GAME 25

IUP (20-4 | 15-3 PSAC) vs California (Pa.) (18-7 |  15-3 PSAC)
Wednesday,  February 25, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
California, Pa. | Convocation Center

Stream: PSAC Digital Network
Radio: U92 FM with Jack Benedict and Tony Coccagna

CALIFORNIA, Pa. -- The IUP men's basketball team close up their road games of the 2025-26 regular season against Danny Sancomb and his Vulcans. Tipoff is set for 7:30PM inside the Convocation Center.

Most recently, IUP rolled past Clarion, marking the Crimson Hawks longest win streak of the season. California (PA) got shocked on the road against Edinboro and look to recover at home.

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 451, including 280 in PSAC play.
>> 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 (17.7) are ranked first and sixth respectively in scoring in the PSAC.
>> Dillard's 124 total assists accumulated throughout the season is third most in the PSAC.
>> IUP's 3-PT offensive and defensive capabilities have been nothing shy but elite. IUP ranks first in 3-PT FG% (.376) and ranked fifth when denying opponents of the 3-PT shot (.312).
>> IUP's 248 3-PT FGs made during the season is most in the PSAC.
>> Moore's great efficiency from beyond the arc lands Moore seventh in the PSAC in 3-PT FG% (.418)
>> Moore's 81 3-PT FGs is second most in the PSAC. Three shy of first.
>> Highlighting stellar defensive playmaking, Dillard leads the PSAC in steals (63) while Damir Brooks is ranked sixth in blocked shots (26).
>> IUP's defensive rebounding has been pivotal to overall team success, the Crimson Hawk's 33.8 rebounds allowed per game is fourth least in the PSAC.


CALIFORNIA (PA) AT A GLANCE
Welcoming the Crimson Hawks to the Convocation Center, the Vulcans hold an overall record of 18-7 and a conference record of 15-3. California (PA) most recently saw their three game win streak get broken by Edinboro falling 77-85 on the road.

Leading scorer for the Vulcans is redshirt Junior forward Bryson Lucas. Emphasizing quantity and quality, Lucas leads the Vulcans with 17.2 PPG on an efficient .500 FG% while leading California (PA) in field goals made (165). Defensively, Lucas has grabbed 200 defensive rebounds and has logged a team-high 51 steals alongside with 28 blocks.

SERIES HISTORY
IUP leads the all-time series 58-45 dating back to the first matchup recorded in 1981. Looking at the last ten games, IUP won the first five matchups, however, the Vulcans have crawled closer out of the deficit, winning the last four of five matchups.

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 451 wins and a .761 winning percentage. His 451 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 (85.8). Putting up an even better show on defense, IUP is ranked third in the conference in scoring defense (72.8). The Crimson Hawks point margin of +13.0 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 (21.3) and steals (63). 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 (+3.21) 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 17.7 PPG is second-best on his team, sixth in the PSAC. Moore has also been a continious threat on defense, recording 30 steals so far this season, second-most on IUP.