Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team will host the Alfred State Pioneers on Wednesday night, looking to avoid a 3 game conference losing streak.
The Panthers have dipped below the .500 mark for the first time this season as they have an 8-9 overall record. Halfway through their conference schedule, the Panthers are 3-5 in AMCC play, which places them in a tie for 5th place. The Panthers were on the road over the weekend, falling to LaRoche 88-61. Nathan Schneider has been a standout player for the Panthers all season. He is currently 2nd in the AMCC in scoring and 1st in rebounding as he averages 20.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Isaiah Archie is the AMCC's top scorer as he averages 21.9 points per game. He shoots 54.9% from the field and has taken 134 free throws, the most in NCAA Division III. Greg Archie is the only other Panther to average double figures as he scores 11.6 per game. Alex Rodriguez and Trey Oyler have provided efficient outside shooting options for the Panthers, as they both are both in the top 10 in three-point shooting percentage in the conference.
Alfred State enters the contest at 6-10 overall with a 2-6 record in AMCC play. The Pioneers are coming off of an 81-67 loss to Penn State Behrend last Wednesday. The Pioneers are led by junior point guard Josh Reding, who averages 15.7 points per game. Tavon Williams is Alfred State's 2nd leading scorer and best rebounder as he averages 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. First-year guard Basheem Wilkerson has been an important player for the Pioneers off the bench, as he averages 9.4 points per contest.
In their contest earlier this season, the Panthers were able to hold on in a thriller, winning 97-96. In a game that saw 22 lead changes, the Panthers held a seven-point lead with one minute to go, but saw the hosts furiously battle back to get within one point with 22 seconds on the clock. After the Panthers made one of two from the line, a defender fouled a three-point shooter as time expired to send the Pioneers to the line with a chance to tie, or win the game. At the Line, Josh Romero made just one of three, giving the Panthers a one-point victory.
The following regulations will be in place to align with Pitt-Bradford's COVID-19 mitigation efforts for indoor events. All spectators, game staff, officials, and team members not actively participating on the court are required to wear a mask at all times. Masks must be affixed to cover the wearer's nose and mouth. All spectators will be required to sign in upon their entrance into the facility, as the lists will be used in any contact tracing efforts that may become necessary. They will be required to provide a name and contact phone number to game staff.
The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off in KOA Arena.
