Scranton, PA – Marywood University's men's and women's basketball doubleheader against CSAC rival Centenary College this Thursday evening has huge playoff implications for both teams. The men's team needs a win to qualify for the CSAC tournament while a victory would give the Pacers' women's squad the all-important #2 seed in the upcoming playoffs. We are encouraging all who can attend to come out and fill the Insalaco Arena in support of both of our teams.
In Thursday's opener, the women's team can clinch the #2 seed and a first round bye in the upcoming CSAC tournament. The Pacers, currently 18-6 on the season and 12-3 in the CSAC, can tie the program record for wins in a season and in doing so would earn the right to host a conference semifinal game next week. Marywood beat Centenary (13-10, 10-5 CSAC) 78-61 in January after closing the game on an 18-0 run.
Marywood's men's team, conversely, faces a must-win situation in order to get a post season berth. The Pacers (12-12, 8-9 CSAC) must beat Centenary (9-15, 7-10 CSAC) to claim one of two final spots in the conference tournament. A loss means an equal conference record to Centenary and Immaculata. Marywood lost both games to Immaculata this season and fell by six points at Centenary in January, meaning a loss by the Pacers on Thursday would leave them out of postseason contention based on the conference's tie-breaking criteria.
Several giveaways will take place at the games. “Buy One Pizza/Get One Free” coupons for Pietro's in Scranton will be given out to the first 50 Marywood students in attendance. Additionally, Marywood's Student Activities will provide yellow pom poms and green rally towels to support the Pacers, as well as free soft pretzels courtesy of Chartwells Dining Services. Finally, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be handing out a limited number of free "Game Day" T-shirts.
Please come out and support both the men's and women's basketball teams this Thursday as we try to fill the Insalaco Arena. Tip-off for the women's game is at 6:00 pm and then men will follow at approximately 8:00 pm.
