Indiana University of Pennsylvania is looking to win its 10th PSAC title on Sunday after the Crimson Hawks cruised to victory over East Stroudsburg 76-60 in its semifinal battle on Saturday.
In the win, IUP shot 69 percent in the second half, led by Shawn Dyer’s game-high 20 points.
The Crimson Hawks weren’t red hot throughout the game, though, as they struggled mightily in the first half, shooting just 35 percent from the field. Their struggles allowed East Stroudsburg to take a 33-26 lead into the locker room at the half.
Then, an 11-0 run to start the second half set the tone for IUP in the second half, with Dyer scoring six points during the run after having just one point the entire first half.
The Warriors would tie things up in the second half at 41, after the Crimson Hawks’ run put them ahead, 37-33. However, another run, this one 11-4, game IUP a 52-45 lead as the second half continued.
The Crimson Hawks put the game away, as Dyer hit a three-pointer to cap off a 14-5 late fourth-quarter run, putting IUP up 66-54.
Senior Devante Chance picked up a double-double, his fourth of the season, with 15 points and 10 assists. Brandon Norfleet picked up 17 points, the second-most on the team.
With the win, IUP will face Gannon today at 3:40 p.m. for the PSAC title. With a win, IUP head coach Joe Lombardi will pick up career victory No. 200, and the Crimson Hawks will look to continue their stellar play in the title game, with an all-time record of 8-4 and 6-0 since 2000.
Photo credit: IUP Athletics
