INDIANA, Pa. — The Crimson Hawks are making waves in the basketball scene, ranking No. 25 nationally as they kick off 2026 with an impressive 8-1 record. They’re set to take on West Chester and Millersville at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, aiming to keep their PSAC record spotless.
Millersville and West Chester are leading the PSAC East, with Millersville at 2-1 and West Chester at 1-2. Millersville plays Pitt-Johnstown first before heading to Indiana for Saturday’s match.
Team Highlights
The Crimson Hawks have a strong lineup, returning four players who averaged double digits last season. Christian Moore leads the charge as the top scorer. Coach Joe Lombardi is celebrating his 20th year and ranks among the top five active Division II coaches with 439 wins, 271 in PSAC play.
Redshirt senior Dallis Dillard has stepped up this season, already surpassing his previous career assists record with six games of at least five assists. He’s delivered a total of 44 assists so far.
The Hawks have shown great discipline on the court, forcing more turnovers than they’ve committed in every game. Dillard leads the team with 18.8 points per game, followed closely by Moore at 14.7 and Kymani Merraro at 14.3. Coach Lombardi has been effective in utilizing his extensive bench, with six players averaging over 20 minutes each game.
Team efficiency is a key focus, with six players shooting better than .500. Damir Brooks also stands out, ranking second in the PSAC for blocks with 1.7 per game.
A Look at West Chester
West Chester enters the game with a 7-3 record, holding onto a 1-2 PSAC mark. Their recent losses to rankings No. 15 Gannon and Clarion put pressure on them as they aim to rebound. Head coach Damien Blair, in his 17th season, has amassed 310 wins, steadily closing in on the program record.
Matchup History
IUP leads the all-time series against West Chester, 18-14. Though West Chester won their last meeting in 2024, the Hawks had dominated previously, winning five straight. IUP has a solid home record, 12-5, against the Golden Rams.
Millersville Overview
Millersville is setting the pace in the PSAC East, being the only team with a winning record as 2026 begins. They recently lost a tight game against Gannon after two victories. Coach Casey Stitzel has been with the program for 17 years, boasting a winning percentage of over 56%.
Historical Context
IUP is eyeing its 20th win against Millersville, having lost only seven of their 26 past matchups. The Hawks enjoyed an 11-game winning streak from 2009 to 2022 against the Marauders and last lost at home to them in 2008.
Basketball continues to evolve, with teams like IUP showing that a mix of experience and fresh talent can create a winning formula. This season’s progress reflects not only hard work but a deeper understanding of the game, with stats showcasing individual and team growth. Stay tuned as these teams battle it out in the PSAC.
For more on PSAC basketball, check out the latest updates on the PSAC website.
