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Albright College Season Statistics

Messiah College Season Statistics

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READING, Pa. - Coming off a very disappointing loss on Saturday to Messiah College (16-8), the second ranked Lions (19-5) will look for some retribution as they will host the Falcons in the semi-final round of the Commonwealth Conference tournament this Wednesday in the Bollman Center at 7:30 p.m.

Not only will Wednesday's contest be a huge rematch for the Lions, but they will also look to end a postseason home court curse as well. In 2008 and 2009, the Lions hosted the semi-final round of the tournament, only to be upset by number three seeds Widener and Elizabethtown.

In what was a very successful regular-season for Head Coach Rick Ferry and his team, they will now look to claim their first conference tournament championship since 2005. Helping to pace the Lions on Wednesday will be the hot shooting duo of Zac Shaeffer and Matt Ashcroft.

The final Commonwealth Conference Player of the Week for the 2009-10 season, Shaeffer enters the Bollman Center on Wednesday leading the Commonwealth in scoring (18.1 ppg) and three-pointers made (65). Coming off one of the greatest performances in recent memory just one week ago, the Lampeter will carry the momentum of his 44 point performance against Alvernia into the biggest week of the season for the red and white. When not shooting the long-range shot, Shaeffer has stepped up as one of the most consistent free-throw shooters in the conference as well. Last week he shot over 91% at the charity strip and is currently shooting 83.6% from the line. (102-122).

After a tough middle of the season, Ashcroft has returned to his dominant ways averaging nearly 15 points per game for the Lions. The lefty has shown that he can hit the long-range shot from anywhere and at a moment's notice. His quickness has also made him one of the more dangerous players when driving to the basket. Currently shooting 45.7% from the field, Ashcroft has recorded 10 or more points on 18 separate occasions this season. Another consistent shooter at the line, Ashcroft is currently shooting just under 80% at the charity strip.

On the glass, sophomore Derek Hall and senior Justin Plummer will be the Lions big-men when it comes to getting cleaning up missed chances on both sides of the court. The 6'11” Hall leads Albright with 7.3 rebounds per game this season, while Plummer's 6'4” frame has helped him average 4.7 rebounds per game and a team best 20 blocks.

Senior guard Adam Van Zelst will need to quarterback for the Lions in Wednesday's showdown. The Lions top playmaker, Van Zelst is currently averaging 4.7 assists per game, and will need to continue that trend against the Falcons.

The physical presence of both Kenneth Sullivan and Shane Irwin will be a must for the red and white on Wednesday. Off the bench Sullivan and Irwin must make an immediate impact if the Lions are to keep their 2009-10 season going. Their size will be essential when cleaning up the glass and boxing out the Falcon's big-men.

Andre Murphy is another key component to the Lions success on Wednesday. The senior will be another play maker for the Lions and his ability to make key shots from inside and beyond the arc will be essential. Jeff Sparrow will jump right into the mix as well with his speed and athleticism. In his first year back after being sidelined all of the 2008-09, Sparrow has made quite the impact this season.

The winner of Wednesday's contest will face the winner of #4 Elizabethtown/#1 Lycoming match-up which is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. in Williamsport. The winners of Wednesday's contest will meet at the highest remaining seeds home court with a game to be determined.