LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (Oct. 29) – Following the program's first championship in over 15 years, the California (PA) men's basketball team was chosen to finish third in the preseason Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West poll released by the league office on Thursday morning.
The Vulcans were slotted third in the preseason poll after finishing last year with a 23-9 overall record, highlighted by winning their first PSAC Championship since 2008. Cal finished second in the divisional standings with a 16-4 league mark and later advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Vulcans defeated eventual-National Champion Gannon twice last year, as the Golden Knights suffered only three losses all season. However, Cal must replace all five starters and seven of its top eight players from last year.
Gannon was the overwhelming preseason favorite with eight first-place votes after posting a 34-3 campaign and becoming the first men's basketball program in PSAC history to win the national title. IUP was picked second in the preseason poll after advancing to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship for the third time in five years. Cal received the remaining first-place vote and ranked third and Slippery Rock was positioned fourth. Seton Hill, Pitt-Johnstown, Edinboro, Clarion and Lock Haven completed the poll. Roster turnover is prevalent throughout the division, as only three of the 14 players named All-PSAC West return for the upcoming campaign.
In the PSAC East, West Chester was tabbed the favorite behind four first-place votes. East Stroudsburg collected three first-place votes and was picked second, while Shepherd earned one first-place vote to rank third. Millersville rounded out the top half of the poll after finishing in a three-way tie with West Chester and Shepherd for first place in PSAC East standings last year.
Lock Haven returns to the PSAC West for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The realignment follows the addition of Lackawanna, which is transitioning to NCAA Division II membership.
Led by ninth-year head coach
Danny Sancomb, the Vulcans open the season with five-consecutive games away from home, starting on Nov. 13.
