the floor, including Luke Triggs and Damir Brooks. IUP has also maintained a positive turnover margin in every game and has used a deep rotation, with nine players averaging at least 10 minutes per contest.
Slippery Rock comes into the matchup 13-3 overall and winners of its last two PSAC games. Seventh-year head coach Ian Grady has led the Rock to its best season under his tenure, nearing his previous high of 19 wins. The Rock features five players averaging double figures in scoring and has started nine different players this season, all playing at least 20 minutes per game.
IUP holds a 66-31 lead in the all-time series with Slippery Rock, though the Rock has won three of the last four meetings. In the PSAC Tournament matchup last March, Kymani Merraro scored 25 points, Luke Triggs added 16, and Christian Moore contributed 14 as the Crimson Hawks advanced past the Rock.
Veteran leadership will be key for IUP, which has three seniors in its starting lineup and four senior contributors overall. The Crimson Hawks have played four games decided by 10 points or fewer, going 2-2, and rank second in the PSAC in scoring margin at 15.4 points per game, behind only Gannon. With a mix of experience and depth, IUP will look to keep its strong start intact as it faces a familiar rival on the road.
