GAME 24

IUP (19-4 | 14-3 PSAC) vs Clarion  (12-13 |  7-10 PSAC)
Saturday,  February 21, 2026 | 3:00 p.m.
Indiana, Pa. | Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex

Stream: PSAC Digital Network with Doc Brown and Riley Yonchiuk
Radio: U92 FM with Jack Benedict and Tony Coccagna

THE GAME AT A GLANCE
INDIANA, Pa. -- The IUP men's basketball team look to finish up their three-game home stand undefeated against Clarion. Tipoff is set for 3:00PM inside the KCAC.

Most recently, IUP scored their third consecutive contest of 80+ points in a victory against Seton Hill. Clarion bounced back in a pivotal road game victory against Edinboro, setting their sights now on the KCAC.

TIP OFF NOTES
>> IUP head coach Joe Lombardi is in his 20th season leading the Crimson Hawks. He ranks among the top five active Division II coaches in wins with 450, including 279 in PSAC play.
>> IUP defeated Clarion earlier in the season 73-68 on the road. Four Crimson Hawks scored 10+ points in the contest, Christian Moore led the way with 18-points.
>> Dallis Dillard has been named a top 50 finalist for the Bevo Francis Award, a recognition given to the top player across small college basketball (DII, DIII, NAIA, USCAA, NCCAA).
>> Dillard (20.9) and Christian Moore (17.5) are ranked first and seventh respectively in scoring in the PSAC.
>> Moore's efficiency from beyond the arc lands Moore sixth in the PSAC in 3-PT FG% (.416)
>> Moore's 77 3-PT FGs is second most in the PSAC. Six shy of first.
>> IUP's 3-PT offensive and defensive capabilities have been nothing shy but elite. IUP ranks first in 3-PT FG% (.375) and ranked third when denying opponents of the 3-PT FG (.307)
>> IUP has taken advantage of opposing teams sending Crimson Hawks to the free throw line. IUP ranks third in the PSAC in FT% (.729)
>> Highlighting stellar defensive playmaking, Dillard leads the PSAC in steals (62) while Damir Brooks is ranked sixth in blocked shots (26).

CLARION AT A GLANCE
IUP welcome the Clarion Golden Eagles to the KCAC who hold an overall record of 12-13 and a conference record of 7-10. Winning five of their last ten contests, the Golden Eagles most recently defeated Edinboro on the road with a final score of 92-76. Clarion looks to bring the momentum of a pivotal road victory to the Crimson Hawks at the KCAC.

Leading scorer for the Golden Eagles is senior guard Trey Nelson. An offensive facilitator for Clarion, Nelson's 14.8 points-per-game on an efficient .534 FG% ontop of his team leading 165 total assists makes Nelson the heart and soul of the Clarion offense.

SERIES HISTORY
IUP leads the all-time series 68-25 dating back to 1981. Both programs have gone back and forth in the last ten contests. IUP holds the advantage winning the last three-of-five. The Crimson Hawks look to sweep Clarion after splitting the last two series.

ONE OF THE BEST
Head coach Joe Lombardi has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in Division II basketball during his 20-year career. Lombardi ranks among the top five active coaches with 450 wins and a .761 winning percentage. His 450 victories are most in program history.

ALL-AROUND ELITE SQUAD
With the return of Dillard combined with the development of the younger players, Lombardi's squad have solidified into an formidiable unit that plays at the elite level on both sides of the ball. Presenting a strong effort on the offensive side of the ball, IUP is ranked fourth in the PSAC in scoring offense (85.3). Putting up an even better show on defense, IUP is ranked third in the conference in scoring defense (72.7). The Crimson Hawks point margin of +12.7 is second best in the PSAC.

DILLARD DOMINATION
Dallis Dillard has elevated his play on both sides of the court to the elite level for the Crimson Hawks, only getting more hotter as the regular season continues. Dillard leads the PSAC in points-per-game (20.9) and steals (62). Obtaining national attention for absolute domination inside the PSAC, Dillard has been named to the top 25 watch list for the Trevor Hudgins Award, a prestigious award presented annually to a senior who has compiled the best four or five year career in small college basketball. Dillard has also been named as a top 50 finalist for the Bevo Francis Award, another honorary award presented to the top player across small college basketball.

BALL HAWKS
Lombardi's aggressive defensive stratagem has paid off successfully for IUP's defense throughout the year. The Crimson Hawks rank second in turnover margin (+3.13) in the PSAC. Four Crimson Hawks have accumulated 20+ steals.

CONSISTENT THREAT
Senior guard Christian Moore has quietly been one of the most productive scorers in the PSAC, as well as for IUP. He has reached double figures in all but one game this season. Moore's 17.5 PPG is second-best on his team, seventh in the PSAC. Moore has also been a continuous threat on defense, recording 30 steals so far this season, second-most on IUP.