After winning seven of their first eight games, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team has come back to earth. Only winning four of their last eight games, the Indians return home to face archrival California (PA) this Saturday at the Memorial Fieldhouse of IUP. Tyrone graduate Eric Castorina knows all about what this games means to both he and his teammates.
“Cal is always a game that we are up for. We played them three times last year and each game was crucial to our season. They always bring their best game and so do we.”
Nothing has changed. IUP heads in to the contest with a record of ten wins and five losses while California brings a 12-6 record to IUP’s home court, a court that has been most friendly to IUP having won twenty of their last twenty-two contests at Memorial Fieldhouse.
“We rely on our home crown to be a source of energy to us on the floor. We appreciate a loud, supportive crowd at home,” Castorina comments.
On the season, Castorina is averaging a modest 6.4 points-per-game but leads the team with 65 assists and 30 steals. He is shooting 38-percent from the field, 39-percent from behind the arc, and a steady 70-percent from the charity stripe.
“I have been working on improving every aspect of my game, especially my free-throw shooting,” Eric says. If there is one thing that Eric does not need to focus on as an area of improvement is his relentless hustle and gritty play. While there is not a statistic for receiving offensive fouls from opponents or diving after loose balls, Eric has gained the affection of the IUP faithful and the respect from his opponents for his sheer determination to win every battle, whether it be for defensive position or for a loose ball.
This Saturday, pack your vehicle and come to Indiana, Pennsylvania to watch Eric Castorina and the IUP Indians host their bitter foes, the California Vulcans at the IUP Memorial Fieldhouse. Tonight is Tyrone Night and a large crowd is expected. Tip-off for the women’s game between the aforementioned schools is at 6:00 and will feature the top two teams in the conference. Castorina leads the men to an 8:00 tip-off for what should be an epic clash.
“It’s great when people from back home come to see me play,” Eric said. “I truly appreciate the support and hope that I won’t disappoint the people who come to watch me play.”
One thing is for certain—Castorina will put forth his absolute best effort as he does each day in practice and in each game. And if his best performance disappoints you, this writer dares you to find a harder-working athlete in any sport at any level.
