The MAC swimming championships in Wilkes-Barre last weekend had more of the same and a newcomer to the championship stand. The Widener men won their fifth championship in a row under Coach of the Year Bob Piotti. The women's competition came down to the last individual race between Lycoming, Albright (2008 champion), and Misericordia (2009 champion); Lycoming had three all-conference performers in the race and emerged with their first swimming championship under Coach of the Year Gerry Hammaker. More on individual champions later.

MAC basketball tournament qualifiers are emerging. There are some make up games tomorrow (Thursday) that will impact the standings - stay tuned for updated scenarios. Here is the current situation:

Freedom Men

DeSales (12-1) is the top seed and will host both rounds if they win the first game at home on Wednesday, February 24. Eastern (7-5) will likely host the other first round game if they win one of their last two games against Wilkes (4-8) and Delaware Valley (5-8). If the Eagles lose both of those games, Misericordia (8-5) hosts, regardless of their result against Manhattanville. In that same scenario, if King's (7-6) defeats cross-town rival Wilkes, they would move into third place (Eastern ends up in fourth). If Eastern wins one game, Misericordia takes third and King's fourth.

Commonwealth Men

The only thing clear here is that Albright (10-3) and Lycoming (9-3) have the top two seeds and will host first round games. After that, Messiah (7-5) and Elizabethtown (6-6) have the inside track, but Lebanon Valley (6-6), Alvernia (6-7), and Widener (6-7) still have a shot.

Freedom Women

DeSales (10-3) and Manhattanville (10-2) are in the drivers seat for the top two seeds, but they could stumble and allow Misericordia (9-4) into a three-way tie. The Bulldogs play FDU (5-7) and the Valiants take on the Cougars and FDU. If Misericordia loses to Manhattanville and Delaware Valley (8-5) defeats Eastern (0-12), the Cougars slip to fourth and the Aggies take third.

Commonwealth Women

Lebanon Valley (12-1) is a lock to host the tournament if they win the first round game at home - likely to be Alvernia (8-4). If Messiah (10-2) wins one of their last two, they will host the other semi-final, likely Widener (10-3). If Messiah loses the last two and Widener beats Lycoming (4-8), the Pride would move into second. Alvernia (8-4) could sneak out of fourth into third with wins over the top seeded Falcons and Dutchmen, and a loss by Widener to the Warriors.