The Game Stories
} After taking a break for Christmas, Edinboro returns to the hardcourt for the first time since December 19, hosting Thiel.  The contest is the final non-conference game for the Fighting Scots, as they will play their final 17 games against PSAC foes.  The Fighting Scots are off to a 6-2 start.  They opened the season with five straight wins, the longest streak since the 2008-09 team began the year with eight straight wins.  They suffered a mini-slump with losses to California(Pa.) (82-71) and Cheyney (70-68 in overtime) before coming away with a 94-73 victory over West Chester.
} Edinboro opened the season with three straight games at McComb Fieldhouse, then played their next three games on the road.   Now the Fighting Scots conclude another three-game homestand to end 2012.    
} Head coach Greg Walcavich is in his 24th season in charge of the Fighting Scots, showing a 418-243 record.  Including stints at Birmingham Southern and West Virginia Wesleyan he is 572-306 overall as he is in his 31st season as a head coach.
} Junior center Bryan Theriot leads the Fighting Scots in both scoring (21.4 ppg.) and rebounding (11.6 rpg.), ranking second in the PSAC in both categories.  Isaiah Prince ranks second in scoring (14.0 ppg.) and is first in the PSAC in steals per game (4.1).  Jay Fletcher adds 13.1 ppg. and leads the PSAC in assists per game (5.9), with Johnathan Logan at 10.8 ppg.  
} Thiel takes to the hardcourt for the first time since December 12 when the Tomcats suffered an 86-75 loss in double overtime at Allegheny.  Like Edinboro, the Tomcats are 6-2.  They opened the season with six straight wins before suffering back-to-back losses.  
} Following the Thiel contest, Edinboro will open the 2013 portion of its schedule with its third of four PSAC crossover doubleheaders.  The Fighting Scots play at Shippensburg on January 4 and at Millersville on January 5.
 
Scouting Thiel
} Thiel enters the game with a 6-2 record.  The Tomcats opened the year with six straight wins, but have lost their last two contests, 64-43 at Bethany and 86-75 in double overtime at Allegheny on December 12.  It marked their second overtime game, as they previously defeated Penn State Behrend, 72-70 in overtime.  Thiel features four players scoring in double figures, led by Kamran McCaskill at 15.6 ppg.  The 6'1” sophomore makes frequent visits to the free throw line, making 49 of 59 (83.1 pct.).  He scored 38 points against Geneva.  Chace McKinney, a 6'7” senior, adds 13.0 ppg. and 4.6 rpg.  Ladell Trotty, a 6'4” senior, is the leading rebounder at 7.5 per game, along with scoring 11.6 ppg.  Senior guard Anthony Harvey contributes 10.3 ppg.  The Tomcats come in averaging 71.9 ppg. while allowing 68.0 ppg.  They outrebound opponents by 6. 3 boards per game.  Thiel defeated Clarion, 61-59, in an exhibition game.          
 
The Edinboro-Thiel Series
 
Edinboro leads 29-10
Edinboro has won two of the last 12 meetings with the Tomcats.  Thiel last defeated the Fighting Scots at the start of the 1959-60 season, winning 86-78 to start the coachin reign of Jim Smart.
 
The Last Meeting
 
November 28, 2011 --  Edinboro 95, Thiel 75
Bryan Theriot and Isaiah Prince combined for 47 points as Edinboro debuted at home with a 95-75 win over Thiel.  Theriot scored a game-high 25 points and added 12 rebounds.  He made 7 of 8 field goals and 11 of 12 free throws, with 23 of his points coming in the first half.  Prince added 22 points. Clint Nicholson had 16 points and five rebounds, with Jay Fletcher contributing 11 points and a game-high six assists.  Thiel caught the Fighting Scots off guard at the start of the game, jumping out to a 17-7 lead less than five minutes into the game.  An 18-4 burst that included nine straight Edinboro points gave the Fighting Scots a 25-21 lead with 8:53 remaining in the half.  Pounding the ball inside and getting out on the break, Edinboro eventually took a 53-34 lead at the half, closing the period with a 16-4 run.  The Boro lead would grow to as much as 29 points at 84-55 with 8:54 to play on a breakaway dunk by Prince.  Thiel would never get closer than 18 points the rest of the way.  Blair Rozenblad led Thiel with 18 points and 12 rebounds.  Anthony Harvey added 17 points and Devon Adams and Chace McKinney scored 11 points apiece.
 
The Coaches
 
Greg Walcavich, Edinboro -- is in his 24th season at the helm of the Fighting Scots and his 31st overall as a head coach.  He has a 418-243 record at Edinboro and is 572-306 overall.  Walcavich has also previously served as the head coach at Birmingham Southern and West Virginia Wesleyan. (For an indepth bio see page 7)
Tim Loomis, Thiel  -- is in his seventh season in charge of the Thiel program, taking over after serving as the head coach at Kennedy Catholic High School from 2001-06.  A year ago he guided the Tomcats to a 20-7 record, the most wins in school history, and the Presidents Athletic Conference regular season title.  He was named the PAC?Coach of the Year.  Loomis sports an extensive resume that has included stops at both the NCAA Division I and II levels. He served as the head men's basketball coach at Florida Atlantic University from 1989-95, was an assistant at NCAA Division I Penn State University from 1986-89 and the head coach at California(Pa.) from 1980-86.  He led the Vulcans to the 1985 PSAC championship and was named the PSAC?West Coach of the Year.       

The Last Time Out
 
Edinboro 94, West Chester 73 -- on December 19, the Fighting Scots opened up a 51-29 lead at the half, then scored the final 13 points of the game after the Golden Rams had pulled to within eight points.  The Golden Rams were held scoreless the final 3 minutes 49 seconds.  Six players scored in double figures, led by Bryan Theriot with 25 points and 15 rebounds.  The 6'9” junior made 6 of 8 field goals and was 13 of 15 from the line.  Isaiah Prince added 17 points, all in the first half, with backcourt mate Jay Fletcher contributing 16 points and seven assists.  Johnathan Logan, Xavier Churnac and Alex Moore scored 10 points apiece.
Allegheny 86, Thiel 75  2ot   -- on December 12, the Tomcats lost at Allegheney in double overtime as they were outscored 15-4 in the second extra session.  Thiel rallied from a 36-29 deficit at halftime to send the game into overtime.  Five Tomcats scored in double figures, led by Anthony Harvey with 16 points.  A.J. Forbes added 13 points, with Ladell Trotty and Khari Bess adding 12 points each.  Chace McKinney finished with 11 points. 
 
On the Radio, TV
 
} WFSE FM?88.9 broadcasts most Edinboro basketball games, but will  not air the Thiel game.  In addition, ETV, Edinboro's student-run television station, will stream many home games live.  Go to www.edinboro.tv to view the game.  Live stats are available for home games on Edinboro's website at www.gofightingscots.com.