CLARION, Pa. – The No. 7 Indiana University of Pennsylvania women's basketball team returns to the road Wednesday for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference matchup against Clarion at the Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 11:30 a.m.
The Crimson Hawks are coming off a home victory over Edinboro and are off to the strongest start of head coach Craig Carey's four-year tenure. IUP climbed to No. 7 in this week's national polls and continues to establish itself as one of the top teams in Division II.
IUP is 3-0 against nationally ranked opponents this season, highlighted by a 68-63 road win at Gannon, then ranked in the top five. Senior Nyshae' Weaver has recorded a double-double in every game against ranked competition and leads the Crimson Hawks with 15.6 points per game, while averaging 9.0 rebounds.
The Crimson Hawks boast one of the most efficient offenses in the PSAC, ranking second in scoring at 79.5 points per game and leading the conference with a .512 field goal percentage. Weaver anchors the attack, while Ellie Wilkerson has surged in conference play, posting five straight double-digit scoring games after reaching that mark just twice in the season's first 10 contests. Wilkerson's season high came against Millersville, when she scored 23 points on 5-for-5 shooting from 3-point range.
Transfer Teresa Maggio has emerged as a key contributor, leading the team in minutes played (25.7 per game), ranking second in scoring (13.3 PPG) and pacing the Crimson Hawks with 39 steals. IUP's depth has been a major factor, with 11 players averaging double-digit minutes and eight playing at least 15 minutes per game.
Defensively, IUP ranks among the elite nationally, allowing just 52.2 points per game, the second-best mark in the PSAC. The Crimson Hawks' +27.3 scoring margin leads the conference and ranks third in Division II. IUP has also controlled the glass, averaging 40.6 rebounds per game while limiting opponents to 25.8 rebounds, both top-five marks in the PSAC.
Clarion enters the contest with a 10-6 overall record and an 8-3 mark at home, currently riding a three-game homestand. The Golden Eagles are coming off a six-point win over Pitt-Johnstown. Sophomore Zoe Guice has been a breakout performer, leading Clarion with 17.5 points per game while adding 4.0 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and a team-high 46 steals.
IUP holds a 60-22 advantage in the all-time series through 82 meetings and has won 15 consecutive games against Clarion. The Crimson Hawks swept the Golden Eagles during the 2024-25 season, winning by a combined 44 points. Under Carey, IUP's closest contest against Clarion was a four-point road victory during the 2022-23 season.
Carey owns a .750 winning percentage during his tenure, ranking second in program history behind Hall of Famer Tom McConnell.
The Crimson Hawks will look to extend their dominance in the series and continue their strong PSAC play when they take the floor Wednesday afternoon in Clarion.
