The IUP men open the PSAC playoffs tonight against Cal U at the KCAC. IUP is the conference’s top seed and enjoyed a bye on Monday night, while Cal played and beat Slippery Rock.
Coach Joe Lombardi’s Crimson Hawks are 26-2 this season, the third straight full season they’ve finished with that record. They’ve won 11 PSAC titles, most recently in 2020. They did not have a season last year due to the pandemic. Five championships have come under head coach Joe Lombardi. They’re number two in the NCAA regional rankings. Cal is 21-8 and fourth in the regional rankings. They’ve won nine PSAC championships, the last one in 2008.
IUP swept the regular season series with Cal U, by scores of 84-71 and 87-79.
Lombardi is 27-6 lifetime against Cal U, including 16 straight wins dating back to the 2013-14 season. He says a trip to the playoffs is something his players should cherish.
Tonight’s game is on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel online. The pregame with Jack Benedict and Tony Cocaggna begins at 6:45.
