The Youngstown State men’s basketball program is close to posting its first winning season since the Penguins went 19-11 in 2000-01 under John Bobic, the predecessor to current coach Jerry Slocum.

Slocum, who coached Gannon for 9 seasons, has coached his young club to a 14-12 record going into Saturday’s non-conference game at Austin Peay. Youngstown, 9-7 in the Horizon Conference which produced two-time NCAA Division I runner-up Butler, finishes the regular season with home games against Wright State and Detroit, teams the Penguins split with in close games on the road.

Sophomore center Josh Chojnacki, who starred at Mercyhurst Prep, averages 9.9 minutes, 1.2 points, and 1.0 rebounds per game.

Slocum’s  assistants are Erie natives Mike Wernicki and Brian DePaoli, and former Penn State Behrend star Byron Thorne.

The Penguins are led by sophomore forward Kendrick Perry, 16.3 ppg.,  junior guard Blake Allen, 13.2, 78 3-pointers, and 6-7 junior forward Damian Eargle, 10.3, 7.1 rpg and 104 blocks, 4.0 a game and ranked third, with Anthony Davis of Kentucky first with 4.9.

Slocum has over 640 wins in his 37th season, with 12-years at Nyack, 9 at Geneva and the 9 at Gannon, which included 6 straight NCAA Division II tournament appearances. At Youngstown, he is 78-136, but the building blocks are in place for winning seasons to come.

Tonight’s big Gannon at Edinboro men’s/women’s basketball doubleheader is available to view live online at www.edinboro.tv. Catch the women’s game at 5:30 p.m., pitting No. 18 Gannon against No. 2 and unbeaten Edinboro, followed by the men’s game around 7:30 p.m.

The defending Division II champion Mercyhurst University men’s lacrosse team opens its season Feb. 11 with a game against Ohio Valley at Vienna, W.Va. The Lakers’ first home match is March 3 against Chestnut Hill.

A look at the Lakers’ preparations for the season, courtesy of Mercyhurst’s sports information department:

Edinboro’s women’s basketball team has a chance to move to No. 2 when the USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll is released Tuesday.

No. 2 Clayton State lost 59-57 to Lander Jan. 25 to fall to 19-2. The Fighting Scots (18-0) were ranked third this past week in voting by 33 board of coaches members. Edinboro had 720 points to Clayton State’s 768. Clayton State also received six first-place votes.

UC-San Diego should remain No. 1 after improving to 20-0.

Video highlights from Mercyhurst’s 23-13 victory over Gannon in a recent wrestling dual meet:

2012 Gannon-Mercyhurst Wrestling Highlights/Interviews (1/26/12) from Gannon University Athletics on Vimeo.

If you’re so inclined, you can watch the Penn State Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 20 at 10:15 a.m. It’s available at WPSU and PCN.

The agenda includes the president’s report and an overview of intercollegiate athletics.

Tickets for the Gannon University at Mercyhurst College basketball doubleheader Jan. 18 will go on sale Jan. 14.

Tickets will be available at the Slippery Rock University at Mercyhurst games. Mercyhurst Athletic Center doors will open at noon for the 1 p.m. women’s game. Tickets will be sold until halftime of the men’s game, or approximately 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Mercyhurst students, faculty, and staff will be admitted free of charge. Those with a Mercyhurst College President’s Card or a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference pass also will be admitted free of charge.

Mercyhurst students with a valid university ID also will be able to obtain tickets Monday and Tuesday in Egan Cafeteria.

The women’s game Jan. 18 is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Edinboro, Gannon and Mercyhurst open PSAC West play Wednesday, Jan. 11, with all of the men and women basketball teams in playoff contention.
The No. 7 Edinboro women, defending PSAC champions, are 12-0 overall and 8-0 after PSAC crossover games that count in the conference standings for the first time. The Lady Scots visit 11-1, 8-0 Gannon tonight in a huge match-up between the past two PSAC champions. The Gannon men (8-4 6-2) host Edinboro (7-5, 5-3) in the second game of the doubleheader.
The Mercyhurst men are. 8-4, 6-2, the women 7-5, 5-3.
The PSAC West dominated the East, leaving a load of contenders colliding over the remaining 14 games.
Following is a glance at the other five schools in the PSAC West.

Indiana men
Coach: Joe Lombardi (6th season)
2010-11: 26-6, 12-2 PSAC West (1st). Lost at then No. 1 and unbeaten West Liberty State 89-86 in Atlantic Regional finals.
2011-12: 10-2, 7-1.
Scouting the Crimson Hawks: Sr. Gs Ashton Smith (19.6 ppg.) and Julian Sanders (17.0, 34 3s), both 4-year starters, have been at IUP seemingly for a decade. Both are shooting nearly 50 percent 3-pointers. The Hawks graduated D-II 2010-11 player of the year,F Darryl Webb (Mr. Double-Double at 17.4 ppg. And 10.3 rpg) and strong C Willi Estrella, but still outrébound opponents by nearly 6 boards per game.  IUP lost the 2009-10 D-II title game to Cal Poly Pomona 65-53.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Feb. 15; (H) Jan. 18; at Gannon, Feb, 1, (H) Feb. 25; at Mercyhurst, Jan. 21; (H) Feb. 11.

Indiana women
Coach: Jeff Dow (4th season)
2010-11: 19-9, 11-3 PSAC (2nd). Lost to California in PSAC semifinals.
2011-12:11-1, 7-1
Scouting the Crimson Hawks: Jr. F Sarah Pastorek (13.5, 7.3) and fr. Ashley Stoner (10.6, 6.0) provide a strong inside presence for IUP, which had its unbeaten season stopped by Millersville on Saturday. Defense and rebounding has been prominent, allowing just 50.3 ppg. and owning a 43.9-34.4 board advantage. Fr. G Marita Mathe and so. G Taren Watson, a UMass transfer, have produced in starting roles.  IUP handed Edinboro its lone PSAC West loss last season, 69-56 at Edinboro.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Feb. 15; (H) Jan. 18; at Gannon, Feb, 1, (H) Feb. 25; at Mercyhurst, Jan. 21; (H) Feb. 11.

California men
Coach: Bill Brown (16th season).
2010-11: 15-12, 8-6 PSAC West (4th), lost to IUP in PSAC first round.
2011-12: 8-6, 5-3.
Scouting the Vulcans: Cal won its first five games before dropping 6-of-7. Several veterans return, but JC transfer G Keith Lowe joined the club five games ago and has averaged 14.0 ppg. and 5.5 rpg. Sr. G/F Chad Tipton (12.5, 36 3s) and sr. C Steve Swiech (9.7, 5.6) have been consistent while the numbers are down for jr. F Quentin Harding and sr. F Chris Williams. The biggest bright spot is the new multi-million Convocation Center, which , pened in December.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Feb. 25; (H) Feb.1; at Gannon, Feb. 4; (H) Jan. 14; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 18; (H) Jan. 28.

California women
Coach: Jess Strom (interim)
2010-11: 23-8, 11-3 PSAC West (3rd). Lost to Edinboro in PSAC final, lost to Shaw (N.C.) in Atlantic Regional semifinal.
2011-12: 8-4, 5-3.
Scouting the Vulcans: Cal has won five straight to establish itself as a contender again. Though All-American F Kayla Smith, one of the fiercest rebounders for four seasons, has graduated, but G Amy Johns has excelled with 18.1 ppg., 7.1 rpg. Danielle Luckett (10.5,39 assists), Megan Kermond (8.2, 24 3s) and Stephanie Michael (7.9) are back. Third year coach Mark Swasey packed up and departed early in the season and replaced by former Penn State star Jess Strom.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Feb. 25; (H) Feb.1; at Gannon, Feb. 4; (H) Jan. 14; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 18; (H) Jan. 28.

Slippery Rock men
Coach: Kevin Reynolds (4th season)
2010-11: 21-11, 9-5 PSAC West (3rd). Lost to IUP in PSAC final,  and to then-No.1 West Liberty in first round of Atlantic Regional.
2011-12: 8-4, 5-3.
Scouting The Rock: SRU is the fiercest rebounding club in the PSAC, averaging 47.5 rpg. to 33.6 for opponents, a plus-13.9 advantage. 6-6 sr. G Devin Taylor averages 13.3 points and 11.7 rebounds. Sr. G Jon Valeriano (11.3, 22 3s) also returns from last season’s NCAA D-II tournament team, which graduated Rock 3-year-stars Maron Brown (17.7, 11.2), and third in Rock career rebounding, and Jabril Bailey (15.3). Reynolds has 57 wins in 3 seasons.
Schedule: at Edinboro, Feb. 11; (H)  Jan. 21; at Gannon Jan. 25; (H) Feb. 22; at Mercyhurst, Jan. 14; (H) Feb.4.
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Slippery Rock women
Coach: Tanya Longo (2nd season).
2010-11: 3-23, 1-13 PSAC West (8th)
2011-12: 4-8, 1-7.
Scouting The Rock: After a disastrous 2010-11 season, the Rock has already surpassed the 3-win victory total by winning 3-of-4. D’Asia Chambers, an all-state fr. G from Farrell, joined the team this semester and had 16 points and 11 rebounds vs. Notre Dame College in her debut. Sr. F Danielle Smith (14.5, 8.8) returns, while so. F Jasmine Cooper (13.5, 8.8) transferred this season from Vermont.
Schedule: at Edinboro, Feb. 11; (H)  Jan. 21; at Gannon Jan. 25; (H) Feb. 22; at Mercyhurst, Jan. 14; (H) Feb.4..

Clarion men
Coach: Ron Righter(26th season)
2010-11:15-11, 5-9 PSAC West (6th).
2011-12: 10-4, 6-2.
Scouting the Golden Eagles: Star Gs Lloyd and Jamar Harrison have ran out of eligibility, but longtime coach Righter brought in superb fr. G Winfield Willis (17.6), a 3-time PSAC West freshman of the week, and JC transfer Calvin Edwards (15.9, 33 threes)  to go with sr. Fs Paul McQueen (15.7, 6.9) and top rebounder Quintus ‘Bud’ Teer (11.4, 9.2). Clarion, averaging 80.2 ppg., had its 9-game win streak ended 87-85 by Bloomsburg on Saturday.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Jan. 28; (H) Feb. 18; at Gannon, Jan. 21; (H) Feb. 11; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 8; (H) Jan. 11.

Clarion women
Coach: Margaret ‘Gie’ Parsons (23rd season).
2010-11: 7-19, 4-10 PSAC West (6th).
2011-12: 4-8, 3-5.
Scouting the Golden Eagles: Clarion had 7 freshmen on the roster last season who have gained a season of experience. So. G Emma Fickel, so. F Ann Diebert (12.4, 7.1), so. PG Raven Jones (8.9, 5.9 assists) and so. F Hannah Heeter (8.7, 8.4), a volleyball player in her first hoop season are the leaders of another young club, which started 1-6 but has a 3-2 record its past 5 games.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Jan. 28; (H) Feb. 18; at Gannon, Jan. 21; (H) Feb. 11; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 8; (H) Jan. 11.

Lock Haven men
Coach: Mike Nestor (1st season)
2010-11: 1-24, 0-14 PSAC West (8th).
2011-12: 0-11, 0-8.
Scouting the Bald Eagles: Wins are becoming an endangered species at Lock Haven, which has lost 30 consecutive games dating back to a 3-point win over Bloomsburg on Dec. 10, 2010. Fr. G Terrell Johnson (12.8) and so. F Anthony Edwards (10.7) lead the club with six freshmen, four sophomores and no seniors. LH averagest 59.8 ppg. to 78.2 for opponents, and has been outrebounded 39.3-29.9.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Jan. 14; (H) Feb. 4; at Gannon, Feb.18, (H) Jan. 28; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 1; (H) Feb. 25.

Lock Haven women
Coach: Jennifer Smith (5th season).
2010-11:11-14, 4-10 PSAC West (5th)
2011-12: 5-7, 4-4
Scouting the Bald Eagles: LHU ended a five-game losing skid with a win over Kutztown to conclude its crossover season. The Bald Eagles are paced by sr. Gs Peaches Nesmith, (16.5, 6.8, 32 3s) and Sharay Hall (12.5, 43 assists). Lock Haven starts 5 seniors. Their most impressive win was 66-54 at Shippensburg, a day after unbeaten Edinboro rallied past the Raiders 63-61.
Schedule: At Edinboro, Jan. 14; (H) Feb. 4; at Gannon, Feb.18, (H) Jan. 28; at Mercyhurst, Feb. 1; (H) Feb. 25.

– Bob Jarzomski

Here’s how Gannon lost the Porreco Cup final to Seton Hill, 103-100 in double overtime. Oliver McGlade hit a desperation half-court heave at the buzzer at the Hammermill Center.

Penn State has the task of slowing down Houston senior quarterback Case Keenum./AP Photo.

What a way to start the work week in 2012.

Watch six bowl games from noon till midnight.

Don’t lose your job over it, but just take an extended lunch or dinner break to check out some really good bowl matchups.

Ticketcity Bowl (Dallas, Texas) – No. 20 Houston (12-1, 8-0 C-USA) vs. No. 24 Penn State (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten), noon, ESPNU.

The Big ?: Can Penn State’s 10th ranked defense, which allows 300.92 yards a game, slow down the nation’s top offense? Houston is averaging 599 a game.

My pick: Houston. Although the Cougars didn’t even win their conference title game, that’s far less to overcome than what the Nittany Lions have dealt this season. The Jerry Sandusky situation has changed everything at Penn State.

Outback Bowl (Tampa, Fla.) – No. 12 Michigan State (10-3, 7-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 18 Georgia (10-3, 7-1 SEC). 1 p.m., ABC.

The Big ?: Whenever an Big Ten teams plays an SEC team, the same question surfaces. Can the Big Ten school match the speed of the SEC school?

My pick: Georgia. Speed rules.

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