While most of the larger conference tournaments tip off on Tuesday or Wednesday, here is what’s on Monday evening’s docket.

Second straight: “Congratulations…see you in two days.” That’s basically what Gustavus Adolphus could’ve said to Carleton in the handshake line following the Knights’ 71-65 victory in the teams’ regular season finale. This time Carleton will play at the Lund Center, but even the road trip has a silver lining for the Knights. They have a five-game winning streak against the Gusties. You can listen to the MIAC first round game on Knights Online at 8:30 PM EST.

Second chance: Although Richard Stockton and Rutgers-Newark have already played each other this year, both teams look a little different since Rutgers-Newark beat the Ospreys in Pomona on December 2. Stockton added long-range sharp shooter Jerome Hubbard who leads the Ospreys with 14.8 ppg. As for the Scarlet Raiders, they were in the middle of a 9-0 start to the season back in December. Now they have lost five of six entering Monday night’s game.

But that’s the beauty of the playoffs. If Rutgers-Newark wins, that sluggish finish will be history. And if not maybe Coach Matthews will make a celebratory visit to White Castle, like he did after getting his 400th win earlier this season.

Second Seed:UW-Whitewater opens the WIAC Women’s Tournament with its highest seed ever (second). The Warhawks have been one-and-done in recent WIAC playoffs, but are much improved this year. Since January 3, UWW is 10-3 against conference opponents and two of those loses come to No. 18 UW-Stout. UW-Platteville will try to slow down Coach Carollo and Company this evening.

You can follow all the first round playoff games by webcasts and live stats posted off the WIAC website.

Enjoy the games and have a William Howard Taftastic President’s Day.