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Hoops du Jour

SFU women at No. 21 West Virginia

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at WVU Coliseum, Morgantown, W.Va.

Records: Saint Francis (1-9); West Virginia (9-2).

All-time series: West Virginia leads 4-0. The Mountaineers blew out the Red Flash, 83-55, on Dec. 18, 2010 in Morgantown.

Last time out: Saint Francis suffered a 97-59 pounding at Pittsburgh; West Virginia lost at Ohio State, 96-54.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 33-42 in his third season at Saint Francis; Mike Carey is 283-148 in his 14th season at West Virginia and is 571-250 in 27 years overall, including a stop at Salem College as the men’s coach.

Radio: WWGE-1400 AM

Internet radio: www.1400WWGE.com

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Sr. (25.7), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (10.1), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (6.8), F Corissa Archer, 6-0 Sr. (4.6), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (6.3). West Virginia – G Linda Stepney, 5-7 Sr. (7.7), G Bria Holmes, 6-1 Jr. (22.4), F Averee Fields, 6-1 Sr. (16.2), F Teana Muldrow, 6-1 R-Fr. (8.3), C Lanay Montgomery, 6-5 R-So. (5.1).

Notes: Ohio State is the lone common opponent between the two teams with both suffering losses to the Buckeyes The Red Flash begin Northeast Conference play at home Saturday against Wagner at 1 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the men, who play at 4 p.m. Saint Francis shot just 29-percent against Pitt SFU’s Cydney Smith pulled down a career best nine rebounds against the Panthers Fields leads the Mountaineers with 7.1 rebounds a game … WVU is blocking 6.9 shots per game, which is third in the nation, with Montgomery recording 3.8 per contest for the sixth best per game in the country … The Mountaineers have won 15 straight home games, which is fifth longest streak in the nation.

Mirror prediction: West Virginia 94, Saint Francis 57

Comment: The Red Flash must shoot the ball better in order to stay in the game. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers are only allowing 59 points per game, so they will need much more than that to even have a chance in this one.

Mirror prediction record: 7-3

– Nate Ritchey

NBA

Spurs 110, Rockets 106

SAN ANTONIO – Danny Green had 24 points and the injury-depleted San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 110-106 on Sunday night, snapping a six-game skid against their intrastate rivals.

Tim Duncan scored 16 points and Manu Ginobili had 15 for San Antonio (19-13), which won for first time in three games.

James Harden had 28 points for Houston (21-8), and Dwight Howard added 24 points and 17 rebounds. The Rockets’ newest additions had differing levels of success: Corey Brewer scored 25 points, but Josh Smith finished with five points on 2-of-7 shooting.

Green made four straight free throws in the final minute, helping San Antonio avoid going into overtime for the fourth time in its last six home games.

The Spurs played without Kawhi Leonard (bruised right hand) and Tony Parker (mild strain left hamstring).

Mavericks 112, Thunder 107

DALLAS – Dirk Nowitzki matched his season high with 30 points, Chandler Parsons added 26 and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Mavericks rallied from seven points down to start the fourth quarter. They were without center Tyson Chandler, a late scratch with back spasms that aren’t supposed to sideline him long.

The Thunder played their sixth straight game without Kevin Durant because of a sprained right ankle. They fell short in their third chance to reach .500 for the first time after Durant and Russell Westbrook were sidelined by injuries for 14 of the first 16 games.

Nowitzki put the Mavericks ahead for good with a pair of free throws with 3:25 to go.

Serge Ibaka led Oklahoma City with 26 points.

Elsewhere:

PISTONS 103, CAVALIERS 80: Brandon Jennings scored 25 points, and the Pistons used an 18-0 run in the second quarter to roll past the Cavaliers.

Top 25 men

No. 17 St. John’s 82, Tulane 57

NEW YORK – Sir’Dominic Pointer had a career-high 24 points in No. 17 St. John’s victory over Tulane in the first game of the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival Tripleheader.

Pointer also added a career-high seven steals, grabbed four rebounds, had four assists and blocked two shots. The 25-point margin of victory was the largest for St. John’s this season. The Red Storm have won seven straight and are 11-1 for first the time since 1985-86.

D’Angelo Harrison had 21 points and moved into fourth place on St. John’s career scoring list with 1,829. Rysheed Jordan added 12 points in 22 minutes in his first game action since missing the 66-49 win over Long Beach State on Dec. 22 because of the flu.

Elsewhere:

NO. 23 NORTHERN IOWA 74, SOUTH DAKOTA ST 63: Nate Buss scored 14 points Northern Iowa closed out nonconference play with a victory over South Dakota State on Sunday.

Top 25 women

No. 8 Tennessee 74, No. 10 Oregon State 63

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Center Isabelle Harrison had 20 points and 12 rebounds and No. 8 Tennessee beat No. 10 Oregon State.

Freshman Alexa Middleton added 12 points off the bench to help the Lady Vols (10-2) hand the Beavers (10-1) their first loss.

Tennessee has defeated two straight Top 10 opponents. The Lady Vols beat Stanford 59-40 on Dec. 20.

Sydney Wiese led Oregon State with 19 points on 6-for-17 shooting. Ali Gibson added 14.

Middleton scored six consecutive points midway through the second half, and her jumper from the top of the key with 8:10 to play gave the Lady Vols a 56-52 lead. Tennessee maintained its cushion at the foul line, though the Lady Vols made just 22 of 34 free throws.

Oregon State failed to score in the final 1:47.

Elsewhere:

NO. 4 NOTRE DAME 82, UCLA 67: Lindsay Allen scored a career-high 22 points and Notre Dame beat UCLA for its fourth straight victory.

No. 12 KENTUCKY 87, TENNESSEE STATE 75: Alexis Jennings scored a career-high 27 points and had eight rebounds to lead Kentucky.

SETON HALL 70, No. 14 GEORGIA 51:Tabatha Richardson-Smith scored 15 of her 25 points in a key second-half run to help Seton Hall upset Georgia for the Pirates’ 11th straight victory.

NO. 16 STANFORD 90, UC SANTA BARBARA 34: Lili Thompson had 12 points to help Stanford rout UC Santa Barbara.

No. 17 RUTGERS 66, INDIANA 51: Betnijah Laney had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Rutgers’ defense stymied Indiana’s offense to open Big Ten play.

NORTHWESTERN 61, NO. 20 MICHIGAN STATE 57: Nia Coffey scored 15 points and Northwestern beat Michigan State in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

NO. 22 SYRACUSE 76, CORNELL 59: Alexis Peterson had 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals in Syracuse’s victory over Cornell.

DAYTON 72, No. 24 WISCONSIN-GREEN BAY 66: Andrea Hoover scored 15 points and hit a key 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining to lift Dayton past Wisconsin-Green Bay.

NO. 25 ARIZONA ST. 69, YALE 51: Promise Amukamara scored 15 points, and Quinn Dornstauder had 11 points and 11 rebounds for Arizona State.

The Associated Press

Hoops du Jour

Holy Cross at Pittsburgh men

Tipoff: 7 p.m., Petersen Events Center

Records: Holy Cross (5-4); Pittsburgh (8-3)

Coaches: Milan Brown is 60-71 in his fifth year as Holy Cross head coach and is 155-191 in 12 years overall as a coach. Jamie Dixon is 296-99 in his 12th year as Pitt’s head coach.

TV/web: ESPN3

Radio: WVAM (1430)

Probable starters: Holy Cross – G Justin Burrell, 5-9 Sr. (11.8), G Eric Green, 6-4 Jr. (8.3), G Anthony Thompson, 5-10 So. (9.3), F Malcom Miller, 6-7 Sr. (12.0), F Taylor Abt, 6-8 Sr. (3.9). Pittsburgh – G James Robinson, 6-3 Jr. (12.0), G Cameron Wright, 6-5 Sr. (7.8), G Chris Jones, 6-6 So. (10.0), F Jamel Artis, 6-7 So. (8.9), F Michael Young, 6-9 So. (13.7).

Notes: Holy Cross won its first three games, including a season-opening triumph over then No. 25 Harvard, but the streak ended with a 24-point loss to Syracuse on Nov. 28. … Milan got Mount St. Mary’s to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 after winning the Northeast Conference tournament. The Mountaineers finished tied for fourth in the regular season that year. … The Crusaders are ranked No. 314 in the NCAA in rebounding. … Pitt enters the game ranked No. 23 in assists in the NCAA. … Pitt is 198-27 all-time in the Petersen Events Center and is 115-3 against non-conference foes, including its current 28-game winning streak.

Mirror prediction: Pittsburgh 71, Holy Cross 69

Comment: Pitt’s advantage on the offensive glass should be enough to keep the non-conference streak in tact.

Mirror prediction record: 9-2

– Michael Boytim

Hoops du Jour

Dartmouth at Penn State men

Tipoff: 4 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center

Records: Penn State (11-1); Dartmouth (5-5)

Coaches: Patrick Chambers is 49-60 in his fourth season at Penn State and 91-88 in six seasons overall. Paul Cormier is 123-183 in his 12th season at Dartmouth and 209-294 in 19 seasons overall.

Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 WVAM; WAYC-AM (1600)

Probable starters: Penn State – G D.J. Newbill, 6-4 Sr. (21.8), G Shep Garner, 6-1 Fr. (10.3), F Brandon Taylor, 6-6 Jr. (10.7), F Ross Travis, 6-7 Sr. (5.0), C Jordan Dickerson, 7-0 Jr. (2.6). Dartmouth – G Taylor Johnson, 6-4 Fr. (2.9), G Alex Mitola, 5-11 Jr. (15.2), F John Golden, 6-6 Sr. (4.0), F Connor Boehm, 6-7 Jr. (10.3), C Gabas Maldunas, 6-9 Sr.(11.4).

Notes: Penn State has won nine in a row and will look to stretch the streak to double digits in its final non-conference game of the season. These teams haven’t met in 31 years, and the series is even at two games apiece. Dartmouth has won two in a row, against Northern Illinois and Mercer. The Lions open up Big Ten play Dec. 31 at Wisconsin.

Mirror prediction: Penn State 73, Dartmouth 60

Comment: This is the last of cupcake city for the Lions, who have an impressive record but still haven’t looked all that impressive in large stretches of most of the games against weaker competition.

Mirror prediction record: 9-3

– Cory Giger

Hoops du Jour

USF at Penn State women

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at Bryce Jordan Center

Records: Penn State (3-7). USF (8-3)

Coaches: Coquese Washington is 145-88 in her eighth season at Penn State. Jose Fernandez is 242-211 in his 15th season at the University of South Florida.

TV: N/A

Radio: WRSC 1390

Probable starters: Penn State – C Candace Agee, 6-6 Jr. (10.2), G Sierra Moore, 5-11 RS-So. (12.2), G Lindsey Spann, 5-6 RS-Fr. (14.4), G Kaliyah Mitchell, 6-2 So. (9.0), F Tori Waldner, 6-5 Sr. (4.9). USF – PG Laura Marcos Canedo, 5-8 RS-So. (1.0), G Courtney Williams, 5-8 Jr. (18.6), F Laura Ferreira, 5-11 Fr. (7.6), F Alisia Jenkins, 6-1 Jr. (12.1), F Maria Jespersen, 6-0 Fr. (4.1).

Notes: The Lady Lions had a huge 85-51 victory over Rider last week in which Kaliyah Mitchell had her first career double-double. Lindsey Spann put forth her career-high of 23 points in the win that saw five players scoring at least seven points. Candace Agee also contributed 19 points. The Bulls are also coming off a big win as they had an 84-43 win over Northern Colorado on Wednesday. Both Tamara Taylor and Courtney Williams each had 23 points, and Williams also contributed nine rebounds and six assists. This will be the first time Penn State and South Florida have ever met in a women’s college basketball game.

Mirror prediction: USF 70, Penn State 59

Mirror prediction record: 8-2

– Kristen Nelson

SFU women at Coastal Carolina

Tipoff: 5 p.m. at Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Records: Saint Francis (0-8); Coastal Carolina (7-2 overall, 1-0 Big South).

All-time series: This is the first meeting between the two schools.

Last time out: Saint Francis lost at Duquesne, 92-52; Coastal Carolina dropped North Carolina Central, 67-52.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 32-41 in his third season at Saint Francis; Jaida Williams is 22-18 in her second year at Coastal Carolina.

Radio: WWGE-1400 AM

Internet radio: www.1400WWGE.com

Internet TV: Chanticleer Sports Network

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Sr. (24.6), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (10.1), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (7.8), F Corissa Archer, 6-0 Sr. (4.5), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (7.4). Coastal Carolina – G A.J. Jordan, 5-8 Sr. (14.0), G Ced Gibson, 5-7 R-So. (13.3), G Stephanie Isaacs, 5-7 R-Jr. (14.4), F Anna Vogt, 6-1 Jr. (13.2), F Alexis Robinson, 5-10 So. (7.1).

Notes: The last time Saint Francis played a team from the Big South Conference was on Nov. 19, 2008 against Longwood … The Red Flash will be off for Christmas break following the game and will return to the court next Sunday at Pitt at 2 p.m. … SFU’s Allison Thompson scored the first points of her career against Duquesne … Jordan went over the 1,000-point mark on Nov. 24 … Robinson pulled down a school record 19 rebounds in a Nov. 15 game … The Chanticleer’s are averaging 80 points per contest.

Mirror prediction: Coastal Carolina 89, Saint Francis 67

Comment: The game is being played near the beach; however, the game will be anything but that for Saint Francis.

Mirror prediction record: 6-2

– Nate Ritchey

Hoops du Jour

Penn State men vs. Drexel

Tipoff: 2 p.m., PPL Center, Allentown (PSU is the home team)

Records: Penn State (10-1); Drexel (2-7)

Coaches: Patrick Chambers is 48-60 in his fourth season at Penn State and 90-88 in six seasons overall. Bruiser Flint is 230-180 in his 14th season at Drexel and 316-252 in 19 seasons overall.

TV: ESPN2

Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 WVAM

Probable starters: Penn State – G D.J. Newbill, 6-4 Sr. (21.9), G Shep Garner, 6-1 Fr. (10.5), F Brandon Taylor, 6-6 Jr. (10.4), F Ross Travis, 6-7 Sr. (5.0), C Jordan Dickerson, 7-0 Jr. (2.5). Drexel – G Tavon Allen, 6-7 Jr. (9.8), G Rashann London, 6-2 Fr. (7.4), G Damion Lee, 6-6 Jr. (20.7), F Mohamed Bah, 6-9 So. (3.7), F Rodney Williams, 6-7 So. (8.9).

Notes: Penn State is off to its best start since the 1995-96 season, has won eight in a row and even received votes in this week’s AP top 25. The Lions are coming off their most impressive showing of the season in a 64-51 win over a very good GW team. This should be an easy win for PSU, although that doesn’t guarantee it will be given the Lions’ knack for playing down to their competition. Drexel is right near the bottom in the country in scoring, ranking 341st with only 56.7 points per game.

Mirror prediction: Penn State 67, Drexel 54

Comment: Take care of business here and against Dartmouth, and the Lions will enter Big Ten play with a 12-1 record and 10-game winning streak. Then again, they play Wisconsin to start league play, so the streaks won’t last long.

Mirror prediction record: 8-3

– Cory Giger

Oakland at Pittsburgh men

Tipoff: 4 p.m., Petersen Events Center

Records: Oakland (4-7); Pittsburgh (7-3)

Coaches: Greg Kampe is 523-393 in his 31st year at Oakland. Jamie Dixon is 295-99 in his 12th year as Pitt’s head coach.

TV: ROOT

Radio: WFBG-AM (1290)

Probable starters: Pittsburgh – G James Robinson, 6-3 Jr. (11.4), G Cameron Wright, 6-5 Sr. (5.0), G Chris Jones, 6-6 So. (9.4), F Jamel Artis, 6-7 So. (9.4), F Michael Young, 6-9 So. (13.2). Oakland – G Kahlil Felder, 5-9 So (15.7), G Nick Daniels, 6-1 Fr. (6.3), F Tommy McCune, 6-8 Jr. (12.2), F Jalen Hayes, 6-7 Fr. (3.1), C Corey Petros, 6-10 Sr. (15.9).

Notes: Pitt leads the all-time series, 4-0, but in the last matchup, Oakland nearly upset the Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. The Golden Grizzlies fell, 72-62 in overtime during the 2012-2013 season. … Oakland became a Division I team in 1999. … Pitt is 56-2 all-time in December games at the Petersen Events Center. … Cameron Johnson has missed the last two games for Pitt with a left shoulder injury. … Pitt is favored by 16. … Oakland has played ranked opponents in its last two games and has not fared well. It lost to Michigan State, 87-61 and Arizona, 101-64.

Mirror prediction: Pittsburgh 70, Oakland 62

Comment: With how bad Pitt has been playing, I have no idea how it is favored to win by 16 against anyone. And afterall, Oakland will be playing in Oakland Township.

Mirror prediction record: 8-2

– Michael Boytim

Saint Francis men at Rutgers

Tipoff: 2 p.m., Rutgers Athletic Center, Piscataway, N.J.

Records: Saint Francis (5-4); Rutgers (6-4)

Coaches: Rob Krimmel is 20-48 in his third season at Saint Francis. Eddie Jordan is 18-25 in his second season at Rutgers.

Radio: The Edge, AM 1400

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Malik Harmon, 5-11 So. (9.7); G Greg Brown, 6-2 Jr. (6.6), G Ollie Jackson, 6-3 Sr. (5.4), F Earl Brown, 6-6 Sr. (14.2), F Ronnie Drinnon, 6-7 Jr. (7.0). Rutgers – G Myles Mack, 5-10 Sr. (13.5), G Mike Williams, 6-2 Fr. (7.1), F Junior Etou, 6-7 So. (10.2), F Kadeem Jack, 6-9 Sr. (13.0), C Greg Lewis, 6-9 Jr. (5.3).

Notes: If you think it would be stunning for Saint Francis to win this game against a Big Ten opponent, think again. It will be very, very difficult because the RAC has always been a tough place to play. But this is not a good Rutgers team, and this is the best Red Flash team in a number of years. The Flash are coming off a terrific showing in a 67-52 win at Duquesne. … SFU isn’t a strong offensive team, averaging only 63.1 points, but neither is Rutgers. In fact, the Scarlet Knights are one of the worst offensive teams in the nation, ranking 328th in points (58.0) and 329th in field-goal percentage (38.0). Rutgers was held to 26 points in a 45-26 loss to a strong Virginia team.

Mirror prediction: Rutgers 55, Saint Francis 49

Comment: I was very close to picking SFU here, but that’s probably more wishful thinking than reality. Even though Rutgers isn’t very good, it is still a Big Ten team playing at home, and its size advantage could be huge.

Mirror prediction record: 8-1

– Cory Giger

Hoops du Jour

SFU women at Duquesne

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at A.J. Palumbo Center, Pittsburgh

Records: Saint Francis (0-7); Duquesne (6-4).

All-time series: Duquesne leads 27-10. The Dukes won last year’s meeting, 86-66, on Dec. 8 in Loretto.

Last time out: Saint Francis was beaten, 76-62, by Bowling Green at the Cambria County War Memorial. Duquesne won at Robert Morris, 71-57.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 32-40 in his third season at Saint Francis; Dan Burt is 26-17 in her second season at Duquesne.

Radio: WWGE-1400A AM.

Internet radio: www.WWGE-1400.com

Internet video: Atlantic 10 Network

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Jr. (26.7), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (9.4), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (8.4), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (7.8), F Hope Phillips, 6-2 Sr. (5.3). Duquesne – G Olivia Bresnahan, 5-11 Sr. (8.1), G Belma Nurkic, 5-8 Sr. (7.4), G April Robinson, 5-8 Jr. (15.9), F Jose-Ann Johnson, 6-4 Sr. (11.1), F Amanda Szamosi, 6-3 So. (9.9).

Notes: Pitt and West Virginia are common opponents for the two teams. Duquesne beat Pitt and got blown out by WVU, while Saint Francis will be playing them on back-to-back nights at the end of the month The Dukes have won the past six meetings This game marks the first of four straight away from DeGol Arena for Saint Francis Phillips tied a career-high with seven points against Bowling Green, while Hayward set a career-high by blocking four shtos Duquesne assistant coach Eddie Benton was an assistant with the Flash for the 2012-2013 season Deva’Nyar Workman is scoring 13.4 points per game off the bench for the Dukes.

Mirror prediction: Duquesne 86, Saint Francis 71

Comment: SFU will have to shut down the balanced Dukes while controlling the boards – something they’ve struggled to do all season – in order to enter the win column.

Mirror prediction record: 5-2

– Nate Ritchey

Hoops du Jour

Manhattan at Pittsburgh men

Tipoff: 7:02 p.m., Petersen Events Center

Records: Manhattan (2-6, 1-1 in MAAC); Pittsburgh (6-3)

Coaches: Steve Masiello is 62-45 in his fourth year at Manhattan. Jamie Dixon is 294-99 in his 12th year as Pitt’s head coach.

TV/web: ESPN3

Radio: ESPN?Radio 1430 WVAM

Probable starters: Pittsburgh – G James Robinson, 6-3 Jr. (12.2), G Cameron Wright, 6-5 Sr. (0.5), G Chris Jones, 6-6 So. (10.0), F Jamel Artis, 6-7 So. (8.2), F Michael Young, 6-9 So. (12.9). Manhattan – G Tyler Wilson, 6-1 So. (6.3), G Rich Williams, 6-5 So. (5.8), F Ashton Pankey, 6-10 Jr. (10.9), F Emmy Andujar, 6-6 Sr. (12.5), F Shane Richards, 6-5 Jr. (11.5).

Notes: Pitt leads the all-time series 2-0. The teams haven’t met since 1991. The Panthers have a 26-game non-conference winning streak. Overall, Pitt is 113-3 in non conference games at the Petersen Events Center. The Jaspers rank 340th in the NCAA in rebounding. Their only wins are against Binghamton and Marist.

Mirror prediction: Pittsburgh 62, Manhattan 51

Comment: The Jaspers’ lack of rebounding ability will allow the Panthers to get some easy baskets – something they need.

Mirror prediction record: 7-2

– Michael Boytim

Saint Francis men at Duquesne

Tipoff: 7 p.m., Palumbo Center, Pittsburgh

Records: Saint Francis (4-4); Duquesne (3-4)

Coaches: Rob Krimmel is 19-48 in his third season at Saint Francis. Jim Ferry is 24-43 in his third season at Duquesne and 278-211 in 17 seasons overall.

Radio: The Edge, AM 1400

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Malik Harmon, 5-11 So. (9.9); G Greg Brown, 6-2 Jr. (5.3), G Ollie Jackson, 6-3 Sr. (4.7), F Earl Brown, 6-6 Sr. (12.6), F Ronnie Drinnon, 6-7 Jr. (7.1). Duquesne – G Micah Mason, 6-2 Jr. (9.7), G Derrick Colter, 5-11 Jr. (11.6), F TySean Powell, 6-6 Fr. (11.6), F L.G. Gill, 6-7 So. (7.6), F Jeremiah Jones, 6-3 Jr. (3.9).

Notes: The Flash have a chance to climb above .500 in December, something they’ve rarely been able to do over the past decade. Saint Francis hasn’t played in 11 days, since a 69-59 win over Albany. This is the 75th meeting in the series, which dates back to 1914 and has included some great history. Duquesne has lost three in a row and four of five. The Dukes are coming off a 16-point drubbing at Robert Morris on Saturday, 75-59.

Mirror prediction: Saint Francis 64, Duquesne 61

Comment: Saint Francis has a better team than Duquesne, which hasn’t been the case for a long time. This game is on the road, though, but let’s see if the Flash can come up with a solid win.

Mirror prediction record: 7-1

– Cory Giger

Hoops du Jour

St. Bonaventure at Pitt men

Tipoff: 2:05 p.m., Pittsburgh, Petersen Events Center

Records: Pittsburgh (5-3); St. Bonaventure (6-1)

Coaches: Jamie Dixon is 293-99 in his 12th year as Pitt’s head coach. Mark Schmidt 112-111 in eight years at St. Bonaventure and 194-201 in 14 years overall as a head coach.

TV: ESPNU

Radio: 1430 WVAM

Probable starters: Pittsburgh – G James Robinson, 6-3 Jr. (12.6), G Chris Jones, 6-6 So. (9.9), F Jamel Artis, 6-7 So. (7.5), F Michael Young, 6-9 So. (12.8), F Derrick Randall, 6-9 Sr. (2.9). Saint Bonaventure – G Jay Adams, Fr. (12.6), G Marcus Posley, Jr. (15.7), G Andell Cumberbatch, Sr. (13.0), F Dion Wright, Jr. (13.1), C Youssou Ndoye, Sr. (11.2).

Notes: St. Bonaventure enters the game on a five-game winning streak but has played just one true road game. … Pitt leads the all-time series 5-2. … The Panthers haven’t played in more than a week and haven’t played in the Petersen Events Center since Nov. 16. … Cameron Wright made his season debut, playing 1 minutes against Duquesne and is expected to play today. … Pitt is favored by 9.5 points.

Mirror prediction: Pittsburgh 71, St. Bonaventure 63

Comment: The Bonnies might be 6-1, but their level of competition so far is far from impressive.

Mirror prediction record: 6-2

– Michael Boytim

Bowling Green at SFU women

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Johnstown

Records: Bowling Green (4-2); Saint Francis (0-6).

All-time series: Bowling Green leads 5-0. The Falcons defeated the Red Flash, 81-66, on Dec. 29, 2013.

Last time out: Saint Francis suffered a 86-77 home setback to George Mason; Bowling Green defeated Cincinnati, 66-55 at home.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 32-39 in his third season at Saint Francis; Jennifer Roos is 58-18 in her third year at Bowling Green.

Radio: WWGE-1400A AM

Internet radio: www.WWGE-1400.com

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Sr. (27.7), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (10.0), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (7.5), F Corissa Archer, 6-0 Sr. (5.3), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (7.8); Bowling Green -G Jasmine Matthews, 5-9 Sr. (3.8), G Rachel Konieczki, 5-3 So. (6.8), F Erica Donovan, 5-11 R-Jr. (13.7), F Miriam Justinger, 6-0 Jr. (10.7), C Abby Siefker, 6-2 So. (5.5).

Notes: Brock scored 15 points and came up with six steals in last year’s loss to Bowling Green Hayward is currently the leading scorer in NCAA Division I by more than a point over the University of Washington’s Kelsey Plum (26.3) The Falcons are playing their first of five straight on the road BG has played in the last three WNIT Postseason Tournaments, including winning their first three last year with victories over High Point, St. Bonaventure and Michigan Donovan, who was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week on Monday after posting 17 points and 10 rebounds against Cincy, also leads the team with 8.5 rebounds per game.

Mirror prediction: Bowling Green 82, Saint Francis 66

Comment: The Falcons, averaging just 61.3 points per game, must be able to keep pace with the up-tempo Flash.

Mirror prediction record: 4-2

– Nate Ritchey

Hoops du Jour

GW at Penn State men

Tipoff: Noon, Bryce Jordan Center

Records: Penn State (9-1); George Washington (6-2)

Coaches: Patrick Chambers is 47-60 in his fourth season at Penn State and 89-88 in six seasons overall. Mike Lonergan is 53-49 in his fourth season at GW and 430-205 in 22 seasons overall.

TV: CBS Sports Network

Probable starters: Penn State – G D.J. Newbill, 6-4 Sr. (22.1), G Shep Garner, 6-1 Fr. (10.5), F Brandon Taylor, 6-6 Jr. (9.7), F Ross Travis, 6-7 Sr. (5.5), C Jordan Dickerson, 7-0 Jr. (2.3). George Washington – G Kethan Savage, 6-3 Jr. (12.8), G Patricio Garino, 6-6 Jr. (15.1), G Joe McDonald, 6-1 Jr. (10.0), F Kevin Larsen, 6-10 Jr. (10.6), F John Kopriva, 6-8 Sr. (6.9).

Notes: This will be a major test for the Lions against a GW team that reached the NCAA Tournament last season and lost to Memphis in the second round (71-66). The Colonials return four starters and were picked to finish second in the Atlantic 10, behind VCU. Incredibly, Penn State won its last game against Duquesne despite Taylor and Travis both going scoreless and Newbill being held to only 11 points. The Lions got 19 points off the bench from Geno Thorpe and 11 from Donovon Jack to pick up the slack. GW’s only losses are to No. 6 Virginia (59-42) and Seton Hall (58-54). The Colonials beat Charlotte (78-70), which handed PSU its lone loss.

Mirror prediction: GW 73, Penn State 69

Comment: GW is a legitimate tournament contender with a ton of experience and confidence.?It’s just a better all-around team than Penn State.

Mirror prediction record: 8-2

– Cory Giger

Rider at PSU Lady Lions

Tipoff: 2:30 p.m. at Bryce Jordan Center

Records: Penn State (2-7) Rider (2-6)

Coaches: Coquese Washington is 144-88 in her eighth season at Penn State. Lynn Milligan is 70-150 in his eighth season at Rider.

TV: N/A

Radio: WRSC 1390

Probable Starters: Penn State – C Candace Agee, 6-6 Jr. (9.2), G Sierra Moore, 5-11 RS-So. (12.8), G Lindsey Spann, 5-6 RS-Fr. (13.4), G Kaliyah Mitchell, 6-2 So. (8.7), F Tori Waldner, 6-5 Sr. (5.0). Rider C Julia Duggan, 6-1 So. (9.3), G Emily Fazzini, 5-10 RS-Jr. (6.4), G Manon Pellet, 5-7 Jr. (4.0), G Lashay Banks, 5-10 RS-Sr. (6.4), G Robin Perkins, 5-10 RS-So. (12.4).

Notes: The Lady Lions are coming off a 62-57 loss to Hartford in which they were at one point down by 20 points. Penn State attempted to rally back in the second half, but couldn’t work past the early deficit. Candace Agee recorded her second 20-point game in her career with an 8-for-13 performance from the field. Sierra Moore and Kaliyah Mitchell also contributed with 10 and nine points, respectively. Lindsey Spann’s eight-game streak of double-digit figures was snapped in the lossThe Broncs had a 60-46 loss against eight-time defending MAC champion Marist College on December 7.

Mirror prediction: Penn State 69, Rider 60

Mirror prediction record: 7-2

– Kristen Nelson

Hoops du Jour

Penn State men at Marshall

Tipoff: 6 p.m., Cam Henderson Center, Huntington, W.Va.

Records: Penn State (7-1); Marshall (3-4)

Coaches: Patrick Chambers is 45-60 in his fourth season at Penn State and 87-88 in six seasons overall. Dan D’Antoni is 3-4 in his first season at Marshall and overall.

Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 WVAM

Probable starters: Penn State – G D.J. Newbill, 6-4 Sr. (24.1), G Shep Garner, 6-1 Fr. (11.1), F Brandon Taylor, 6-6 Jr. (10.0), F Ross Travis, 6-7 Sr. (6.5), F Donovon Jack, 6-9 Jr. (3.5). Marshall – G Austin Loop, 6-4 So. (9.1), G DeVince Boykins, 6-4 Jr. (4.4), F Cheik Sane, 6-9 Sr. (8.3), F Ryan Taylor, 6-5 So. (16.0), C JP Kambola, 6-9 Sr. (6.4).

Notes: Marshall coach Dan D’Antoni is the older brother of former Lakers, Knicks and Suns coach Mike D’Antoni. Dan was a high school head coach for 30 years in South Carolina before spending the past nine years as an NBA assistant on his brother’s teams. This is his first year as a college head coach at any level. The Lions are coming off a solid win in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at home against Virginia Tech as they rallied in the second half for a 61-58 victory to improve to 7-1. Marshall’s second-leading scorer, senior forward Shawn Smith (12.0), has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury. The Thundering Herd have lost four in a row.

Mirror prediction: Penn State 72, Marshall 64.

Comment: Marshall has a lot of size, which could give PSU some trouble, but the Lions should get good perimeter play.

Mirror prediction record: 6-2

– Cory Giger

Albany at Saint Francis men

Tipoff: 2 p.m., DeGol Arena

Records: Saint Francis (3-4); Albany (2-4)

Coaches: Rob Krimmel is 18-48 in his third season at Saint Francis. Will Brown is 193-210 in his 14th season at Albany and 283-220 in 17 seasons overall.

Radio: The Edge, AM 1400

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Malik Harmon, 5-11 So. (10.7); G Greg Brown, 6-2 Jr. (4.5), G Ollie Jackson, 6-3 Sr. (4.0), F Earl Brown, 6-6 Sr. (12.0), F Ronnie Drinnon, 6-7 Jr. (7.7). Albany – G Evan Singletary, 6-1 Jr. (10.5), G Ray Sanders, 6-4 Jr. (8.8), G Peter Hooley, 6-4 Jr. (14.0), F Mike Rowley, 6-8 So. (5.5), F Sam Rowley, 6-6 Sr. (12.3).

Notes: Along with being Kevin Porter Day (see below), there’s another intriguing note about today. A very familiar last name will be visiting with Albany in freshman guard Max Twyman, grandson of Jack Twyman. Jack, of course, is legendary in Saint Francis lore for helping serve as Maurice Stokes’ guardian after Stokes’ life-changing injury. “He was very outgoing, always the life of every family gathering,” Max recently said about his grandfather in the Troy (N.Y.) Record. Jack, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, died in 2012. Max Twyman has appeared in one game so far and didn’t score. Albany has made the NCAA Tournament the past two years but has just two starters and four lettermen back from last year’s team. The Great Danes were picked to finish third in the America East this season.

Mirror prediction: Saint Francis 61, Albany 56

Comment: This would be a really good win for the Flash against a program that has had a lot of success the past two years. Saint Francis should be able to use the home-court advantage and emotion of the day to pull it out.

Mirror prediction record: 6-1

– Cory Giger

George Mason at SFU women

Tipoff: 6 p.m. at DeGol Arena, Loretto

Records: George Mason (4-4); Saint Francis (0-5).

All-time series: George Mason leads 7-2. The Patriots blew out the Red Flash in Fairfax, Va., 97-62, on Nov. 21, 2013.

Last time out: Saint Francis suffered an 111-44 loss at #14 Tennessee. George Mason lost at home to East Tennessee State, 84-71.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 32-38 in his third season at Saint Francis; Nyla Milleson is 12-27 in her second season at George Mason and is 302-152 in her 15th season overall, including stops at Drury and Missouri State.

Radio: WWGE-1400A AM.

Internet radio: www.WWGE-1400.com

Internet video: www.necfrontrow.com

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Jr. (27.0), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (10.8), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (6.0), F Corissa Archer, 6-0 Sr. (4.8), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (8.8). George Mason -G Taylor Brown, 5-7 R-Jr. (23.1), G Jasmine Jackson, 5-9 R-Jr. (12.5), G Reana Mohamad, 5-8 Jr. (2.0), F Sandra Ngoie, 6-1 Sr. (11.5), F Kristi Mokube, 6-2 R-Jr. (9.8).

Notes: The game is a Toys for Tots event as admission to the game will be half price with the donation of a toy The two teams have both lost to East Tennessee State this season Alexa Hayward became the school’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals made against Tennessee as she drained six to overtake Portage graduate Stacy Alexander for the top spot with 238. In addition, the senior also set a Thompson-Boling Arena record by attempting 19 shots from behind the arc Hayward needs just 14 points to move from 14th place on the all-time scoring list to 12th (passing Diane Ferrara and Erin Murphy) Brown recorded 28 points and had eight assists in the Patriots’ victory last year

Mirror prediction: George Mason 87, Saint Francis 79

Comment: The Red Flash still desperately trying to get in the win column. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait a little longer as the Patriots earn their third straight victory over SFU.

Mirror prediction record: 3-2

– Nate Ritchey

Hoops du Jour

Virginia Tech at PSU men

Tipoff: 7:15 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center

Records: Penn State (6-1); Virginia Tech (4-2)

Coaches: Patrick Chambers is 44-60 in his fourth season at Penn State and 86-88 in six seasons overall. Buzz Williams is 4-2 in his first season at Virginia Tech and 157-88 in nine seasons overall.

Radio: ESPN Radio 1430 WVAM

Probable starters: Penn State – G D.J. Newbill, 6-4 Sr. (25.0), G Shep Garner, 6-1 Fr. (10.9), F Brandon Taylor, 6-6 Jr. (10.4), F Ross Travis, 6-7 Sr. (6.6), F Donovon Jack, 6-9 Jr. (3.4). Virginia Tech – G Devin Wilson, 6-4 So. (7.5), G Ahmed Hill, 6-5 Fr. (8.3), G Justin Bibbs, 6-5 Fr. (12.2), G Malik Muller, 6-3 Fr. (5.8), F Shane Henry, 6-8 Jr. (1.4).

Notes: This game is part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Virginia Tech’s leading scorer, Adam Smith, doesn’t start but averages 14.3 points. The most interesting part of this game is Hokie coach Buzz Williams, who shocked many in the sport when he left a great job at Marquette earlier this year to take on a very difficult job at Virginia Tech. Williams is a terrific coach who led Marquette to five straight NCAA Tournaments, including two Sweet 16s and an Elite 8. But he went 17-15 last season, and there was a lot of turmoil with the school looking for a new president and new AD. So Williams got out, and the struggling Virginia Tech program wound up landing the caliber of coach typically reserved for elite teams.

Mirror prediction: Penn State 74, Virginia Tech 70

Comment: A tough call, based on my great respect for Williams as a coach. But he’s starting three freshmen, and this is the Hokies’ first road game, so PSU gets the edge.

Mirror prediction record: 5-2

– Cory Giger

Saint Francis men at Lehigh

Tipoff: 7 p.m., Stabler Arena, Bethlehem

Records: Saint Francis (3-3); Lehigh (2-4)

Coaches: Rob Krimmel is 18-47 in his third season at Saint Francis. Brett Reed is 131-95 in eight seasons at Lehigh and overall.

Radio: The Edge, AM 1400

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Malik Harmon, 5-11 So. (12.4); G Greg Brown, 6-2 Jr. (4.4), G Ollie Jackson, 6-3 Sr. (4.8), F Earl Brown, 6-6 Sr. (10.0), F Ronnie Drinnon, 6-7 Jr. (7.2). Lehigh – G Kahron Ross, 5-11 Fr. (7.2), G Miles Simelton, 6-1 So. (4.0), G Austin Price, 6-4 So. (12.4), F Jesse Chuku, 6-8 Jr. (6.4), C Tim Kempton, 6-10 So. (16.8).

Notes: Saint Francis won three games in November for just the second time ever. One of those was on the road the last time out at Navy, and the Red Flash will be looking for a rare two-game winning streak away from home. Lehigh was picked to finish seventh in the Patriot League, so this is a very winnable game. The Mountain Hawks did beat DePaul two games ago, 86-74, and they had a strong showing against Villanova in a 77-66 loss. They lost earlier to Canisius, coached by former SFU head man Jim Barron.

Mirror prediction: Saint Francis 64, Lehigh 58

Comment: The Flash already have proven they’re a much better team this season than recent years. If that is indeed the case, they must be able to beat these caliber of teams, even if it is on the road.

Mirror prediction record: 6-0

– Cory Giger

SFU women at Tennessee

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn.

Records: Saint Francis (0-4); Tennessee (4-2).

All-time series: This is the first meeting between the two schools.

Last time out: Saint Francis lost at home, 87-74, to Canisius; Tennessee suffered a 67-63 loss to Chattanooga.

Coaches: Joe Haigh is 32-37 in his third season at Saint Francis; Holly Warlick is 60-16 in her third season at Tennessee.

Radio: WWGE-1400 AM

Internet radio: www.1400WWGE.com

TV: SEC Network

Probable starters: Saint Francis – G Alexa Hayward, 5-8 Sr. (27.3), G Aisha Brock, 5-6 Jr. (11.0), G Maya Wynn, 5-11 Fr. (7.0), F Corissa Archer, 6-0 Sr. (6.0), F Shaqeia Stokes, 6-1 Sr. (10.0). Tennessee – G Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 So. (5.7), G Ariel Massengale, 5-7 Sr. (13.2), F Jasmine Jones, 6-2 Jr. (9.7), F Bashaara Graves, 6-2 Jr. (13.3), C Nia Moore, 6-3 Jr. (14.8).

Notes: The game marks the first time Tennessee will be playing a team from the Northeast Conference … Saint Francis is playing on the road after three straight at home … Tennessee is coming off of two straight losses and now are ranked No. 14 in both the AP Top 25 poll and USA Today/ESPN Top 25 poll … The Red Flash and Lady Volunteers are both high-scoring teams as the Vols are averaging 81.3 points per game, which the Flash are just a little below that at 78.5. The biggest difference between the two squads is that Tennessee’s defense is holding the opposition to just 54 points per contest, while SFU is allowing 91.8 … The Volunteers have won eight national titles in their history but haven’t claimed the top prize since 2008. The mark is second all-time to UConn’s nine championships … Warlick played at UT and was an assistant coach to legendary head coach Pat Summit for 27 years.

Mirror prediction: Tennessee 97, Saint Francis 68

Comment: The Lady Volunteers are 384-28 all-time inside Thompson-Boling Arena. The Red Flash hung tight with Big Ten member Ohio State earlier this season. However, Tennessee is a different animal than even the Buckeyes are and they’ll have no problems earning victory number 385.

Mirror prediction record: 2-2

– Nate Ritchey

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