Last night the Pioneers were able to pick up some much needed wins in the AMC Conference defeating the Houghton Highlanders 46-44 (Women) and 90-82 (Men). The wins keep the playoff chances for the teams very much alive. The Lady Pioneers were able to overcome a poor shooting evening by forcing over 20 Highlander turnovers. And to be honest, they needed every single turnover in this one. By far the worst shooting outing by the Pioneers this season going only 2-12 from downtown. That is one area they need to fix up immediately. But for yesterday they were able to do it by defense, but I would love to see the offense come back into form for the Pioneers. As for the Men, they were able to do it with some “showtime” dunks by Gerald Warrick. Warrick went 11-12 from the field having 24 points. Most of these shots were high percentage, but Warrick hit a number from the short corner. And regardless of the fact if they were bunnies or not, they still went in, and they were huge in the movement of the Pioneers forward because if they win out, there is a slim chance they can make the playoffs, but the chance is still there. Now moving to previewing today’s games that can be heard on 670 AM WPPJ and of course at www.msasports.net.
Women: This one is easy, if the Pioneers show up and remotely play well they will get the win tonight. Malone is on a 12 game losing streak, and they only have 4 wins on the season. Malone has two players in double-figures led by Amy Kittle who has just over 14 PPG. This is a team that does scare me, but I think that is because I am thinking too much about this game and reading too much into it. I think one of the reasons why is also how the Pioneers have shot recently as well. But to be honest, this one should not even be close, and if it is, there is something we need to talk about later.
Keys to the Game: PPU: 1. Show up: Please, just show up, play decently, and blow this team out by 30, and my mustache will continue to grow.
Malone: 1. Transition Offense: Run the basketball up and down the floor today, make the Pioneers have to play some transition defense and prove themselves.
2. Shoot well: Not a good offensive team are the Malone Pioneers, so for them to pull the upset today, they are going to have to shoot the ball well everywhere from the field. 36% or better from the field, and 33% or better from beyond the arc.
3. Take care of the basketball: Malone turns the ball over 22 times a game. To win the game they can not do that today against the Pioneers because that will be more opportunity for PPU to put a lot of points on the board.
Stat of the Night: Malone is winless at home, all of their wins have come on the road or on a neutral site.
Men: Such a big win last night for the Men. But they can’t celebrate too much because they need to get another one today. In their first match-up, Point Park had a seven point lead at the half, but Malone came out and just dominated the second half and pulled away to kill PPU. The win for Malone propelled them to an eight-game winning streak that have put them in the hunt to win the AMC North. However, they have dropped two straight. So PPU might be meeting Malone at the right time. Malone played tough against #1 Walsh, but couldn’t pull out the win, Malone might come in emotionally drained. Eric Coblentz is there star and leader of this team, if they want to stop Malone, it starts with him.
Keys to the Game: PPU: 1. Shoot well: Josh Trocchio, Joel Cashatt, T.J. Heatherington, and others need to come out tonight and shoot the ball well. I would like to see it consistent as well. Consistency is key, do that and it will help in getting a win.
2. Limit turnovers: Last night the Pioneers took care of the ball, only having 12 turnovers but also having 21 assists. Those numbers are great, and seeing them again today will help.
Malone: 1. Establish an inside presence: Yesterday Gerald Warrick got going early, and no one on Houghton could take care of him, Malone has to be big early, I am talking to you Mr. Porbeni, Mr. Young, and Mr. Watts
2. Counter-Emotion: Its Senior Night for Point Park tonight so you know the PPU is going to come out strong. Malone has to counter that early on if they want to win. We will have to see what that Walsh loss did to Malone.
There it is the stages have been set, nothing else now except to play the games. And you can hear those games LIVE on 670 AM WPPJ, and www.msasports.net. Women at 2, Men at 4. Check back later tonight for the aftermath of these games.