Some of tonight’s more interesting games involve regular season conference champions who know they are in “win or else” mode. They either weren’t ranked in the third regional rankings released yesterday or are ranked so low that the only way they could possibly be comfortable on selection/speculation Sunday is to clinch the automatic bid.

– Webster is undefeated in SLIAC men’s play but, unless they finish that way, they probably aren’t going to the NCAA tournament. The Gorloks are ranked eighth in the Midwest. They’ve been in this situation before, finishing tied for first last season but missing the big dance because of a SLIAC tournament loss to Fontbonne. Webster hosts Maryville (Mo.) in tonight’s SLIAC semifinals.

– Salem State has been the perennial MASCAC men’s representative in the NCAA tournament and is the favorite to claim that title again this weekend. But the competition just to get ranked in the Northeast region is fierce and the Vikings didn’t appear on Wednesday’s list. Unless Salem State wins its next two, they are probably headed to the ECAC tournament. The Vikings host Bridgewater State, with whom they split the season series, in the conference semifinals.

– Occidental is the top seed on the women’s side of the SCIAC which will hand out its automatic qualifiers by tournament this year. Unlike the Oxy men who are in decent shape for an at-large bid, the Oxy women can’t afford a stumble. No SCIAC team was ranked in the West, not even the Tigers who have won 10 straight. Cal Lutheran travels to Los Angeles for the semifinals this evening.

Don’t forget D3hoopsNet also has an important Pool B battle between Aurora and Milwaukee School of Engineering with Tim Calderwood on the call.

All listings EST

7:00 PM: Men – Bridgewater State at Salem State (MASCAC semifinals) (Pay-per-view)

8:00 pm: Men – MSOE at Aurora (D3hoopsNet)

9:00 PM: Men – Maryville (Mo.) at Webster (SLIAC semifinals) (Live Stats // Audio)

10:30 pm: Women – Cal Lutheran at Occidental (SCIAC semifinals) (Audio)