IUP vs. Edinboro: PSAC Women’s Basketball Semifinal Preview 2026

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) women’s basketball team is set to compete in the PSAC Tournament final weekend for the first time since 2020. The Crimson Hawks, currently 24-3 overall and 16-3 in PSAC play, will face Edinboro on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. At the Highmark Events Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

A History of Competition

This will be the third matchup between IUP and Edinboro this season. IUP won both previous contests, with an average victory margin of 7.5 points. The two teams have met five times over the past two seasons, with IUP holding a 4-1 advantage. However, Edinboro eliminated IUP from the PSAC quarterfinals last season before IUP gained a win in the Atlantic Regional semifinals.

Did You Understand? IUP head coach Craig Carey has led the Crimson Hawks to four PSAC Tournament appearances since being elevated to head coach in the 2022-23 season.

IUP boasts the second-most accurate offense in Division II, achieving a .501 field goal percentage during the regular season. They also ranked ninth in Division II with an average of 79.0 points per game. The team’s scoring margin of +21.3 led the PSAC and ranked fourth nationally.

Key Players and Recognition

Three IUP players have been recognized with All-PSAC selections: Shae Weaver, named PSAC Athlete of the Year; first-team All-PSAC guard Teresa Maggio; and second-team All-PSAC forward Ellie Wilkerson. Head coach Craig Carey was also named PSAC West Coach of the Year.

Expert Insight: A strong regular season performance, coupled with individual accolades, positions IUP as a favorite heading into the PSAC Tournament final weekend. However, past postseason results against Edinboro demonstrate the potential for a competitive contest.

Edinboro, the No. 4 seed in the West with a 10-5 PSAC record, is led by Rachel Mafredo (16.9 points per game), Ava Haddad (12.7 points per game), and Talor Blunt (11.5 points per game). The Fighting Scots were the No. 1 seed in the PSAC West and hosted both the PSAC Women’s Basketball Tournament and the Atlantic Regional last year.

Series History

IUP holds a 54-41 all-time record against Edinboro and enters Saturday’s game on a three-game winning streak. The two teams split their postseason matchups in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IUP’s record this season?

IUP is 24-3 overall and 16-3 in PSAC play.

Who are IUP’s All-PSAC selections?

Shae Weaver, Teresa Maggio, and Ellie Wilkerson are IUP’s All-PSAC selections.

Where will the game be played?

The game will be played at the Highmark Events Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

As IUP prepares for this crucial matchup, will their strong regular season performance translate into postseason success against a familiar opponent?

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