mbb vs carlow preview

Men's Basketball

MBB Preview: vs Carlow

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Pitt‑Greensburg Bobcats (18-4, 10-3 AMCC) vs. Carlow Celtics (3-19, 3-10 AMCC)
February 14 — 4:00 PM | Chambers Hall

The Pitt‑Greensburg men's basketball team looks to bounce back on Wednesday afternoon as the Bobcats host Carlow in a pivotal AMCC matchup inside Chambers Hall. After a narrow 82–80 defeat to La Roche on Wednesday, UPG returns home aiming to reestablish its momentum in the final stretch of the regular season.

Bobcats Look to Respond After Heartbreaker

The Bobcats' two‑point loss to La Roche was one of the tightest battles of the season, but UPG received strong performances from several key players.

  • Jackson Byer led the way with 18 points, continuing his efficient offensive stretch.
  • Ty Keffer added 16 points, helping keep the Bobcats within striking distance throughout the contest.

Despite the setback, the Bobcats enter with one of the most balanced offenses in the AMCC. Four starters average double figures on the year:

That balance has propelled UPG to an 18–4 record and positions them firmly in the hunt for top seeding in the conference tournament.

Carlow Searching for Answers

The Celtics enter coming off a 96–71 loss to Pitt‑Bradford last Saturday.

  • Off the bench, Aleel Batts provided a spark with 17 points,
  • while Clayton Cook added 14 points.

On the season, Carlow is led by:

  • Jimmy Giannetta – 15.0 ppg
  • Tomasi Pavihi – 12.8 ppg

The Celtics will need a strong defensive showing and contributions from their top scorers to keep pace with UPG's depth and efficiency.

Last Meeting: Bobcats Dominated the Boards

The teams last met on January 10, when UPG claimed a 96–73 victory.

  • Trent Rozich posted a double‑double (18 points, 12 rebounds).
  • Matthew Marinchak matched him with 18 points.
  • For Carlow, Clayton Cook responded with a double‑double of his own (17 points, 11 rebounds).

Rebounding and physicality were major factors in that game, with the Bobcats controlling the interior on both ends.


Key Storylines to Watch

1. Bobcats' Response After a One‑Possession Loss

How UPG starts the game—especially defensively—will reveal a lot about their bounce‑back mindset. After surrendering 82 points on Wednesday, tightening up on that end will be a focus.

2. Balanced Bobcats Offense vs. Carlow's Standout Scorers

Pitt‑Greensburg's four‑headed scoring attack has been difficult for opponents to contain. Carlow, meanwhile, relies heavily on Giannetta and Pavihi to carry the scoring load. Depth could be the deciding factor.

3. Interior Battle: Can Carlow Limit Second‑Chance Points?

In the first meeting, Rozich and the Bobcats dominated the glass. Rebounding will again be a major storyline—especially whether Carlow can keep UPG off the offensive boards.

4. Momentum in the AMCC Standings

With only a few games remaining, UPG is fighting for seeding at the top of the conference. A win keeps the Bobcats firmly in that race. Carlow, at 3–10 in AMCC play, is looking to build confidence heading toward postseason play.

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Players Mentioned

Michael Bigley

#13 Michael Bigley

G
6' 0"
Senior
Jackson Byer

#0 Jackson Byer

G
6' 0"
Senior
Ty Keffer

#7 Ty Keffer

G/F
6' 4"
Sophomore
Matthew Marinchak

#32 Matthew Marinchak

G
6' 1"
Senior
Trent Rozich

#33 Trent Rozich

F
6' 5"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Michael Bigley

#13 Michael Bigley

6' 0"
Senior
G
Jackson Byer

#0 Jackson Byer

6' 0"
Senior
G
Ty Keffer

#7 Ty Keffer

6' 4"
Sophomore
G/F
Matthew Marinchak

#32 Matthew Marinchak

6' 1"
Senior
G
Trent Rozich

#33 Trent Rozich

6' 5"
Senior
F