Game Scores: Last 3 Games

As I mentioned last week, I'm having trouble getting recaps on here for each and every game due to time constraints. As a consolation prize for you, here is each player's average Game Score for the last three games:

Games included: Mansfield, Millersville, West Chester

Women:
1. Wisemiller 13.9
2. Schroeder 10.3
3. McQuade 8.4
4. Starr 6.2
5. Melvin 3.9
6. Dellegrotti 1.5
7. Dovey 1.5
8. Greaves 1.3
9. Mertz 1.3
10. LeVan -2.4

Men:
1. Ben 16.1
2. Dennis 14.2
3. Woodlin 12.5
4. Washington 10.5
5. Bower 2.5
6. Coombs 2.2
7. Coffey 1.1
8. Vrabel 0.0
8. Ford-Bey 0.0
8. Wenner 0.0
11. Gray -0.4
12. White -0.4

Wednesday Update

The KU basketball teams were in action at home against West Chester on Wednesday evening.

Despite a questionable decision to bench 4 starters with a 17 point lead in the late stages of the first half, the ladies team managed to hold on for a 63-60 win, which completes the season sweep of the Golden Rams. KU went almost 10 minutes without hitting a single field goal, a run that started with about 6 minutes left to go in the first half. This allowed WCU to cut the halftime deficit to 11. The Golden Rams carried the momentum into the second half and the teams played on the seesaw until WCU did the inevitable, tying the game with just over 5 minutes to play. The Golden Bears managed to retake the lead, however, and beat the division-leading Golden Rams by 3. The decision to go with the second team against a desperate WCU squad almost cost KU a huge PSAC East game. Fortunately, the players game through late and held on.

KU is now 7-4 in the PSAC East and third in the division. WCU drops to 8-3, but is still tied with 8-3 Millersville, who beat Cheyney (now 6-5). Shippensburg, now 5-6, was upset again on Wednesday, falling to Bloomsburg, who is already eliminated. ESU, now 5-6, beat Mansfield, who is now all but out of the playoff race.

The men's team also came away with a win, beating the Golden Rams 77-67. The Golden Bears improve to 10-1 and still hold the top spot in the PSAC East. With Millersville's upset of Cheyney, KU now has a commanding 2 game division lead with just 3 games left to play. If the Golden Bears win the division title and get past the first round of the PSAC playoffs, they will host the entire PSAC tournament.

Up next is Shippensburg at home on Saturday. After that, there are only 2 more regular season games for each team.

Ladies look to rebound against East-leading Golden Rams

P.S.A.C. East Women’s Basketball
2/18/2009 Keystone Hall
West Chester Golden Rams (16-7, 8-2) @ Kutztown Golden Bears (16-7, 6-4)
Radio: Golden Bear Network - Mike Clay/Jimmie Johnson

The Golden Bears come into the game at 16-7 overall this season, which includes a 6-4 record in the P.S.A.C. East. Despite their impressive overall record, Kutztown has actually lost 2 games in a row and 3 of its last 4. The Golden Bears latest action was a heartbreaking 73-69 loss at Millersville on Saturday.

Despite the loss to Millersville, Kutztown was bailed out by virtue of three other PSAC East upsets on Saturday. West Chester, Cheyney, and Shippensburg were all upended, which has made the PSAC East race the tightest it’s been since the early stages of divisional play with just 4 games left to play.

PSAC East Standings:
1. West Chester 8-2
2. Millersville 7-3
3. Kutztown 6-4
4. Cheyney 6-4
5. Shippensburg 5-5
6. ESU 4-6
7. Mansfield 3-7
8. Bloomsburg 1-9 (Eliminated)

The Golden Rams come into this game with the exact same overall record as Kutztown at 16-7, but the Golden Rams, as mentioned, are two games better in divisional play at 8-2. They are coming off a trip to Bloomsburg on Saturday where they were upset 63-61 by the formerly-winless Huskies.

These teams met for the first time this season back on Jan. 28 at West Chester. Led by 17-plus points from Katie Dovey, Rachel Wisemiller, and Melissa McQuade, the Golden Bears erased a double-digit second half deficit en route to a 67-60 victory.

Probable Starters:
WCU:
Sr - F- #12 – Dana Weems
Jr - F- # 25 – Janelle Garber
Fr – G- # 3 – Allison Hostetter
So - G- # 13 – Megan Stewart
So - G- # 32 – Dominique Adams

West Chester is coached by Deirdre Kane and she is assisted by Kiera Wooden.

Kutztown:
Jr - C- # 33 – Chauntelle Schroeder
So - F- # 23 – Melissa McQuade
Jr – F - # 32 – Katie Dovey
Jr - G- # 11 – Rachel Wisemiller
So - G- # 13 – Meredith Starr

Kutztown is coached by Janet Malouf and the assistant coach is Steve Hahn.

1/28: KU 97, West Chester 71

As if he hasn't done enough over the past few weeks, David Ben stole the show again on Wednesday, scoring a career high in points (36), while nailing a school single game record 8 three pointers.

Hollinger Game Score:

1. Ben 31.1 - Scored a career high with 36 points on 12-of-16 shooting, which included a school record 8 three points (on only 9 shots). Also had 7 assists in the big win.
2. Woodlin 20.4 - Added to the scoring barrage, shooting 10-of-13 for 24 points, 3 dimes, 3 steals
3. Washington 15.4 - 5-of-8 for 13 points, 5 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
4. Gray 5.1 - 2-of-6 for 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
5. Coffey 4.3 - 4 points, 2 boards, 1 dime in 8 minutes
6. Dennis 4.2 - A surprisingly mediocre game for the West Chester native: 4-of-8 for 9 points, 3 assists, 3 boards
7. White 2.6 - Managed 3 points, a rebound, and a foul in 5 minutes
8. Bower 2.1 - 1-for-3 for 2 points, 2 steals, 1 assist in 28 minutes
9. Vrabel 0.7 - 1 minute of work, 1 assist
10. Ford-Bey 0.3 - Only a rebound in 1 minute
11. Coombs -0.4 - Missed shot and rebound in 4 minutes

Inactive:
Wenner

Boxscore
YTD Hollinger Game Score

1/28: KU 67, West Chester 60

Melissa McQuade was dominant in Wednesday's 67-60 victory at West Chester, scoring 17 points and hauling in 12 boards.

Hollinger Game Score:

1. McQuade 20.7 - It's nice to see the first huge game from McQuade in quite a while as she was 5-of-7 for 17 points, 12 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals
2. Dovey 14.9 - I said it last year and I'll say it again: Aggressive players like Schroeder and Dovey are a recipe for success in the PSAC. Dovey was huge again last night, scoring a team-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting to go with 5 boards, 3 steals
3. Wisemiller 6.6 - 6-of-15 shooting for 17 points and 3 rebounds
4. Starr 3.5 - 2-of-9 for 6 points, 6 assists. Single-season assist record update: If she continues to average 4.94 a game, that would leave her 15 assists short at the end of the regular season. The further KU goes, the better her chances.
5. Schroeder 2.5 - Not her best effort, but still was productive: 4-of-14 for 9 points, 6 boards, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
6. Mertz 1.3 - Block, dime, foul, rebound in 5 minutes
7. Melvin 0.1 - Back out of the starting lineup and back to mediocrity: Failed to score on 3 shots, had 3 boards, 3 assists, and 3 fouls
8. Greaves -2.0 - Continues to struggle, turning it over twice in 3 minutes
9. LeVan -2.4 - Missed two shots and turned it over once in 2 minutes

Inactives:
Dellegrotti - Injured (Head)

Boxscore
YTD Hollinger Game Score

Wednesday Update

The KU basketball teams were in action at PSAC East rival West Chester on Wednesday evening.

The ladies pulled off a huge 67-60 win over the Golden Rams and move into a tie with West Chester for the lead in the PSAC East. Both teams divisional records sit at 4-1.

The men's team also came away with a win against the Golden Rams, taking it by a score of 97-71, improving to 4-1 in PSAC East play.

Both teams now sit atop the PSAC East standings the midway point of divisional play approaches.

Full recaps on Thursday.

Baseball falls in Regional opener

The KU baseball team fell to West Chester by a score of 5-3 on Thursday in the opening game of the NCAA Division II North Atlantic Regional Tournament.

The Golden Bears, seeded sixth out of six teams in the tournament, fall to the loser's bracket and will play tomorrow at 11 a.m. against either West Virginia State or Shippensburg. A loss in that game would eliminate KU from the double-elimination tournament. The top-seeded Golden Rams move on to face either Concord or Pitt-Johnstown tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Softball advances to semifinals

The KU softball team won both of its games on Saturday and are now one of just three remaining teams in the Division II Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament. The Golden Bears defeated West Chester 1-0 in the early afternoon to eliminate the Golden Rams and later knocked out the California (Pa.) Vulcans with a 4-1 victory.

The ladies now advance to the semifinals where they will take on Bloomsburg Sunday at 10 a.m. If KU wins, they will take on Lock Haven in the PSAC Championship. They would have to beat LHU twice, first in a 12:30 p.m. meeting and then again at 3 p.m. If the Golden Bears lose any of three potential games on Sunday, their season comes to a close.

PSAC Champions!

The KU baseball team defeated West Chester 6-2 and 8-7 on Saturday to claim the university's sixth PSAC Championship, which includes three titles in the last four years. Chad Lightcap was named the tournament MVP after a huge offensive showing.

Despite their recent dominance over the last few seasons, the young Golden Bears are unlikely champions in 2008 after not qualifying for the playoffs until the last day of the regular season after battling to stay above .500 all year long. That did not stop them in the PSAC playoffs, however, as they were able to win five of their six games in the tournament, including a 2-1 record against the rival Golden Rams. The win qualifies KU for the North Atlantic Region Playoffs, which will be held in two weeks. The winner of that tournament advances to the Division II World Series. KU won the regional title in 2007.

Check back during the week for full previews for both the softball and baseball regional tournaments.

Photo: www.kubears.com

Playoffs on line as baseball faces WCU

What: Kutztown Golden Bears @ West Chester Golden Rams
When: Friday, April 25, 2008 @ 1 p.m. (Doubleheader)
Where: Serpico Stadium on the campus of West Chester University
~and~
What: West Chester Golden Rams @ Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Saturday, April 26, 2008 @ 1 p.m. (Doubleheader)
Where: North Campus Field on the campus of Kutztown University
Radio: KUR Sports at 12:50 p.m. (Jason Ogle)

Game Info
The KU baseball team has just four games left to find a way back to the PSAC Playoffs. The Golden Bears (8-8) currently are tied for the third and final playoff spot in the Eastern division, but it won’t be easy to hold on with division-leading West Chester (10-6) in the other dugout this weekend. Millersville (10-6) is currently tied with WCU in first place, while Mansfield (8-8) is tied with KU for the third spot. Bloomsburg (6-10) and East Stroudsburg (6-10) can still qualify for the playoffs. What is interesting about this weekend is that the Golden Bears could come out, at best, the PSAC East champion or, at worst, in last place. As unlikely as it is, all six teams could also end up with identical 10-10 records. Imagine that.

The teams will meet for two games on Friday afternoon in West Chester before returning to Kutztown for each team’s final regular season action of the year.

Meanwhile, Bloomsburg will be up against Mansfield and ESU will meet Millersville. There are several different scenarios where KU can get into the playoffs, but the most important part of them includes the Golden Bears winning at least two of the weekend’s four games. Wins in three of the games would clinch them a spot.

The Golden Bears enter the game at 22-20 overall this season and are fresh off a 4-2 win against Shippensburg on Tuesday. Their most recent divisional action was last weekend when they took three-of-four from East Stroudsburg. On Friday at ESU, KU dropped game one 1-2 before bouncing back to an 11-6 win in game two. On Saturday at North Campus Field, the Golden Bears won both games by scores of 2-0 and 10-3.

The Golden Rams are ranked 14^th in Division II and are 37-9 overall in 2008. They are coming off a 12-2 in over University of the Sciences on Thursday. There most recent PSAC East action was four-game set with Bloomsburg last weekend in which they split the four games. On Friday, the Golden Rams fell 8-3 in game one before taking game two 10-3. On Saturday, they won game one 3-2 before falling 10-7 in game two.

Last season, the teams met five times, including once during the NCAA Division II North Atlantic Regionals. KU took three of the four regular season matchups, including 8-4 and 3-2 wins at home and a 4-5 loss and 9-3 win on the road. In the playoffs, KU easily handled the Golden Rams 9-1 to win the North Atlantic Regional Tournament.

Probable Starting Lineups
Kutztown:
1. Corey Buletza – LF/RF
2. Mike Kacelowicz – 2B
3. Chad Lightcap – LF
4. James Quigley – DH/3B
5. Jared Frey – 1B
6. Matt Kulbacki/Scott Kacelowicz – CA
7. Mike Dugan – 3B/DH
8. Garrison Rausch – CF
9. Mark Renda/Jeff Kistle/Brett Wigder – UT
SPs: Phil Rummel, Darin Gorski, Garrison Rausch, Derek Reis

West Chester:
1. Nick Spisak – SS
2. Frank Nunan – CF
3. Matt Cotellese – RF
4. Kyle Bechter – 2B
5. Blair Dameron – 1B
6. Drew Pare – DH
7. Connor Thorp – LF
8. Brandon Wolfe – CA
9. Jake Griesemer – 3B
SPs: Chris Powl, Jason Bowman, David Slusser, Bret Moyer

KU Scouting Report
The Golden Bears are led offensively by Chad Lightcap (.398-5-27). He leads the team in batting average, homers, RBIs, runs scored (32), slugging percentage (.626), and on base percentage (.493). Jared Frey (.305-0-15) has progressed nicely in his second season and will man first base and bat in the top half of the order. Scott Kacelowicz (.310-0-8) and Matt Kulbacki (.308-5-23) have been a formidable catching combination and each will start one game. Mike Dugan (.290-1-14), Brett Wigder (.296-0-18), James Quigley (.299-0-7), and Corey Buletza (.287-1-16) have hit well in extensive action as freshmen. Leadoff man Mike Kacelowicz (.307-1-16) has lifted his average back above .300 and is tops on the team with 15 doubles and 21 walks. Jeff Kistle (.223-0-10), Mark Renda (.252-0-15), Nole Saylor (.259-0-5), and Andy May (.317-1-6) are four other freshman who will see a few at-bats during the weekend. Garrison Rausch (.174-0-7) will man center and bat in the lower part of the order.

Darin Gorski (7-2 2.30), Phil Rummel (4-4 2.98), Derick Reis (2-2 2.82), and Garrison Rausch (1-3 6.03) are likely to be the weekend’s four starters. Justin Jachowicz (0-3 3.24), Ryan Cassidy (1-2 5.17), and Steve Craig (2-1 4.09) are other candidates to make a spot start if needed.

Outlook
It is do-or-die time for the Golden Bears. West Chester is one of the nation’s best teams, but fortunately for KU, they haven’t been on top of their game over the past few weeks. They are certainly beatable and since these two teams have built quite a rivalry, there is no reason to believe that anything can happen this weekend. It’s probably a long shot, but if KU can sweep, it’s possible that WCU could even fall out of the top three in the division.

With all that said, West Chester is still a veteran team with a lot of talent. KU will need to take it one game at a time and at least win half of the four games. The Golden Bears have the pitching to steal a few low scoring games, but if the Golden Rams have a big offensive weekend, it could mean trouble. The young KU offense will need to perform and the veteran pitchers need to step up and continue their dominance. If that happens, the Golden Bears could certainly be playoff bound.

Ladies extend win streak to nine

Recap:
Friday, April 11 vs. West Chester:
Game 1: W 4-0
KU scored two unearned runs in the first inning and never looked back, knocking off the Golden Rams 4-0 in game one. Kait Arbogast was stellar, tossing a complete game five-hit shutout, while striking out nine. Kim Morrison and Maggie Reifsnyder each had a pair of hits to lead the offense.
Game 2: W 4-2
Mary Hoch allowed two runs in the first inning, but her offense responded with three in the bottom of the second and an insurance run in the third as KU completed the season sweep of WCU. Hoch tossed a complete game, allowing just those two runs on four hits. Ashley Fitzgerald was 2-for-3 and hit a solo homer, while Krista Cameron and Caitlin Hague each added two hits.

Saturday, April 12 vs. Millersville:
Game 1: W 8-0
The Golden Bears scored at least one run in every inning and applied the mercy rule for the third consecutive meeting with the Marauders this season. KU led 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Fitzgerald hit a walkoff three-run homer to end the 8-0 affair. Maria Schiavo and Steph Denlinger each recorded two hits and scored twice for KU. Monica Glomb was on the hill for KU and allowed just four hits in five innings of work.
Game 2: W 1-0
Morrison scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the first inning as KU shutout the Marauders for the third consecutive time this season, this time 1-0. The Golden Bears outscored the Marauders 27-0 in four 2008 meetings. Lauren Doering pitched well in a rare start, allowing just three hits in four innings of work for the win. Arbogast came on in relief and earned the save, throwing three perfect innings.

What we liked:
The pitching was stellar as usual with the three-headed monster of Kait Arbogast, Mary Hoch, and Monica Glomb joined up with Lauren Doering to allow just two total runs in four games. Arbogast really stands out, as she struck out 13 in 10 innings and allowed no runs, while earning a win and a save. Ashley Fitzgerald just keeps getting better and better, which is amazing since she is already a top hitter in the nation. This weekend she was 6-of-9 (.667) at the plate, homered twice, and drove in five. It was great to see Kim Morrison finally bust out of her slump. She was 5-of-13 (.385) at the plate over the weekend and scored three runs. Freshman Maggie Reifsnyder is starting to come into her own and was outstanding in her role as the six hitter behind the Denlinger-Fitzgerald-Cameron trio. She was 4-of-10 (.400) at the plate and homered. Caite Hague also hit well, going 3-for-7 (.429) at the plate.

What we didn’t like:
As usual, there isn’t much bad you can pull out of four straight wins. Steph Denlinger certainly did struggle, however, managing a hit in just one of the four weekend games. She was 2-of-11 (.182) at the plate, scored twice, and drove in just one run. Kathy Gregg also had her problems, managing just one hit in nine at bats (.111). She did, however, drive in three runs, second best on the team. Game two against Millersville could be viewed as slightly worrisome, since KU managed just one run on three hits against a respectable, but not great left-handed pitcher. Since the Golden Bears sport a bunch of lefties in their regular lineup, it could be tough to score against a top-notch lefty should they see one at the regional or national level. That’s something to keep an eye on.

Impact:
The weekend sweep moved the 10^th-ranked Golden Bears to 13-1 in the PSAC East and to an impressive 36-6 overall. They lead Bloomsburg (8-4) by three games and Shippensburg (7-7) by four, which means they are getting close to clinching the division title and even closer to clinching a playoff berth. Following a doubleheader at Mansfield on Wednesday, KU will play a very telling batch of games. Following a home doubleheader with Bloomsburg on Friday, KU will visit ESU on Saturday before a return home on Tuesday the 22^nd for the matchup of the year. That is when Kristin Erb and the Lock Haven Lady Eagles will be in town to prove they are the top team in the Region. The Golden Bears will look to stay hot heading into a doubleheader that everyone will be watching closely.

Men come back to beat Golden Rams

West Chester Golden Rams 73
Kutztown Golden Bears 78

Recap: For the second consecutive game, the Golden Bears came out flat in the first half, but managed to recover in the second frame. KU trailed by 10 at the break and by 11 with just over 11 minutes to play in the game, but managed a 23-10 run to take the lead in the late stages of the game. Roger White almost saved the day for the Golden Rams when he nailed a 3 pointer with 1:21 left to play, but Dave Ben countered with a trifecta of his own to seal the deal.

Telling Stat: The Golden Bears did not shoot well in the game, particularly in the first half when they made just 9 of 35 shots (25.7%). A strong second half earned them the victory, but West Chester was certainly more efficient from the field and from beyond the arc. So, what was the difference in the game? KU outrebounded the Rams 44-37, including 21-10 on the offensive glass.

Key play: Ben’s three pointer with 1:05 to play was the clear key play of the game. The Golden Rams had just tied the game, stealing away some of the KU momentum. Ben would have none of that, however, and answered with the game-winning bucket. West Chester still had a chance, but Kenneth St. George missed a layup and Stephen Dennis grabbed the rebound to put the Golden Rams to bed.

Most Valuable Golden Bear: Five Golden Bears were in double figures, but Dave Ben would prove to be the most valuable player when he nailed the game winning bucket. Ben was 6-of-14 from the floor for 16 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and chipped in with four dimes.

Least Valuable Golden Bear: No one played particularly bad in the game, so it’s tough to choose a LVGB here. Nonetheless, it has to go to someone. Steve Coffey played 11 minutes off the bench for KU and you barely would’ve known. The freshman did not get a shot off and failed to contribute with an assist, rebound, or steal. The only mark on his boxscore was 1 personal foul. If anything, at least he didn’t turn the ball over.

Impact: The win allows KU to keep up with the Cheyney Wolves, who took care of business against Bloomsburg. Both teams are now 6-1 and pace the PSAC East. West Chester falls to 2-5 and have a tough task ahead of them if they hope to qualify for the PSAC playoffs.

Another collapse overshadows 1,000 for Benz

West Chester Golden Rams 67
Kutztown Golden Bears 65

Recap: The Golden Bears blew another game that they lead throughout the day, allowing their opponent to erase a second half deficit for the third straight contest. The collapse put a damper on the performance of Mercedes Van Wagner who led all scorers with 24 points, which included the 1,000 point of her career. KU, who led by as many as 10 in the first half, went with a different look for much of the game, with Katie Dovey, Rachel Wisemiller, and Vivian Melvin replacing Mercedes Van Wagner, Rachel Weidensaul, and Lara Dellegrotti in the starting lineup. Van Wagner saw regular minutes, while Dellegrotti played just 10 minutes and leading-scorer Weidensaul sat out the entire first half before playing over half of the second. The removal of the three stars from the starting lineup was reportedly due to late arrival at the arena.

Telling Stat: The Golden Rams stole the ball 15 times, which accounting for a majority of the Golden Bears’ 22 turnovers. KU didn’t do an awful job protecting the ball, but the aggressiveness and speed of the Golden Rams allowed them to make the big plays when it counted most.

Key play: With KU up by one point with 28 seconds to play, WCU’s Natalie Winters missed a three pointer that was rebounded by Meredith Starr. This should have significantly improved KU’s chance of winning the game, but the freshman didn’t know what to do with the ball and couldn’t find a teammate to dish the ball to. Megan Stewart stepped in, ripped the ball out of her hands, and laid the ball in for an easy bucket, which gave the Rams the lead and, in turn, the win.

Most Valuable Golden Bear: Van Wagner was the star of the day, but how about rarely-used sophomore Chauntelle Schroeder. She stepped into the game with Melissa McQuade in foul trouble and made her presence felt in only 2 minutes of work. Schroeder was 2-of-3 from the floor for 5 points, hauled in 3 rebounds, and recorded a steal.

Least Valuable Golden Bear: Vivian Melvin has had her problems throughout the past few weeks, but Saturday was certainly one of her worst efforts. The sophomore was 1-of-6 from the floor, notching just two points in an astounding 33 minutes of work. Melvin turned the ball over 7 times, but did help the KU cause with 2 steals and 4 assists.

Impact: This loss is probably more devastating mentally than actually. Kutztown is certainly still in the PSAC playoff race, but I’m not sure how the players can continue to bounce back after falling apart down the stretch game after game. If the Golden Bears can manage to win 3-4 of their final 6 games, they should be playoff bound. Currently they sit at 2-5, one-and-one-half game back of East Stroudsburg (3-3) for the fourth and final PSAC East playoff spot.

Ladies look to recover against rival Golden Rams

What: West Chester University @ Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Saturday, February 9, 2008 @ 1 p.m.
Where: Keystone Hall on the campus of Kutztown University

The KU women’s basketball team will head into this Saturday’s bout with West Chester in need of a big win. The Golden Bears (9-12, 2-4) have lost two straight and are currently on the outside looking in at the PSAC East playoff picture. KU opened divisional play with a win over Mansfield, but has since won just one of its five games, including two recent heartbreaking losses against Cheyney and East Stroudsburg.

West Chester (12-8, 4-2), meanwhile, is coming off a 73-63 loss to division-leading Millersville, but the Golden Rams have already knocked KU off once this season.

Back on Jan. 19, the Golden Bears headed to West Chester looking to improve to 2-0 in the division. The Rams had KU’s number, however, and handled them relatively easy by a score of 68-56. Rachel Weidensaul had a huge day for the Golden Bears, dropping a career-high 23 points, but it was not enough for the win.

An upset by KU would put them right back in the thick of things in the playoff race, while a loss would but them in an even deeper hole.

Probable Starters:

West Chester:
F- # 25 – Janelle Garber
F- # 13 – Megan Stewart
G- # 12 – Dana Weems
G- #10 – Lindsay Weller
G- # 23 – Catherine Andrews

Kutztown:
C- # 53 – Mercedes Van Wagner
F- # 23 – Melissa McQuade
F- # 15 – Rachel Weidensaul
G- # 13 – Meredith Starr
G- # 5 – Lara Dellegrotti

Scouting Report:
Despite a season-ending injury to their best player, Katie Kline, West Chester has been able to keep up in the highly competitive PSAC East. The last time these two teams met, four Golden Rams scored in the double digits, leading WCU to the convincing win.

The Golden Bears will need to win the one-on-one matchups if they want to earn the victory this time around on their home floor. KU was out-rebounded 48-41 and allowed the Rams to shoot over 40 percent in the first meeting. Also of note was KU’s 3-of-12 performance from the free throw line in that game.

KU will need to focus there attention on Dana Weems. Weems has been the go-to scorer for the Golden Rams as of late, leading them in scoring in 5 of their last 7 games. She scored 12 points and grabbed 12 boards in the first meeting.

Weidensaul was sensational the first time around, but she had little help. Melissa McQuade has been the majority scorer as of late for KU, but, again, she has done most of the scoring by herself. The Golden Bears will need to spread the ball around and get production from all of their scorers, particularly Weidensaul, McQuade, Van Wagner, and Dellegrotti.

Prediction:
As much as I’d like to pick KU to pull off the upset, they’ve given me little to work worth to make that case. The Golden Bears have had a hard time finishing games and, unless adjustments are made, there is little reason to believe that will change on Saturday. KU will stay close in the first half, but the Golden Rams, clearly the better team in the first meeting, will pull out the win down the stretch. Expect Weidensaul and Van Wagner to provide a bulk of the scoring, but it won’t be enough.

WCU 69
KUTZTOWN 61

Golden Bears Begin Second Half of PSAC East Slate

What:West Chester Golden Rams vs. Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Saturday February 9th
Where: Keystone Arena on the campus of Kutztown University

The Kutztown men's basketball team will look to build off a sizzling second half on Wednesday night which saw them score 52 points and erase an 11-point deficit. The Golden Bears defeated East Stroudsburg 78-56 to move into a first place tie in the PSAC East with Cheyney. This is the start of the second half of the PSAC East slate for the Golden Bears. They begin this stretch against a West Chester team that they beat on the road on January 19 by a score of 70-54. In that game, freshman Ryan Washington had 16 points and nine rebounds, while Dave Ben had 14 points and seven rebounds. Stephen Dennis added 11 points. The Golden Bears won despite shooting an abysmal 2-of-7 from the charity stripe. KU has won seven of its last nine games.

The Golden Rams have lost six of nine and are 11-10 overall and a dismal 2-4 in the PSAC East. WCU lost to Millersville on Wednesday night by a score of 75-62 thus dropping them a game out of the final PSAC East playoff spot. WCU is led by guard Kenneth St. George who averages 16.7 points per game. Teammate Kahinde Roberts is second on the team and averages 13.8 points per game. Forward Lenwood Greenwood leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.8 per game. WCU has a very deep bench, however, it is not laden with much talent. KU's bench players significantly outperformed WCU's bench players in the team's first meeting of the season.

Probable Starters:

West Chester
G- #10 Aaron Smith
G- #12 Kenneth St. George
G-#40 Kahinde Roberts
F- # 21 Lenwood Greenwood
C- # 32 Ralph Hegamin

Kutztown
G- #14 Stephen Dennis
G- #32 Andre Woodlin
F- #34 Dave Ben
F- #52 Ryan Washington
C- #55 Jeremy Coombs

Prediction: Considering that the Golden Bears had no trouble with the Golden Rams the first time around, and that game was on the road, expect the Golden Bears to be in cruise control from the get go. WCU will need a spectacular game from both St. George and Roberts. They will get that kind of game from one, not both. Dave Ben has continued to prove that he can carry this team on his back when he needs to. He won't need to do a lot of it in this game, but I expect three or four dunks out of him. Golden Bears will keep pace with Cheyney after winning this one.

KUTZTOWN 80
WEST CHESTER 65