The IUP men’s basketball team is set for a weekend of excitement with back-to-back games against Bloomsburg on Saturday and East Stroudsburg on Sunday. These matchups will conclude their schedule for 2025, with the team returning only after the New Year.
IUP Team Highlights
IUP is bringing back experienced players this season, including five who started at least 25 games last year. Among them is star scorer Christian Moore, who averaged double digits last season. This year also marks Coach Joe Lombardi’s 20th year with the team, where he has recorded an impressive 437 wins, placing him among the top five active Division II coaches.
Redshirt senior Dallis Dillard is showing improvement and has already tallied two games with over five assists this season, including a personal best of seven against Ashland. The team is doing well in handling the ball, committing fewer turnovers than they force in every game this year.
Kymani Merraro, the first player from IUP to earn PSAC Freshman of the Year honors, is another standout. He ranked fourth in the league in assists while starting all 30 games last season. This season, Dillard leads the team in scoring, followed closely by Moore and Merraro, with six players shooting above 50% from the field.
Bloomsburg Overview
Facing off against the Crimson Hawks, Bloomsburg has a 2-5 record, with both victories at home. The Huskies are struggling in the PSAC, having lost both of their matchups so far. They average just over 66 points per game but give up over 72, putting them at a disadvantage. Their standout player is Ries Naugle, who scores about ten points per game.
Chris Bess, the third-year head coach of Bloomsburg, has faced challenges, sporting a record of 6-48 with the Huskies.
Historical Rivalry
IUP has won 23 out of 44 matchups against Bloomsburg, including their last encounter in 2023, where they won 74-71. The Crimson Hawks are currently on an impressive eight-game win streak against the Huskies, the longest in their history.
East Stroudsburg Matchup
East Stroudsburg enters Sunday’s game with a strong 7-1 record, currently at the top of the PSAC East. They are known for their powerful scoring, outpacing opponents by an average of 14.4 points per game. The Warriors have six players scoring in double digits, led by Adrian Brito, who averages 13.6 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Head Coach Jeff Wilson is in his 21st year and has achieved significant success with 406 wins, eight PSAC East titles, and multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
In their rivalry, IUP has won 21 of 28 games against East Stroudsburg, though the Warriors triumphed by 17 points in their last matchup.
Looking Ahead
With both teams preparing for intense competition, these games provide a crucial opportunity for IUP to solidify its season. The energy is high, and fans are eager to see if the Crimson Hawks can extend their winning streak against the rivals.
