IUP downs SRU, will play Gannon in PSAC tournament at Memorial Field House

The IUP men's basketball team performed well at Memorial Field House Saturday on Senior Night, finishing off the regular season with an IUP-record 25 wins by pounding Slippery Rock 99-71.

The single-season wins record was held by the 1993-94 and 1995-96 teams at 24 wins.

"We are proud of a single-season record for most wins," Head Coach Joe Lombardi said. 

"It is a sign of a championship team because it is a lot of work over four months. The success of this program is the result of the help of a lot of people. We had a great regular season, and the guys made tremendous sacrifices. They did everything we asked of them."

The Crimson Hawks, ranked No. 6 in the country and No. 2 in the Atlantic Region, finished the regular season 25-2 overall and 13-1 in the PSAC West. Seniors Akida McLain and Young combined to score more than half of IUP's points, a special performance during their final home game.

"Historically, I have not played well in front of my mother," Young said. "It was nice to come out here and play well for her. She's my biggest critic but also my biggest fan. It was a special moment to play well in front of family."