West Chester Hoops Off And Running This Season

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It has been a fun first few weeks of the season for the Division II West Chester University men's basketball team.

The Golden Rams are off to a 6-0 start as they prepare for a Friday night home game with Slippery Rock University.

"I feel good about (the start)," West Chester head coach Damien Blair tells KYW Newsradio." It's funny, me and my assistants were watching tape today, and we've kind of gotten away from our defensive principles and hopefully tonight and tomorrow we can get back to strong half-court defense and maybe we can turn Slippery Rock over and get some easy buckets early on and pull out another win."

Listen to the entire interview with West Chester University head coach Damien Blair

The Golden Rams would be hard-pressed to perform much better at the offensive end. West Chester is pouring in 86 points a game this season thanks to solid 47.5% shooting from the field. They are hitting 41% of their shots from behind the three-point arc.

"Last year we had a bunch of guys that kind of underachieved from behind the arc," Blair says. "Then we picked up (freshman guard and leading scorer) Malik Jackson and a few other guys that we thought could really shoot the ball. This year, (senior guard) Mike Wilson and (senior guard) Avery Brown and those guys that we picked up recruiting for this year, they've been shooting the ball really well. But I think most of it has been because our post play has been strong. We've been able to get the ball into the post, people have been collapsing, when they kick the ball out, they are shooting easier shots. If they keep making them, I'll be happy."

One key in the post is forward Matt Wiseley. The 6-6 senior is averaging 14 points and just over 10 rebounds a game this season.

"Matt is unbelievable," Blair says. "He's our glue guy. Unbelievable on defense, can guard anybody from the point to the five. On offense, he's just a hard guard because he can shoot the three. If you're slow he can put the ball on the floor and go by you. If you're too small we can get him the ball in the post and he can finish around the rim. So he's been phenomenal up to this point and hopefully he continues on doing what he's been doing."

West Chester will take on a Slippery Rock team tonight that is off to a 4-3 start.

Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.