This weekend is set to be an exciting time for D3 college basketball in southern Minnesota, with three NCAA conference championship games taking place. The Gustavus women’s and men’s basketball teams are poised to participate in their respective conference championships.
The Gustavus women’s team has had a remarkable season, with an overall record of 23-2 and a dominant 19-1 record in the MIAC during the regular season. They are contending for their back-to-back regular season MIAC titles and have secured a first-round bye straight into the semis. In their most recent game, they demonstrated their prowess by defeating Saint Benedict with a score of 68-45. They are now set to face off against the Concordia Cobbers in the title game, a team that split the regular season series with the Gusties. The game is scheduled to take place at 3:00 PM inside Gus Young Court.
Following the women’s game, the Gustavus men’s team will take the court in their conference championship game. The team made history in the playoffs with a thrilling 124-116 double-overtime win over Carlton, setting the record for the highest-scoring game in MIAC playoff history. After two upsets in the bracket, the Gusties are back at home to host Hamline, who holds the four seed. The men also split the regular season series with the Pipers, making the championship game one to watch. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM, creating an action-packed Saturday for Gustavus fans.
In Mankato, the Bethany Lutheran Vikings men’s basketball team is preparing for their UMAC title game against the UW-Superior Yellow Jackets at 3:00 PM. The Vikings have had an outstanding season, going 14-0 in conference play and securing decisive wins over UW-Superior in both of their previous matchups. They are aiming to complete a clean sweep in the championship game and secure their spot in the big dance.
With all three games holding such significance, it feels like March Madness has arrived early this February. Basketball fans are in for a treat with these high-stakes championship games.
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