With three conference games to go, MAC basketball has lots of hot races for the four tournament spots in each conference. The Alvernia men, Messiah women, and Lebanon Valley women are the only teams that are in – 13 other spots are up for grabs.

Commonwealth Men

The big match up has Lebanon Valley travelling to Albright. Both teams are 7-4 – the winner stays in the hunt to host a first round game. After knocking off #2 Elizabethtown, Lycoming (4-7) stayed alive and now take their slim tournament chances on the road at top seed Alvernia (9-2). Widener (5-6) has to win at Elizabethtown (7-4) to stay in the race. The Blue Jays have struggled in the last two games, so the Pride hope to catch them in this downward spin. Messiah (5-6) has to win at home against last place Arcadia.

Commonwealth Women

The two front runners, Lebanon Valley and Messiah are heavy favorites this weekend after battling each other on Wednesday, with the Falcons knocking the Dutchman from their commanding perch (#9 in one poll and undefeated in the conference). The Falcons (9-2) host Arcadia (1-10) while LVC (10-1) heads to Reading to face the Albright Lions (3-8).

Freedom Men

After their last second win at Misericordia, DeSales (8-3) returns home to host King’s (6-5). The Monarchs are tied with Misericordia and Delaware Valley – only two of the three teams can make tournament. Misericordia hosts FDU – the Devils have shown some spark in the second half of the season, so the Cougars could have their hands full. The second half has not been good to the Aggies, losing four in a row. They have to head to tough Wilkes (7-4) home court to reverse the trend. The loser of the Eastern/Manhattanville game is out of it, the winner has a mathematical, but unlikely chance to make the final four.

Freedom women

King’s (8-3) has to go to DeSales (7-4) – hosting a first round game is on the line. Misericordia (8-3), tied with the Monarchs, host FDU, a team that has struggled lately. Eastern’s (6-5) strong run this year can be sustained with a win at Manhattanville (7-4); a loss and they probably have to wait until next year for a tournament spot. Wilkes and Delaware Valley, both having tough seasons, play for bragging rights.

Some things should become clearer after the weekend!?