It seems strange to say that already, but two teams who went deep in the playoffs last year need wins today.

Unranked Bethel has two loses and needs a win at Concordia-Moorhead to avoid falling out of the MIAC race early. That’s just one of several intriguing games, including St. John’s trying to bounce back against Gustavus Adolphus and St. Olaf and Augsburg dueling to keep their undefeated stature.

No. 11 St. John Fisher starts conference play in the Empire 8 hosting No. 16 Ithaca. The Bombers might need this game more psychologically given how the Cards have beaten them recently, but the Cards need this one to control their own playoff destiny. If they lose here, do you like their chances to run the table, including beating No. 6 Salisbury? Me neither.

Check out the scoreboard and the post pattern pages for the MIAC and Empire 8, particularly the latter. I guarantee they will keep you updated and entertained.