Last Night's aCCtion

Joel Schreiner of the Lancaster Sunday News notes that late February basketball at the Mayser Center brings out the best in Franklin & Marshall.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that coming back from large deficits during the regular season paid playoff dividends for the McDaniel women in their 72-67 win over Gettysburg.

Cory Mull of the Hanover Evening Sun writes about a true inspiration for the Gettysburg men's team - Cory Weissman - who continues to battle back from a brain hemorrhage.

Roundups
Allentown Morning Call
Annapolis Capital
Carlisle Sentinel

photo by Blaine T. Shahan, Lancaster Sunday News

2010 Men's Basketball Championship

For the fourth time since the inception of the final four format in 2004, Franklin & Marshall College's Mayser Center will host the Centennial Conference Men's Basketball championship tournament. The 20th ranked Diplomats (21-4) will play host to fifth-seeded Muhlenberg (13-13) in the nightcap, while #2 Gettysburg (14-10) and #3 Washington (13-9) start the day at 1 p.m.

Franklin & Marshall is making its 13th appearance in the tournament and has four titles to its credit (1994-96-00-04). F&M is 9-3 in semifinal games and 4-5 in championship tilts, including home losses in 2005 and 2009. The Diplomats, led by 2010 CC Player of the Year James McNally and first-team All-CC guard Georgio Milligan, have a 13-5 record at Mayser in the Centennial tournament.

Gettysburg is making its 11th appearance in the Centennial dance and has won all three of its championships on the road (2001-02-09), including two against F&M in Lancaster. The defending champs are 5-4 in semifinal games and 3-2 in title tilts. The Bullets are led by first-team All-CC selection Andrew Powers, the 2009 CC Player of the Year.

Washington is in the Conference tournament for the eighth time and first since 2006. The Shoremen are just 1-6 in semifinal games and look to return to the Centennial final for the first time since 1999. Washington is led by first-team All-CC guard Andrew Chambers.

Muhlenberg makes its 13th appearance in the tournament and has a 7-10 overall mark. The Mules are 3-6 in semifinal games and won the title in 1995 and 1998. 'Berg is led by first-team All-CC forward Spencer Liddic.

Championship Website with links to LIVE video!

2010 Women's Basketball Championship

It's back to Memorial Hall and the campus of Muhlenberg College for the 17th annual Centennial Conference Women's Basketball championship tournament this weekend. The semifinals pit top-seeded Muhlenberg (20-4) against fifth-seeded Dickinson (17-8), while the nightcap features #2 Gettysburg (22-3) against #3 McDaniel (18-6). The four team have combined to win nine of the previous 16 Centennial titles, including a Conference-best five championships for the host Mules.

Muhlenberg is 10-3 on its homecourt in the tournament and is making its 16th appearance in the championship. The Mules won titles in 1997-98-2006-08-09 and are looking to become the first team in Conference history to three-peat. 'Berg is led by 2010 CC Player of the Year Kelly McKeon and first-team All-CC guard Alex Chili.

Dickinson advanced to Saturday's game with a 66-46 win at Johns Hopkins. The Red Devils are 3-3 in semifinal contests and last won a Centennial title in 1994. Dickinson is led by second-team All-CC selections Brooke Muller and Alesha Sisco.

Gettysburg is making its ninth appearance in the Conference tournament and just its fourth appearance in the semifinals. The Bullets are 2-8 in tourney play and look to return to the final since its only trip in 2008. Gettysburg, led by first-team All-CC forward Caitlin Moser, looks to avoid a season sweep by McDaniel.

McDaniel makes its 12th trip in 17 seasons to the CC dance and has three titles to its credit (2002-04-05). The Green Terror is 4-5 in semifinal games and 3-1 in championship contests. McDaniel, led by a first-team All-CC guard Ali Moreland, swept Gettysburg during the regular season.

Championship Website with links to LIVE video!

2010 Indoor Track and Field Championship

The 17th annual Centennial Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held at Haverford College's Lutnick Center on Saturday. The collection of individual talent that is assembled will provide for outstanding competition for medals and for the team trophies. Click here for complete information on the championship.

Who 2 Watch 4?
Can Ursinus' Al Desiderio double again in the 55 and 200, joining Ursinus' Brandon Evans (2005-06-07) as the only athlete to turn the trick in back-to-back years? Can F&M's Kwaku Anno become just the second athlete to win the long jump three times, joining McDaniel's Broderick Maybank (2003-04-05) in the elite club? Is this the year that someone breaks Haverford's six-year stranglehold on the women's 55 hurdle title? Can the Fords' Christina Neilson double in the 200 and 400, becoming the first woman to win both in consecutive championships? Can Muhlenberg's Alex Faust become just the third woman in Centennial history to win her event (pole vault) four times?

Haverford College championship site

First Round Frenzy

Tonight's the night! The 2010 Centennial Conference basketball tournaments get underway tonight in Baltimore and Collegeville with the same underlying story - it's hard to beat a team three times in a season.

It is a cliche, but there is some truth to it. To even be able to play a team three times in a season means that it has been a successful season - usually a playoff season in the Conference. If your team is on the road tonight after posting a pair of wins during the regular season (Dickinson), win #3 has to come before the opponent's home crowd. If your team is at home (Ursinus) after winning twice, the pressure of expectation is squarely on your shoulders.

Dickinson at Johns Hopkins (Women's Basketball)
It is the 59th all-time meeting between the fifth-seeded Red Devils (12-8, 16-8) and the fourth-seeded Blue Jays (13-7, 15-9) in a series that began in 1979. Dickinson won both regular-season meetings - 51-49 in Baltimore and 68-61 in Carlisle. This is the second time that the teams have met in the CC postseason with Hopkins capturing a 53-49 decision in Allentown in the 2007 semifinals. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer, courtesy of Johns Hopkins, at www.hopkinssports.com.

Women's Basketball Championship website

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Men's Basketball)
The Mules (10-8, 12-13) travel to Collegeville to take on the Bears (11-7, 15-10) in the team's first postseason meeting since 1967-68. Ursinus took both games from 'Berg during the regular season by an 83-62 count in Allentown and an 88-83 OT victory last weekend at home. Muhlenberg looks to make Centennial history, as no team has won three games in the tournament to capture the Conference title. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer, courtesy of Ursinus, at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ursinus-college-sports-network

Men's Basketball Championship website

Preseason Baseball Interactive Coaches Chat

On Thursday, Feb. 25, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference baseball coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:30: Craig Hanson, Dickinson
1:40: Adam Taylor, Franklin & Marshall
1:50: John Campo, Gettysburg
2:00: Dave Beccaria, Haverford
2:10: Bob Babb, Johns Hopkins
2:20: Dave Seibert, McDaniel
2:30: Corey Goff, Muhlenberg
2:40: Stan Exeter, Swarthmore
2:50: Brian Thomas, Ursinus
3:00: Al Streelman, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 1:15 p.m., or join us live.

Preseason Women's Lacrosse Coaches Interactive Chat

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference women's lacrosse coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:30: Katie Tarr, Bryn Mawr
1:40: Carol Hatton, Dickinson
1:50: Lauren Paul, Franklin & Marshall
2:00: Carol Cantele, Gettysburg
2:10: Julie Young, Haverford
2:20: Muffie Bliss, McDaniel
2:30: Kristen Stuckel, Muhlenberg
2:40: Karen Borbee, Swarthmore
2:50: Erin Stroble, Ursinus
3:00: Julika Blankenship, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 1:15 p.m., or join us live.

Last Night's aCCtion

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the McDaniel men's tough season came to a close with a home loss to Gettysburg.

Land also writes that the McDaniel women sent a message to the Conference tournament field with a win against 24th ranked Gettysburg.

Joel Schreiner of the Lancaster Sunday News writes that an unlikely hero powered F&M's win against Dickinson on Senior Day.



Staff Reports
Allentown Morning Call
Baltimore Sun
Harrisburg Patriot-News
Carlisle Sentinel
Philadelphia Inquirer

2010 Wrestling Championship

The Centennial Conference Wrestling championship makes its first stop in the Garden State as the Stevens Institute of Technology hosts the 17th annual event on Saturday. The champion of each of the 11 weight classes will advance to the NCAA Division III championship in two weeks, while another "wild-card" wrestler will be selected to participate in the national event. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is the two-time defending champion and the 13th ranked Mariners are the favorite to "three-peat."

Who 2 Watch 4?

125: The gold should come down to USMMA's defending champion Jordan Alfaro (16-13) or McDaniel's Earl Eppard (15-13). Hopkins' Adam Stevens could also reach the final.

133: McDaniel's Tommy Goretsas (24-9) and Ursinus' Alex Blank (22-8) both have over 20 wins, while Hopkins' Paul Marcello could also reach the final.

141: Stevens' Ryan Bridge (12-2) is undefeated in Conference bouts this winter and is the favorite to win the gold medal before the home folks. W&L's Sam Campbell (15-5) and Ursinus' Dan Glover (20-7) will also factor in the weight class.

149: Ursinus' Connor McCormick (17-0) has 11 falls to his credit and is the favorite. USMMA's Martin Bell (13-10) and McDaniel's Brent Lowe (23-10) are his main contenders.

157: USMMA's Dan Twito (26-6), the defending champ at 149, has the most overall wins, but W&L's David Dennis (13-4) was undefeated in Centennial bouts. Stevens' Charles Favia (19-11) makes 157 the most interesting of the early weight classes.

165: USMMA's Vincent Renaut (20-3) is the defending champion, but will be challenged by Stevens' Joe Favia (22-6) and Johns Hopkins' Eric Levenseller (21-9).

174: This class figures to be a battle between USMMA's Justin Diesel (23-7) - ranked eighth nationally - and Stevens' Bobby Bishop (19-7) with Hopkins' Andrew Giannascoli (6-4) could also reach the final.

184: Ursinus' Nate Murren (20-3) is the favorite and will be challenged by McDaniel's Will Yeo (19-12) and Stevens' Vincent Termini (13-9).

197: The day's best final could pit USMMA's Eric Vincent (24-3) - the two-time defending champion and ranked 10th nationally - and Ursinus' Connor McNamara (27-3).

285: The championship will end on a high note with a talented class of heavyweights, led by 2009 Centennial Wrestler of the Year Brock Glotfelty (35-4) of McDaniel. The defending champion has 15 falls to his credit and is ranked ninth nationally. USMMA's Justin Connell (16-6) and Gettysburg's Bobby Christopher (21-5) will also contend for gold.

You can watch the finals LIVE on your computer, courtesy of Stevens. You can also get the championship bout results by following us on Twitter.

2010 Swimming Championship

The 17th annual Centennial Conference men's and women's swimming championship gets underway Friday morning at Franklin & Marshall College's Kunkel Aquatic Center. The Diplomat men and women captured the dual-meet championships and could be considered the favorites to capture the team titles. But the Gettysburg women and Swarthmore men will have something to say about that. The Bullet women are three-time defending champs, while the Garnet men gave F&M all it could handle in their dual meet in November.

Who 2 Watch on Day 1?

500 Freestyle: Washington's Rachel Glasser (5:00.21) is the odds-on favorite and will threaten both the championship meet (4:59.30) and Conference (4:58.91) records. The men's race has as many as five racers that could capture gold.

200 IM: This is setting up as a battle between F&M's Katherine DeCrosta (2:15.43) and Gettysburg's Caroline Coolidge (2:15.47) on the women's side. F&M's Tom Grabiak (1:56.11) and Matt Jaffee (1:57.78) will duel for gold and silver.

50 Freestyle: A pair of Washington swimmers have the best seed times entering the meet - Kathy Gerhart (24.65) and Jenna Moore (24.96). Also watch Dickinson's Jessica Hassinger (25.04) and Gettysburg's Maggie Mulderrig (25.18). The men's top seeds are Dickinson's Doug Murray (21.85) and F&M's David Apple (21.93).

You can watch the championship LIVE on your computer. The trials can be seen on a pay-per-view basis ($6) while the finals are provided free courtesy of the Centennial Conference and Franklin & Marshall.

You can get real-time results by clicking here. You can also get the medal winners of each event by following us on Twitter.

Five-Star Matchups

It may be the best Saturday of the entire Centennial Conference calendar year. In addition to crowning champions in the pool and on the wrestling mat, it's time to establish playoff seedings and hosts for next weekend's basketball championship tournaments. You can find swimming and wrestling preview information elsewhere on this blog, but here is a look at the day's biggest hoop games.

Gettysburg at McDaniel (Women's Basketball)
The 24th ranked Bullets (17-2 CC, 22-2) control their destiny - win and host next weekend's final four. Lose ... and hope Ursinus knocks off Muhlenberg. Standing in Gettysburg's way - its long-time nemesis McDaniel (15-4, 17-6). The Green Terror won the year's first meeting by a 51-48 count, ending the Bullets' five-game win streak in the series. It is the 78th meeting between the two teams with McDaniel holding a 43-34 advantage. Listen to the game LIVE on your computer.

Washington at Johns Hopkins (Women's Basketball)
The other Maryland teams square off in Baltimore with the Blue Jays (12-7, 14-9) needing a win to secure homecourt for the first-round playoff game on Wednesday night. The Shorewomen (7-12, 9-15) have not won at Goldfarb Gymnasium in 12 all-time tries and dropped a 66-61 decision in Chestertown earlier this season. A Washington win, combined with a Dickinson victory at F&M, gives the Red Devils the fourth seed and sends Hopkins to Carlisle on Wednesday night. Watch to the game LIVE on your computer.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Men's Basketball)
The Mules (10-7, 12-12) and the Bears (10-7, 14-10) meet in a game that could give one team a first-round bye, while sending the loser on the road Wednesday for the 4-5 tournament game. Ursinus won the year's first meeting, 83-62, and has won eight of the last nine matchups at Helfferich Hall. The winner can secure a first-round bye with a loss by Washington at Johns Hopkins ... otherwise, the winner will host on Wednesday night. Listen to the game LIVE on your computer.

Playoff Picture

Here are the playoff scenarios for men's and women's basketball this weekend.

On the men's side ...

F&M is the top seed, Gettysburg has first-round bye.
Gettysburg is the #2 seed with a win OR a loss by Muhlenberg OR losses by Ursinus and Washington
Washington is the #2 seed with a win and a loss by Gettysburg and Ursinus
Washington gets first-round bye with win and hosts first-round game with loss.
winner of Muhlenberg-Ursinus gets first-round bye with Washington loss or hosts first-round with Washington win.
loser of Muhlenberg-Ursinus is #5 seed and goes on road for first-round game.

On the women's side ...

Gettysburg is the #1 seed with a win or a Muhlenberg loss
Muhlenberg is the #1 seed with a win and a Gettysburg loss
McDaniel is the #2 seed with a win and a Muhlenberg loss
Gettysburg, Muhlenberg, McDaniel have first-round byes
Johns Hopkins is the #4 seed and hosts the first-round game with a win
Dickinson is the #4 seed and hosts first-round game with a win and a Hopkins loss

Last Night's aCCtion

Adrian Martin of the Gettysburg Times writes that the Gettysburg women will take their win over Dickinson in spite of a sloppy performance.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that for much of the first half, it looked as if the McDaniel men wold snap their losing streak. But Swarthmore battled back and won its first road game since 2007, 62-51.

Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal writes that there are losses, and there are bad losses. Last night, the Johns Hopkins men handed F&M a bad loss, 46-45.


Staff Reports
Pottstown Mercury
Allentown Morning Call
Delaware County Times
Philadelphia Inquirer

Five-Star Matchups

It's the penultimate date on the Centennial basketball schedule and just one of the 10 men's and women's playoff spots remains unfilled ... although seedings for eight of the other nine are still in play.

Dickinson at Gettysburg (Women's Basketball)
The Red Devils (11-7 CC, 15-7) travel down Route 34 to take on the 24th ranked Bullets (16-2, 21-2) in the 68th meeting between the two long-time rivals. Gettysburg edged Dickinson, 56-54, in the year's first meeting and the Orange and Blue goes for its first season sweep of the Devils since 2004. The Bullets can secure the regular season title and the top seed for the tournament with two wins, or one win and a Muhlenberg loss. The Red Devils are tied with Johns Hopkins for the fourth playoff spot but hold the tiebreaker with a season sweep of the Jays. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer at gettysburgsports.com.

Muhlenberg at Haverford (Women's Basketball)
The Mules (15-3, 18-4) look to keep their hopes alive for a third consecutive regular season crown when they travel to the Main Line to take on the Fords (4-14, 6-16). Muhlenberg has won 30 straight games from Haverford since a 1991 loss (51-44) - its only loss in the 47-game series. The Mules trail Gettysburg by one game in the chase for first place and can earn the top seed with two wins and with two Bullet losses, or a Gettysburg loss to McDaniel.

Ursinus at Washington (Men's Basketball)
The Bears (10-6, 14-9) and the Shoremen (9-7, 11-9) meet in Chestertown in a critical game for both teams. Ursinus is tied for second in the Conference with Gettysburg and Muhlenberg with two of those teams receiving first-round byes for next week's tournament. Washington is still in the hunt for a bye, but first must lock up a spot in the field and can do so with a victory or a loss by Johns Hopkins and Haverford. Ursinus captured the year's first meeting by a 78-67 count and has won seven of the last eight meetings between the clubs. You can listen to the game LIVE on your computer on the Ursinus Sports Network.

Johns Hopkins at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The two winningest coaches in Centennial history square off in Lancaster in a game that Hopkins needs to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive. The Blue Jays (7-9, 11-12) are tied with Haverford for sixth place and trail Washington by two games in the standings. If Hopkins and Haverford both win twice, and the Shoremen falter twice, JHU will grab the final berth. F&M (14-2, 20-3), ranked 15th nationally, has secured the top spot and homecourt for next weekend's tournament and is 18-2 vs. Hopkins at Mayser since 1994. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer at godiplomats.com.

Muhlenberg at Haverford (Men's Basketball)
Two clubs with very different playoff positions meet on the Main Line tonight. The Mules (10-6, 12-11) are locked in a three-way tie with Ursinus and Gettysburg for second place and in a battle for a first-round bye in next week's tournament. The Fords (7-9, 9-13) need wins over the Mules and Swarthmore, combined with two losses by Washington and another by Johns Hopkins to return to the CC tournament. 'Berg won the year's first meeting by a 66-55 count and has a five-game win streak in the series.

Top Moment in CC Women's Basketball 2000-09

We have narrowed down 10 years of Centennial Conference women's basketball to 10 outstanding moments ... now it is time for you to choose the top moment.

A number of great moments did not make our top 10, including:

* Muhlenberg scoring over 100 points eight times in 2003-04
* Johns Hopkins defeating #3 Washington U. (Mo.), 77-72, in 2003-04
* Hopkins' Kathy Darling connects on all 12 field goal attempts vs. St. Mary's in 2002-03.
* F&M's Lauren Howanski makes all 16 free throw attempts vs. Johns Hopkins in 2001
* Hopkins' Lauren Martin drains all six three-point attempts vs. McDaniel in 2001
* Muhlenberg's Lauren Boyle hits a jumper in the final minute, sending the Mules to the 2006 title.
* Dickinson's Megan Shelley explodes for 40 points vs. Ursinus in 2002-03.
* Five triple-doubles occurred in the decade - JHU's Leslie Ritter, F&M's Amy Abernathy, Swarthmore's Katie Robinson, Haverford's Brittany Lattisaw, and Muhlenberg's Kelly McKeon.

From now until midnight on Feb. 21, we will take your votes for the top moment of the last decade in Centennial women's basketball. We'll reveal numbers 3-10 on the 22nd through the 26th, saving the top two for the Conference final four on Feb. 27-28.

Thanks for participating and helping us remember some great hoops moments over the last 10 years.

Top Moments in CC Men's Basketball 2000-09

We have narrowed down 10 years of Centennial Conference men's basketball to 10 outstanding moments ... down it is time for you to choose the top moment.

A number of great moments did not make our top 10, including:
* MCD Greg Hill's 8-for-8 shooting night from behind the arc vs. Gettysburg in 2000.
* F&M Alex Kraft's halfcourt buzzer-beater to defeat Gettysburg in 2000.
* GET Curtis McNeil's drive and free throw with :02 left to defeat F&M in the 2002 final.
* HAV Jeremy Bass scores 35 second-half points, including 24 in a row, vs. Catholic in 2003.
* WASH overcoming a 19-pt deficit with 3:11 left in regulation to force OT before downing Wesley 125-124 in two OTs.
* The 2004 Gettysburg-Haverford play-in game, won by the Bullets 77-75.
* URS Will Furey's bucket in the final seconds which lifted the Bears past F&M for the 2005 CC title.

From now until midnight on Feb. 21, we will take your votes for the top moment of the last decade in Centennial men's basketball. We'll reveal numbers 6-10 on the 22nd through the 26th, saving the top five for the Conference final four in Lancaster on Feb. 27-28.

Thanks for participating and helping us remember some great hoops moments over the last 10 years.

Last Night's aCCtion

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes how Johns Hopkins snapped the McDaniel women's 17-game win streak with a 65-60 triumph in Westminster.

Patrick Stoetzer of the Carroll County Times writes that Green Terror head coach Kevin Curley could find some positives his team's loss to Johns Hopkins, even as McDaniel was eliminated from postseason play.

Staff Report from the Delaware County Times on the Swarthmore-Washington doubleheader.

Preseason Men's Lacrosse Interactive Coaches Chat

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference men's lacrosse coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:30-1:40 Dave Webster, Dickinson
1:40-1:50 Todd Cavallaro, Franklin & Marshall
1:50-2:00 Hank Janczyk, Gettysburg
2:00-2:10 Colin Bathory, Haverford
2:10-2:20 Matt Hatton, McDaniel
2:20-2:30 Chris Bissinger, Muhlenberg
2:30-2:40 Pat Gress, Swarthmore
2:40-2:50 Jamie Steele, Ursinus
2:50-3:00 J.B. Clarke, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 1:15 p.m., or join us live.

Five-Star Matchups

There are just two weekends remaining in the basketball regular season and playoff spots are at a premium. The wrestling dual-meet season comes to a close this weekend, while track and field teams attempt to improve their performances with 1-2 meets left before their championship. Swimming takes the weekend off in preparation for the 17th annual Centennial championships next weekend in Lancaster.

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Women's Basketball)
Two of the top teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region meet in Allentown with a share of first place in the Conference hanging in the balance. The 18th ranked Mules (14-2 CC, 17-3) downed the Bullets (15-2, 20-2), 60-59, on Alita Zabrecky's layup with 5.4 seconds left back on Jan. 14 for their fifth straight win in the series.

Washington at Dickinson (Women's Basketball)
It's an elimination game for the Shorewomen (7-9, 9-12) when they travel to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (10-7, 14-7). Simply put, a Washington loss puts Dickinson in the Centennial tournament and, depending on the outcome of two Johns Hopkins games this weekend, could knock the Eastern Shore five out. Dickinson defeated Washington, 68-65, on Jan. 14 as Alesha Sisco scored 25 points and collected 10 rebounds. The Devils have won 13 straight in the series and have not lost at the Kline Center since 2002.

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
The first half of the doubleheader at Memorial Hall pits the third-place Bullets (9-6, 11-10) against the second-place Mules (10-5, 12-10) as both teams look to keep their first-round tournament bye hopes alive. Muhlenberg captured a 76-71 decision on Jan. 14 as Ryan Foster scored 23 points and Spencer Liddic added 22 and 13 rebounds. The Mules look for their first season sweep (two games) of the Bullets since the inception of the Centennial in 1993-94.

Haverford at Johns Hopkins (Men's Basketball)
Another elimination game takes place in Baltimore, as the Fords (7-8, 9-12) and the Blue Jays (5-8, 9-11) battle to hang on in the chase for the fifth and final playoff berth. Hopkins handled Haverford, 55-40, on Jan. 14 as Mike Henrici led the way with 16 points. The Fords have split their last four trips to Goldfarb Gym, including a 56-52 win in the Charm City last season.

McDaniel at Ursinus (Wrestling)
This match, postponed from last weekend, will determine who remains in the race for the dual-meet title and who is eliminated from the 2010 chase. The Bears (4-1, 9-1) and the Green Terror (4-1, 7-6) both suffered their only CC losses to Merchant Marine. Ursinus fell 26-17 while McDaniel lost 31-10. UC's Connor McNamara has a 26-3 mark at 197, while McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty is 33-4 at 285.

Susquehanna Invitational (Track and Field)
Four Centennial teams will make the trek north to Selinsgrove for the meet. This event, and next weekend's Keough Invitational at Haverford, are the largest gatherings of Conference teams prior to the CC championship on Feb. 27. One of the top races on the day could feature Ursinus' Al Desiderio (22.67) and F&M's Nils Michaelis (23.15) in the 200.

Last Night's aCCtion

Adam Michael of the Gettysburg Times writes that 29 is not the number of inches of snow received on the Gettysburg College campus. Rather it's a career high in points for a Bullet senior in the women's win over Franklin & Marshall.

Tom Sixeas of the Hanover Evening Sun writes about the Bullets' split with F&M on Thursday night.

Staff Reports
Pottstown Mercury
Philadelphia Inquirer

Extra Reading
Ursinus Grad Makes Cornell a Hoops Power

Last Night's aCCtion

Joel Schreiner of the Lancaster Newspapers writes that although snow delayed the game by two days, it was a storm of a different kind that led the Franklin & Marshall men past Muhlenberg, 69-63.

Kevin Freeman of the Lancaster Newspapers noted the improvement of the F&M women, who hung tough with #19 Muhlenberg before falling, 61-55.

Staff Reports
Carlisle Sentinel
Carroll County Times (women)
Carroll County Times (men)

Last Night's aCCtion

Jeffrey Kauffman of the Carlisle Sentinel writes that Dickinson held off a determined Bryn Mawr squad in a one-day delayed contest.

Staff Reports
Gettysburg Times

Five-Star Matchups

Here are the five-star matchups in the Conference this weekend, should the games go on as scheduled.

Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
It's a showdown for first place in the Conference as the Mules (10-3 CC, 12-8) visit the Mayser Center to take on the Diplomats (11-2, 17-3). F&M has won eight straight from 'Berg in Lancaster and holds a 68-59 all-time lead. The Mules' last win in Lancaster came in the 2001 CC semifinals (76-58) while the last regular-season triumph in Amish country was in 1999. Two of the Conference's top big men will do battle in Muhlenberg's Spencer Liddic (14.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg) and F&M's James McNally (17.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg).

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
A first-round playoff bye could be at stake when the Bears (9-4, 13-7) travel to the Battlefield to take on the Bullets (8-5, 10-9). After dropping 11 straight to UC, Gettysburg has taken the last two meetings, including a 74-63 win in Collegeville on Jan. 12. The Bullets look for their first two-game season sweep of the Bears since the formation of the Centennial in 1994. Two of the CC's best players take center stage in Ursinus' Remy Cousart (15.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and Gettysburg's Andrew Powers (19.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg).

Franklin & Marshall at Gettysburg (Women's Swimming)
The dual-meet championship is on the line as this long-time rivalry is renewed for the 44th time - but the first time in Gettysburg's new natatorium. The Bullets (6-0, 8-1) have won 20 straight Centennial meets and three straight overall Conference titles. The Diplomats (6-0, 6-2) will be looking for their first outright dual title since 2006 and first overall crown since 2005.

Ursinus vs. McDaniel (Wrestling)
This match will determine who remains in the race for the dual-meet title and who is eliminated from the 2009 chase. The Bears (4-1, 9-1) and the Green Terror (4-1, 7-6) both suffered their only CC losses to Merchant Marine. Ursinus fell 26-17 while McDaniel lost 31-10. UC's Connor McNamara has a 26-3 mark at 197, while McDaniel's Brock Glotfelty is 33-4 at 285.

Last Night's aCCtion

Darryl Grumling of the Pottstown Mercury writes about how important it is in basketball to take care of the ball after Ursinus' loss to #15 Franklin & Marshall.

Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Newspapers writes that F&M's defense was relentless in the victory at Ursinus.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times notes that it was a grand night for Ali Moreland and her McDaniel teammates in a win against Dickinson.

Staff Reports
Carlisle Sentinel
Harrisburg Patriot-News
Philadelphia Inquirer

Five-Star Matchups

Tonight may be the biggest night in the Conference so far this season, as the top six teams on the women's side square off, while two of the top three men's teams meet in a battle for first place.

Dickinson at McDaniel (Women's Basketball)
The Red Devils (9-6 CC, 13-6) make the trip across the Mason-Dixon line to Westminster to take on the streaking Green Terror (13-2, 15-4) McDaniel knocked off Dickinson, 70-55, back on Dec. 3 for its sixth win in the last seven series meetings. The Devils have come up empty on their last three regular-season trips to the Gill Center against the Green and Gold and has just one win over the Terror in Westminster since 1997 (2006). You can listen to the game courtesy of WTTR-AM 1470.

Gettysburg at Johns Hopkins (Women's Basketball)
The Bullets (12-2, 17-2) look to keep pace with McDaniel and Muhlenberg in the chase for the top seed as they visit Baltimore and the Blue Jays (9-5, 11-7). Gettysburg won the year's first meeting at Bream Gym by a 56-34 count and has captured four of the last six meetings. Hopkins is 13-2 against Gettysburg at Goldfarb Gym since 1994. You can watch the game at Hopkinssports.com.

Swarthmore at Muhlenberg (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (6-9, 9-11) travels up the Northeastern Extension to take on the 19th ranked Mules (12-2, 15-3) in a crucial game for both teams. Swarthmore needs a win to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive, while Muhlenberg looks to keep pace with Gettysburg and McDaniel in the race for first place. The Mules have won seven straight in the series, including a 69-54 decision on Jan. 25, and holds a 43-7 all-time lead. Swarthmore is 1-24 against 'Berg at Memorial Hall with the lone victory coming in 2005 (85-82). You can watch the game on MuleTV.

Franklin & Marshall at Ursinus (Men's Basketball)
Haverford vs. Swarthmore is always intense ... Gettysburg vs. McDaniel is fierce ... but the Conference's top rivalry in recent years is the Diplomats (10-2, 16-3) and the Bears (9-3, 13-6) and they square off for the 110th time tonight in Collegeville. F&M, ranked 15th nationally, has owned the all-time series at 77-32, but Ursinus owned the last decade, winning 12 of the 19 contests, including two Centennial title games. The Diplomats have won three straight from the Bears after a 78-74 triumph on Dec. 2. You can listen to the game courtesy of D3hoops.com.

Gettysburg at Johns Hopkins (Men's Basketball)
Ordinarily, a midweek matchup between the fifth and sixth place teams with six games remaining in the Conference season would not "qualify" as the Five-Star Matchup. But this is a critical game to the playoff hopes of five teams. The Bullets (7-5, 9-9) hold a two-game lead over the Blue Jays (5-7, 9-10) entering the final three weeks of the season. A Gettysburg win would leave JHU, McDaniel, Haverford and Swarthmore with at least eight CC losses and make their playoff chase even more difficult. A Hopkins triumph would close the gap and make a still-challenging task a little easier. The Bullets took the year's first meeting by a 70-61 count to take a 19-18 series lead since 1994. You can watch the game at Hopkinssports.com.

Last Night's aCCtion

Mandy Housenick of the Allentown Morning Call writes that midway through the first half, the Muhlenberg women needed a pick-me-up. 75 seconds later, the run was on to the Mules' victory over Dickinson.

Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Newspapers writes that F&M's James McNally learned his skills in the post from an unusual source - his sister.



Staff Reports
Carroll County Times (McDaniel women)
Carroll County Times (McDaniel men)
Gettysburg Times
Philadelphia Inquirer
Pottstown Mercury
Baltimore Sun
Harrisburg Patriot-News
Carlisle Sentinel

Big Monday

With a 20-game conference schedule on the women's side, it is necessary to have some three-game weeks ... and the first week of February, 2010, is one of them. So, it's "Big Monday" in the Conference with a critical matchup in Allentown and a potential trap game in Swarthmore.

Dickinson at Muhlenberg (Women's Basketball)
The feature game of the night takes place at Memorial Hall, as the Red Devils (9-5 CC, 13-5) take on the Mules (11-2, 14-3) in a showdown between two of the CC's top squads. Muhlenberg won the first meeting of the year by a 76-69 count on Dec. 1 in Carlisle as Alexandra Chili poured in 31 points. The win gives 'Berg five straight victories over Dickinson and a slender 19-18 all-time lead in the series. The Devils have come away with wins in two of their last five trips to Muhlenberg, including a 50-42 triumph in 2007.

McDaniel at Swarthmore (Women's Basketball)
Sometimes in sports, one team just seems to have another's number. Over the past three seasons, that appears to be the case with the Garnet (6-8, 9-10) and the Green Terror 12-2, 14-4 Swarthmore has won four of the last five meetings with McDaniel, including a 51-49 decision in Westminster on Dec. 1 as Kathryn Stockbower capped a 30-point night with the game-winning basket. The Garnet has also won two straight from the Terror at Tarble Pavilion. McDaniel is one of the hottest teams in Division III, riding a 14-game win streak.