It has been a great semester bringing you the latest in all things Point Park Sports here are Point Park Sportsbeat.

On last week’s show Kevin Calhoun was back to talk Point Park Sports with Matt Desmond.

The guys started out by discussing Point Park Men’s Basketball and the road ahead. They broke down T.J. Heatherington (who leads NAIA Division II in points per game) and the game winning shot he hit to defeat Fisher College. The team is currently 7-5 on the season and do not play again until early January.

The next topic up for discussion was the Point Park Women’s Basketball Team and their road ahead. The team had just won an 80-56 contest over Fisher and Kevin and Matt focused on Ashley Campbell who was making her season debut after being on the Point Park Volleyball team during the fall sports season. Campbell led scorers with 11 points in the game. Currently the team stands at 5-4 on the season and next play tomorrow against Carnegie Mellon University.

All in all the fall sports season was a great one.

The volleyball team finished 36-6 and made it to nationals for the first time in their history. Their matches in the Student Center were the first to be played on campus by a sports team, and helped raise awareness for Point Park sports. The team will lose only two seniors and will largely return led by AMC Player of the Year Lindsey Oberacker as well as right side hitter Brittany Lhota, All-AMC setter Tayler Pugliese and a defense which includes Amanda Ardinger, M.J Gillooly and libero Alyssa Hall.

The men’s soccer team finished 12-5-1 good enough for first in the conference. Their ability to host the AMC Tournament was great in helping to establish an identity for Point Park sports. Among those expected back are midfielder Alex Sala who has made his mark with consistent play, and Lucas Silva and Wendelin Hobel who led the team in goals and assists.

The women’s soccer team finished 4-15 but performed better than their record indicates. They made the playoffs in Head Coach Mark Platt’s second year and their future looks very bright. The team will lose senior Lauren Evans but otherwise return all of their starters who were either freshmen or sophomores. These include Kristina Stammer, Kileigh Williams and goalkeeper Anna Shaw.

While both cross country teams lost their lead runners to injury early in the year, it allowed for Keri Rouse and Dylan Grunn to become leaders on this team, something which should continue in fall 2012.

Lastly, both the men’s and women’s golf teams experienced several milestones. For the women, they achieved their best team score ever, and in their last tournament, October 15^th in Grove City, the team won their first ever tournament. The team from top to bottom made great contributions, but freshmen Caroline Collins consistently scored lowest for the team. For the men, it was a great season and they won a 36 hole tournament in Mount Union which took place September 25^th and 26^th.  Austin Elder was the leader of the team and won two tournaments.

All in all, it was a great fall sports season and it was great to get to make WPPJ history by having the first ever all Point Park sports radio show. We hope you enjoyed tuning in each week to get your Point Park sports fix and hope that you tune in again next semester. Thanks so much for your support.

    Kevin Calhoun was away covering Point Park Men’s Basketball in New York, so I took his spot as host alongside Matt Desmond.

We spent the first segment discussing the PPU Men’s Soccer. The team went into the AMC Tournament ranked first and receiving home field advantage for the tournament. While they ultimately lost in the finals on Saturday, we broke down the tournament and what the team needed to do to win.

The second segment was spent discussing PPU Women’s Soccer and their matchup against top ranked Houghton. While they ended up losing the match, Matt and I broke down the tournament and what was the tough task of beating the ranked Houghton team.

We then switched into a little PPU Volleyball and previewed the match on that day, Senior Day against Houghton and also AMC Tournament which was played at the Student Center.

We then spent the last segment previewing PPU Men’s and Women’s Basketball and the keys to success for both teams in a wide open AMC Conference.

Today’s show promises to be a good one, as likely topics of discussion include the end of the PPU Soccer seasons, PPU Volleyball winning the AMC Tournament and how the PPU Men’s and Women’s Teams have fared so far. Add that in with maybe a sprinkle of national sports and you might have this week in Point Park Sportsbeat.

Be sure to listen to Point Park Sportsbeat Fridays from 2-3 PM on the voice of Point Park 670 AM WPPJ Radio.

            It was another great week of Point Park Sportsbeat, with hosts Kevin Calhoun and Matt Desmond.

This week, the guys started discussing Point Park Men’s and Women’s Soccer. With both teams looking good for AMC playoff spots, they looked ahead at the schedule and highlighted some key points from thus far in the season.

After a break, we were joined by Austin Elder and Mike Popovec from the Point Park Men’s Golf Team. They talked to Matt about the season so far, the excitement as well as preparing for the spring, when play will start once again.

We then discussed national sports and teased Volley for Vision, an event involving the Point Park Volleyball team.

You definitely want to tune in to today’s show, as we have Point Park Men’s Soccer Head Coach Jeroen Walstra and Point Park Women’s Soccer Head Coach Mark Platts coming onto the show to talk soccer and how their seasons have gone thus far.

Be sure to listen to Point Park Sportsbeat each Friday from 2 PM- 3 PM to get the latest on everything going on in the Point Park sporting world.

To listen to the show, visit the Point Café or go to www.wppjradio.com.

Be sure to tune in today for some great sports talk here on the voice of Point Park 670 AM WPPJ Radio.

Ok and here are the links for A to Z Sports (I will start with earliest and go to most recent)

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHcCG9xMAKs&feature=channel_video_title - Interview with Alex Sala of the Point Park Men’s Soccer Team.

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZbgBKi1HZo&feature=channel_video_title - Interview with Alyssa Hall of the Point Park Volleyball Team.

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaAEuBb3xRE&feature=channel_video_title - Interview with Anna Shaw of the Point Park Women’s Soccer Team.

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz-W9ZaDHQQ&feature=channel_video_title - Interview with Tim Lyman Assistant Coach for Point Park Men’s and Women’s Cross Country.

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzPuXv2cnqQ&feature=channel_video_title - Part 1/2 Interview with Pittsburgh Penguins VP of Communications Tom McMillan.

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtsBqGehy1E&feature=channel_video_title - Part 2/2 Interview with Pittsburgh Penguins VP of Communications Tom McMillan.

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BaG1pafWYA&feature=channel_video_title - Interview with Point Park Men’s/Women’s Golf Coach and Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach Gabe Bubon.

Information:

A to Z Sports can be heard every Wednesday from 4 PM- 6PM.

Like A to Z Sports on Facebook

Follow A to Z Sports on Twitter @AtoZSportsWPPJ

Any ideas for show openings? Contact zmweiss@pointpark.edu with your name, major and idea. The best idea each week will be used on the show.

            First off, I would like to apologize for the lack of entry last week. There was no show two weeks ago thus no entry.

            Moving on to last week’s show, hosts Kevin Calhoun and Matt Desmond both ran through the soccer teams to open the show before breaking for a commercial.

            I joined the guys in on some Point Park Volleyball talk as the team had defeated previously undefeated rival Walsh for the first time in team history and also had started playing in the Clearwater Christian Tournament as we spoke. Matt and I agreed that this was the best volleyball team we have seen so far in our time at Point Park, and we all think that they have the chance to run the table for the rest of their schedule. As I type this entry, the team is currently 26-4.

            After another break, the guys came back and quickly broke down golf and cross country and offered previews as no game action occurred for either sport over the week.

            This gave all three of us a few minutes to discuss national sports and for me to continue bragging about how I selected the Detroit Lions as my team to look out for. The team is undefeated and looking good so far.

            This week will have some more great sports talk as well as a lot of results. As always, Point Park Sportsbeat will cover all of the fall sports and maybe even sprinkle in some national sports at the end.

            Point Park Sportsbeat is on Fridays from 2 PM- 3 PM and is the only WPPJ show to focus entirely on Point Park sports. Give us a “like” on Facebook to stay up to date on all things Point Park Sports. Feel free to listen to Point Park Sportsbeat in the Point Café or at www.wppjradio.com.

            Be sure to tune in later today to hear some great Point Park sports talk on the voice of Point Park 670 AM WPPJ Radio.

]]> http://wppjradio.pointparkjournalism.com/blog/point-park-sportsbeat-blog-by-zachary-weiss-4/feed 0 http://wppjradio.pointparkjournalism.com/blog/point-park-sportsbeat-blog-by-zachary-weiss http://wppjradio.pointparkjournalism.com/blog/point-park-sportsbeat-blog-by-zachary-weiss#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:37:21 +0000 Coral Pragier http://wppjradio.pointparkjournalism.com/?p=2185 Continue reading]]>

Including tonight eight games remain for the Pioneers. Four against teams below them in the standings, four against teams above them. They need to take care of business if they want to go to the playoffs. That means win against those bottom four, and steal a couple. And there are more than a couple that this team can steal when they play well. Tonight they take on the Malone Pioneers, a lonely 1-7 in conference play. But PPU can not just look at the record. I would love to see PPU make a statement win. Pedal to the metal all night long. If they can, go out there and blow a team out by 30, get some confidence. Do not run the shot clock out with 17 minutes in the 2nd half. Do not be the nice guys, or in this case ladies. Same old Malone team here, Amy Kittle and Allyson Wilson both have double-figures in scoring on the season, but those are both ladies who do their damage from the outside so the Pioneers will have to defend the perimeter. Inside players like Ashley Speicher and Tyler Darland do not scare me in the least. The only thing that does is a girl names Julie Conley. A sophomore who stands at 6’6, but she has only appeared in four games this year and averages 2 points per. Not that scary when you really look at it. Now to the keys

PPU: 1. Take advantage of the paint: Need somewhere between 30-40 points in the paint in this one for me to be satisfied. That does not mean Peterkin and company have to do all that work. Henderson and others need to penetrate to do that work as well.

2. Rebound: Can not get out rebounded by a team like the Pioneers (Malone). You have to get a butt on someone and create that space down low. Everyone can boxout, doesn’t matter the size, you have to choose to do it though.

3. 40 minutes: Last time I checked there are 40 minutes in a women’s basketball game. The Pioneers need to play all of them and get some momentum. If you play 40 tonight and know that it is possible to play to the potential you are able to, then good things will come. Like one winning turning into two, two to three, three in four, and hell not to get crazy but maybe a little winning streak.

Malone: 1. Clog the paint: PPU offense is mainly focused on the paint area. Whether it is from the forwards or penetration. If you clog up the paint then the Pioneers offense get disrupted.

2. Get in a rhythm from deep: If you shoot well from the outside early and come out with a strong jab to start the game you might startle the Pioneers at home. Teams like you just need to hang in there to have a chance, the answer is the three ball.

3. Look to today, not yesterday: I know you are on a 6 game losing streak, most people do not know this but a lot of basketball is mental. Thinking that you are going to make the shot, telling yourself to push it on defense. When teams are in skids, sometimes they forget this. 6 is in the past, look to today.

Prediction: I would like to say that I saw a different Pioneers team over the weekend… I didn’t… But for whatever reason I know this team is one game away from turning a season around. All is not lost, today is the day. Pioneers win, well Point Park that is 80-54.

The Pioneer men’s roller coaster season continued over the weekend. A tough loss to MVNU where Kris Douse tied a school record with 45 points. Then less than 24 hours later they go out and play one of the top 5 halves of basketball I have seen them play in my four years here, then go out and play a lackluster second half, win by 10 and have Coach Rager tie the all-time wins record at the school. Congratulations coach, 305 is a good feat. I know you have some more in you, its has been a pleasure to be here with you during the wins, and the losses. Coach is a great guy, he will fight for you all the time, but he expects the best out of you and the team no matter what.

Right now is no different than any other time. The team has great potential, and he knows that, regardless of the injury bug that is around the team right now. TJ Heatherington still out with a knee injury, might be able to come back towards the tail end, Jimmy Sherwood missed the Wilberforce game due to a wrist injury but is expected to play this evening, also Josh Trocchio is battling a wrist injury but he played against Wilberforce and was not listed on the very official injury report. But the team is not in disarray, Joel Cashatt has filled in nicely for Heatherington, and TJ’s brother Robbie has played well at times too. And Douse, well he has been a monster. AMC Player of the Week for his work last week. Over the weekend he had 74 points through two games. His ability to created is unmatched, and the Pioneers need it down the stretch.

Including tonight the Pioneers have 10 games left, six of which are on the road, and are tough road games at that (#1 Walsh, Cedarville, Roberts Wesleyan, and #18 Malone). As for the other Pioneers they are coming off a home loss to Daemen but only dropped one spot in the rankings. This Malone team puzzles me. I look at their stats, and roster, and think that this team is just so darn beatable. No one that is going to kill you with height (Brandson Ephraim is 6’7 215 and Ebi Porbeni is 6’6 225). The danger is from the outside with this team. Kyle Higgins, Eric Coblentz, Jock Rottman, and others can all shoot the deep ball. If they are on, you might as well go home and take the rest of the night off because you will not beat them. But even if they just have an ok day from deep I feel that this team is beatable. Just not impressed. Now later on tonight I might be eating those words, but I have an odd feeling that tonight might be a night for the green and gold. Pioneers lost by 3 last year against a team that is very similar to this one (personal wise). Lets get to the keys

PPU 1. Joel Cashatt: He is my number one key. He needs to go out there and do what he has done well in the absence of Heatherington. And that is be the floor general. He has had a triple-double once this year, why not another? He is great from the outside, above average passer, and a good rebounder. Needs to be the better PG on the floor tonight.

2. Rebound: When Malone misses, which I do not thing happens a lot, you need to limit them to just ONE shot. Do not give them second, third, and fourth opportunities to get it outside and jab you with a trey.

3. Run the system: PPU is best when they are running the floor. Get out and push and make Malone run with you on the road. Go try and put up 200, you might need all of the 200 you get.

Malone: 1. Perimeter offense: I do not think I am telling any secrets here but the Pioneers defense has been, well, sketchy. You’ll have open shots, knock them down when you get them.

2. Box Douse: You need to keep this guy off the boards on both ends. He is like a vacuum when that ball is on the glass. Much like in football when you put a hat on a hat, you need to put something on Douse, arm, leg, shoe anything to slow him down.

3. Respond: Time for that short memory thing with the men too. Just came off a lose at home against Daemen. Need to make a quick turnaround or things could fall for you quickly. It will help if you get out early and go on a run. Do not let the Pioneers hang in.

Prediction: I just do not get this Malone team. I just don’t. If the Pioneers were totally healthy I would have less trouble picking them. But for whatever reason I can not pick this Malone team on the road. Gut says go Malone, but mind says go Point Park……. Mind of matter this time around, do not make me look like a fool… 105-96 Point Park

Well thats all folks, remember fan vans tonight, if you can not catch on of those, listen like on the MSA Sports Network and 670 AM WPPJ. Myself and Kevin Calhoun with the women, myself and Aaron Cooney with the men. Bring your brooms if you are coming to the game. And for goodness sakes can we get a theme night for the students??? Dress up! Make it a true home-court advantage!

Women’s Keys:

PPU: 1. Henderson and Austin: Need, need, need, need, need, need, need to get these two going. They can not shoot poorly and expect to win games. 6-21 is not acceptable. They know that, and I know that they can get it done.

2. Slowdown Himes: Not going to stop her, just not going to happen. However, you need to slow her down. Double, triple team her. Peterkin might not play, in comes Terrica Jones who is back after missing the first semester, welcome back your gift is Amanda Himes.

3. Get open jumpers: The Pioneers offense has struggled and one of the main reasons is because they have not been able to get open looks. Penetration is the main way the Pioneers have gotten production, but teams have clogged the middle, time to find something new.

MVNU: 1. Exploit Jones: She hasn’t played in almost a year, you have to exploit that. And none better than feeding Himes early and often.

2. Transition Offense: Last year MVNU beat the Pioneers by running the floor, and since that game the Pioneers still have not been totally better in transition. Do it again.

3. Rebound: This has been the big bugaboo from the Pioneers this season. Beat them on the boards, beat them in the game.

Prediction: Tough to go on the road in the AMC and win, I think MVNU defends their home floor. 75-72

On the other side of the sex the PPU men seem that they are finally starting to get heathy. Leading scoring Jimmy Sherwood will return tonight and just in time. The Pioneers were able to shoot well at home against Cedarville and not miss Sherwood and Heatherington too much, but against Roberts, the size was too much to have almost 30 points per game in street clothes. However Kris Douse stepped up big, missing a 20 points 20 rebound game by just only a board. Last year the Pioneers were able to go into MVNU and get a huge road win against the Cougars. One thing that isnt in the box score is that their leader Brandon Short was injured in that game. This season Short is once again the leading scoring for this team with 14.5 per contest. He is the tick for this teams clock, they go as he goes. But he does have help, three others in double figures Robbie Taylor (12.8), Danil Zakhlebnyy (10.9), and Adam Grimm (10.4). So Short has options and has used them with a team high 80 assists this season. Now to the keys:

PPU: 1. Get Jimmy Started: Hasn’t played in a over a week and is coming off injury. I would like to see him get going, that way his confidence is up and can help this team out.

2. FREE THROWS: YOU CAN NOT LEAVE POINTS ON THE LINE, ITS CALLED THE CHARITY STRIPE FOR A REASON. MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS! Now that I got that out of my system. If the Pioneers make their FT’s Tuesday, they win, period.

3. Score 95: Thats self explanatory.

MVNU: 1. 3 point shooting: Pioneers love to use that 2-3 zone, leaves shooters open, need to knock down your shots.

2. Rebound: Pioneers are not the tallest team but they play like it at times, box out, clean the class and you can get a lot of second chance points.

Prediction: I think Sherwood sparks this team to an important road win. 95-89

Well thats all folks, remember what I said at the beginning, it is important. All games this weekend will be LIVE on the MSA Sports Network and 670 AM WPPJ. Stay in from the snow, and listen in to some great basketball action!

Women’s Keys

PPU: 1. Get the stars started: Need to have Henderson and Austin going early on. The struggling has gone on for long enough, time to get onto a roll.

2. Cancel the Bigs: If you can get Peterkin’s production to cancel out McMillion’s production then the Pioneers should be in good shape to roll at home.

3. Bench Production: I still, really want to see the bench get involved whether it comes from points, rebounds, intensity level, some type of production whether it be in the stat column or not.

4. 2nd half hangover: Adding a 4th key which doesn’t really need to be said but I am saying it anyone. If you play well in the first half, don’t get a hangover for the 2nd. Continue with the momentum and get a BIG win.

RWC Keys: 1. Best the Press: Pioneers love to try and trap at halfcourt and that slows down a lot of teams. You need to beat that quickly so you are not stuck with only 10-15 seconds left on the shot clock.

2. Stop Penetration: PPU’s offense lives and dies by penetration, if you can stop it you will be in good shape and keep the Pioneers in low numbers, if not, watch out.

3. Establish McMillion: Last thing you need to do on the road is to become one-dementional. Get her going and that should open the perimeter shooting.

Prediction. Pioneers getting a much needed win to stop this bleeding. They roll 78-60

Over to the Men’s side of things if I would have told you that Jimmy Sherwood would not play, then TJ Heatherington would be injured in the first 30 seconds of the game would you believe that the Pioneers would win? I wouldn’t either, but the did. By far playing their BEST game in a long time against Cedarville and getting an overtime win. Joel Cashatt and Josh Trocchio had big days from everywhere on the floor including beyond the arc. Also, freshman Robbie Heatherington little brother of TJ stepped in for his brother in a big way having 18 points. Tonight Sherwood will not play and Heatherington is doubtful. Starting backcourt out again and the opponent is no pushover. Roberts is only 7-10 but they have dealt with the injury bug all season long and they are finally starting to get healthy so this is a team to watch out for. This team is on a slide though, losing 10 of their last 12, but I can not stress this enough, they are better than what their record shows. If they play, guys like Dan Foley (15.2 PPG), Jordan Heath (15 PPG) and Alif Bland (8.5 PPG) will give Point Park matchup problems. Now to the keys.

Men’s Keys:

PPU: 1. Get Robbie going: If he gets the nod tonight for the Pioneers then he needs to get going early to get his confidence up. When the confidence is up he is a very good player.

2. Rebound Rebound Rebound: Don’t give the Raiders more opportunities, Crash the boards and get out into transition. Its what you like to do and you are good at it. Don’t limit your offense by not cleaning the glass.

3. Get the 3 going: When Cedarville got back into the game Saturday it was when the Pioneers struggled shooting the 3. You have a lot of people that can get in there and shoot the longball. You have to get the open looks to do it. Work it inside and the outside will open up.

RWC: 1. Keep Douse off the window: Box him out early and try and get into his head, if you give him free reign at the space he wants it will be a long, long day.

2. Speed Limit: Limit the Pioneers that will try and run. Whether you put some pressure on them or whatever, do not let them run or they will put up over 100

Prediction: This is a definite upset alert game. But all the Pioneers need to do is play their game and they will take care of business. Pioneers sweep 95-77

That will do it folks. Don’t forget to listen live on the MSA Sports Network or 670 AM WPPJ. There are also fan vans to the game tonight so hop on board and come watch the Pioneers.

As for the bench… 4 points… All by Brittany Dunmire late in the game… Also not going to do it. Someone on the bench for this team needs to step up to the plate and play well, they also need to be given the opportunity. Sarah Sandin 19 minutes, 0-2 from the field.. Anna-Marie Boshkova 12 minutes, 0-4 from the field. Those are your first two players of the bench, they both need to be more productive and they can be I have to stress that and they have to be given the opportunity, i must stress that as well.

The road does not get much easier for the ladies either, tomorrow they go up against the #9 ranked team in the nation the Cedarville Yellow Jackets. They are coming into the game on an 11 game win streak and are led by their star Aubrey Siemon who is averaging a double-double per game 15 points, 12 rebounds per contest. They also have three others in double-figures Rachel Hurley (13.8), Kayla Jenerette (13.1), and Lydia Miller (10). Cedarville is a very good basketball team. If you recall from last year when Cedarville was a top 5 club these two played a very tight game in West Mifflin. Both teams didn’t play well, but it was close and Cedarville won, in fact I can’t even remember then last time PPU beat the Yellow Jackets, I am working on that, so tune in tomorrow to find out. Now to the Keys

Women’s Keys

PPU: 1. Bench Play: The Pioneers bench needs to step up and get some production in no matter who it is. Losing Heather Swedish and Anna Shaw are seeming to big bigger than anyone would have thought. Whether its Sandin or Dunmire, someone on the bench has to show up.

2. You gotta rebound!: When the Pioneers get beat in the rebound column more times than not they get beat in the scoring column too. This just doesn’t fall on the big ones, the guards need to get inside with the trees and do some work too.

3. Emotion: I would love, love, LOVE, to see someone get emotional on this team and get the team fired up. I know not everyone is that type of player. But when someone hits a shot I would love for the bench to stand and clap, or a big defensive stand, block, rebound, free throw whatever. show it, want it more than the other team and that could be an x-factor.

CU: 1: Get off strong: Last year you didn’t, and it effected you all game long and the team struggled and you almost lost. You need to get out to a fast start or you might get bit in the butt.

2. Stop Peterkin: It seems like when Peterkin rolls, the Pioneers do the same, if you stop the inside threat in hurts the Pioneers open looks on the outside.

3. Get out in transition: If you can be conditioned to run a lot it might benefit in the later half of the game. Pioneers are thin on the bench so if you get that first five tired, you might be able to cruise late.

Prediction: The Pioneers beat #25 Notre Dame and ND by a couple this year. That is the only time I can recall the Pioneers getting a win over a ranked opponent since I have been here. Until they prove to me that they can do it, I can’t go with them. CU 73-PPU 67 in a close one.

On the other side of things, the men came off a tough loss at Daemen 92-80, the Pioneers trailed most of the game however they did claw their way back into the game at times and had opportunities. The officiating did not help Point Park much, but that is expected, your on the road, and you should fight through that. Point Park didn’t on Tuesday. Another double-double for the machine that is Kris Douse 16 and 13 plus double-figures by TJ Heatherington (20) Joel Cashatt (13) and Josh Trocchio (11). 13 turnovers for the Pioneers to only 8 assist, that figure needs to be better. Looking at the boxscore you would thing that the Pioneers were not outplayed that much in the game, but PPU was just not able to convert as well as Daemen did in the game as the Wildcats shot 47% from the field where the Pioneers only shot 40%.

Cedarville comes to town tomorrow afternoon but this isn’t your fathers Yellow Jackets ballclub. Only averaging 78 PPG and only 4 players in double-figures led by Matt Harner (18.2), Brian Hecker (13.8), Derrick Hannon (11.7) Austin Foote (10.3), who is you recall killed Point Park last season with 24 points and as a team CU knocked down 16 three’s. The Pioneers have not been able to get a win over Cedarville since 2007 when the Pioneers defeated CU in the AMC Championship game. This one should be a good one though, now to my keys.

Men’s Keys

PPU: 1. Get open looks from 3: The Pioneers shoot the ball very well from deep but they need to create the opportunities whether it is penetrating and kicking, establishing the inside, or in transition. But they need to get good looks.

2. Defend the 3: Can’t let CU get started from the outside again this time around. If you defend their deep ball and get them out of rhythm then you can make them one-dimensional, do that and you have a good shot.

3. Limit the TO: You have to take care of the basketball, can not be throwing it to the cheerleaders, and myself because we do not play, nor do we want the ball. Limit those and get that assist to turnover ratio good.

CU: 1. Win the battle on the glass: PPU has the top rebounder in NAIA DII, box him out and limit his touches because the Pioneers want to run. If you limit the chances they have to run, they get out of rhythm which will help you out in the long run. Do it by cleaning the glass.

2. Pressure: You have to slow down PPU somehow. Why not some full-court pressure? The Pioneers would rather run than set-up the offense, because they are good at that. You have to slow them down.

3. Shoot the trey: Get it going from downtown and you will be in control all game long period. Pioneers have a history of giving up a few points from downtown, take advantage of it.

Prediction: Cedarville has dominated the series over the past few years, but they are not as good as they have been. Plus they are on the road. Ill take the good guys in this one. Although a lot of points will be up there. First to 100 wins for me. PPU 102-CU 96

Well that is all folks, hope that you enjoy the games. Remember LIVE on the MSA Sports Network. Women tip at 1, Men at 3, pre-games start 15 minutes before each. You will be in for two very good games.

Keys of the Game (Women)

PPU: 1. Work inside out: Peterkin had a very slow start against Carlow much like everyone else on the team. But it will be VITAL to get Peterkin going early and often to open up the outside.

2. Get back in tranition: Anything VITAL part of the game will be the transition for both teams. PPU struggles in this a lot. The Pioneers will need to get back on D and not give the Wildcats any easy buckets.

3. Get 1,000 early: Henderson is 5 points away from 1,000 career points. She had the chance to get it at Carlow but since the Pioneers had the lead, Coach K (not the Duke one) sat back in a passive offense. The last thing the Pioneers need is to force the ball to Henderson to try and get 1,000. It will come, just don’t force it.

Daemen 1. Utilize home-court: There have been some really bad Point Park Women’s teams go up to Daemen and play competitive in Amherst. The Pioneers are on the verge of making their way to being an elite team in the conference. Do not let them get comfortable in your gym, hop on early and don’t let go.

2. Soroka Power: Also in my memory is Soroka always having poor showing against the Pioneers. Especially at home. She needs to get going early if Daemen does not want to be upset. It will be tough going up against Peterkin, but she needs to be there.

3. Bench points: Your a deep team, show it. If you wear those starters down of PPU or get them in foul trouble, it will be easier than not getting that bench going.

Prediction: This is going to be a good one. If Soroka gets going then watch out, Daemen might cruise. But if not this one will be good. Pioneers have played well in the gym but have not come away with a win, lost their last 2 at Daemen and win-less against the Wildcast in the past 5. Time for a change. PPU 66- Daemen 60

On the Men’s side of things they have gone 2-0 over the break thus far and have been scoring at a scary rate. 94 points per game is good for 3rd in NAIA DII behind the #1 ranked team in the nation by just 2 points. In their last two games they have scored 213 points in their past two games (one against a NAIA D1 team the other against AMC conference opponent Wilberforce). Kris Douse (also Canadian) is still leading all of DII in rebounds per game with 13.36. Its the scoring and the classic run and gun offense of Bob Rager that has this team scary to face. The depth of the scoring. TJ Heatherington, Jimmy Sherwood, Douse, Joel Cashatt, Josh Trocchio, Devon Alexander, Donte Anglin can all go and get at least 10 a game, and Heatherington, Sherwood, Douse, Cashatt, and Trocchio all can get 20. They have shot well in 2011 so far and do not show any signs of slowing. The Daemen men are not a bad team either. Not what we are used to seeing, but still tough to beat especially at home. Khorri Silcott and MJ Oridami are good players but their leader is Dominic Mazzocchi who is putting in a team high 15 PPG. Remember, this Daemen team took #1 Walsh to the brink. Now to the keys

PPU: 1. Just shoot baby: The Pioneers strength is the outside. Go with it. When on, the Pioneers are as deadly as anyone shooting the deep ball. When there on, just grab an umbrella because your going to need one.

2. Actually Play Defense: Here is where the Pioneers have a problem. Defensively on nights they are horrendous. They want to outscore you but you still need to play some kind of defense.

3. Pressure the Cats: Make them make mistakes at home and get that crowd out of the game. Daemen, in the past, has had great crowds, recently not so much, make sure that if there is one, they don’t want to stay along to long.

Daemen: 1. Defend the 3: I don’t care what you do, hand in the face, yell, pull your shorts down, 3-2 defense, offer them a snack, it does not matter, do not let PPU get in a rythem from beyond the arc.

2: Get Douse in foul trouble: In the game against Walsh the Pioneers rolled with Douse in the game and had a lead, when he fouled out, the swing was monsterous. If you get him in trouble, that will take a big out of the Pioneers out of the game.

3. Set up your 3 ball: Your gonna need to shoot well from the outside, so do what is needed to set it up. Whether that is going in the inside, or doing it in transition. But you’ll need to get into a rhythm from deep.

Prediction: Pioneers continue with their high-scoring ways. Get a big AMC road win and show the pollers they deserve to be ranked. PPU 104- Daemen 90

Shocked that I picked a sweep by the Pioneers? Me too a little. The women need to get a win to earn some respect. My respect as well. Hope the holiday was well for everyone. Tune in LIVE on the MSA Sports Network to listen to all the action. Games should be good ones. Women at 5:30, Men at 7:30, myself and Aaron Cooney will have all the action for you.