SLIPPERY ROADS ON THE WAY TO SLIPPERY ROCK FOR THE IUP TEAMS

The IUP basketball teams hit the snow-covered road tonight for a doubleheader at Slippery Rock. The Crimson Hawks’ men will be looking to keep the momentum going after a buzzer-beating win over Seton Hill on Saturday. The women have some adversity to overcome, with an injury-depleted lineup hoping to get back on track.

The IUP men are 9-8, 5-5 in the PSAC and are just behind Slippery Rock, which is 10-9 and 6-5. But the Rock’s men were a preseason conference favorite and they are a veteran team with a lot of scoring potential, even if star guard Maceo Austin is unable to return from injury.

Coach Joe Lombardi says even though Slippery Rock has lost three out of their last four games, they’re a dangerous team.

IUP will take the floor tonight with the PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week in freshman guard Ian Herring, who was given the honor yesterday. Herring had seven defensive rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in a win over UPJ and he followed that up with a double-double…14 points and 10 rebounds against Seton Hill. He had four more blocked shots and three steals against the Griffins. In his last five games, Herring has 17 steals and eight blocks.

The IUP women played much of their loss to Seton Hill on Saturday with four guards and one post player on the floor, with injuries and foul trouble the big factors, so coach Craig Carey is hoping to find the right formula for his team. IUP is 13-3 and 8-2 in the PSAC while Slippery Rock is 7-10 and 4-7.

After Saturday’s game, Carey said his team needs to learn to play hard from the opening tipoff.