Erie, Pa.—With three postponed games in the rearview mirror, the Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team is ready to take the court again as they head to No. 21 Indiana (Pa.) Saturday for a 1 p.m. matchup.
The Matchup
IUP has been dominant against the Lakers since they first met in 1983, with the Crimson Hawks holding a 29-6 record against Mercyhurst. IUP swept their season series against Mercyhurst during the 2019-20 season as well.
Worth the Wait
This will be the first time these two teams have met since Feb. 1, 2020, after their first scheduled meeting earlier this season was postponed due to health and safety protocols. In addition, the Lakers have not played a game in over a week, when they lost to Edinboro in double-overtime on Jan. 19.
You Only Get One Shot
The Lakers are averaging 40.7 rebounds per game this season, which is tied for second in the conference. Most of their success has come under their opponents' rims, leading to a conference-best 32.4 defensive rebounds per game. That mark is also the highest in Division II. They have plenty of opportunities every game as well due to their opponents shooting just 34.9 percent from the floor, which is third in the conference and 22nd in the nation.
Listen Live
Saturday's game will have an audio stream available courtesy of Jack Angelucci, who will provide live coverage starting at 12:50 p.m. Both the men's and women's games will be available to stream at https://mixlr.com/mercyhurst-athletics.
Scouting the Crimson Hawks
Recent losses have caused IUP to slip to No. 21 in the latest Women's Basketball Coaches Association national poll, while they have dropped off of the Division II Sports Information Directors of America national media poll. They are currently ranked No. 7 in D2SIDA's Atlantic Region poll. Now 12-4 and 6-4 in conference play, the Crimson Hawks fell 63-60 at UPJ on Monday before rebounding for a 76-67 win at home against Edinboro Wednesday.
