The Matchup
Pitt‑Greensburg Bobcats (21–4, 13–3 AMCC)
La Roche Redhawks (14–12, 12–4 AMCC)
February 27 • 8:00 PM • Junker Center (Penn State Behrend)
The AMCC semifinal brings familiar foes together for a third and decisive meeting. Pitt‑Greensburg enters as the No. 2 seed after earning a bye, while La Roche advanced as the No. 3 seed by defeating Alfred State 74–61 in Tuesday's quarterfinal.
Season Series: Margins Couldn't Be Thinner
La Roche has handed Pitt‑Greensburg two of their four total losses, and both were nail‑biters:
- 80–77 Redhawks
- 82–80 Redhawks
The combined margin? Just five points.
The Bobcats have been right there—now the question is whether round three ends differently.
Key Storylines
1. Preseason Favorites vs. Overachievers
UPG began the year as the preseason No. 1, while La Roche was slotted fifth. Now they meet with a championship berth on the line.
2. High‑Powered Offenses Collide
Pitt‑Greensburg brings the tournament's top‑scoring offense (85.7 ppg), with four starters in double figures.
La Roche ranks second among the remaining teams (79.7 ppg), setting up a fast‑paced, high‑possession semifinal.
3. Elite Individual Matchups
Four players in this game average 14+ points — Rozich, Byer, Epps, Rainey — each of whom has played big against the other side this season.
4. UPG Seeking the Breakthrough
Two extremely close losses to La Roche have defined the rivalry so far. Now the stakes are highest.
Players to Watch
Pitt‑Greensburg
- Tied for 4th in AMCC scoring
- Scored 19 and 21 points vs. La Roche this season
- Posted a double‑double in one of the meetings
Rozich's combination of scoring and rebounding makes him one of the most impactful players on the floor.
Jackson Byer (14.7 ppg, 50 steals — 3rd in AMCC)
- Went off for 23 points in the Jan. 21 meeting
- A defensive engine and steady scorer
Byer's two‑way play will be critical against a sharp La Roche backcourt.
La Roche
Bryce Epps (16.8 ppg)
- Tied with Rozich for 4th in AMCC scoring
- Scored 17 and 20 against UPG this season
A clutch scorer who has hurt the Bobcats late in games before.
Major Rainey (16.1 ppg, team rebounding leader)
- 3rd in AMCC FG% (56.7%)
- 1st in AMCC blocks (48)
Rainey controls the paint on both ends and is the top interior threat in this matchup.
Matchups That May Decide It
Rozich vs. Rainey – Strength vs. Strength
Two of the league's best big men collide in a pivotal interior battle.
Byer vs. Epps – Guard Play at a Premium
Both are capable of dropping 20+ and swinging momentum with a single run.
UPG Depth vs. LRU Star Duo
UPG's four double‑digit scorers vs. La Roche's top‑heavy attack — depth often wins in March.
What's Next: Championship Game Details
The winner of this semifinal advances to the AMCC Championship Game on Saturday at 5:00 PM, hosted at Penn State Behrend.
They will face the winner of Penn State Behrend vs. Hilbert.
Final Word
Two rivals, two ultra‑close regular‑season battles, and now one game with everything at stake. Pitt‑Greensburg seeks redemption; La Roche seeks a three‑game sweep.
Expect another instant classic at the Junker Center.
