With the start of the new year and the beginning of intense conference play, MAC schools have built impressive non-conference records and there are some early surprises in conference play. The DeSales men and women and Messiah women, perennial conference contenders, have stumbled at times, but will likely battle to be in the tournament picture.

The MAC women teams have compiled a 59% winning percentage against non-conference foes while their male counterparts have more impressive results logging a 64% winning percentage. Of special note: the Commonwealth men are 51-26 in non-conference play (66%).

The Alvernia, Widener, and Delaware Valley men start the conference season undefeated (3-0). Alvernia leads the conference in points allowed with a 62.6 average, scoring with Charles Swiggett (22.8 ppg), and rebounding (9.2) and blocked shots (4.2) by Cory Boone. Widener has shown balance in their offense and defense and is led in scoring by Jack Brennan (13.4 ppg) and rebounding by Brennan (7.0) and Jarrell Nelson (6.3). James Jones (16.5) and Jeremy Beckett (15.7) top DVC in scoring. Beckett leads the conference in rebounding (10.7) and blocked shots (2.1).

For the women, Lebanon Valley, Widener, King’s, and Misericordia have perfect conference records (3-0). In getting out to a fast start, the Dutchmen and Pride have overwhelmed opponents with impressive scoring (LVC 20.1, Widener 11.7) and rebounding margins (Widener 10.3 and LVC 8.2). They also lead the conference in assists (Widener 17.1, LVC 17). Misericordia’s Christine Marks (17.7) and King’s Celia Rader (15.9) lead their teams in scoring and Marks leads the conference in rebounding (11.0).

A full slate of games on Wednesday begins non-stop conference action until the February tournaments.