It's a big day for UMass sports with the conference tournament fates of both men's basketball and hockey hanging in the balance.

Let's start with hockey. The Minutemen dominated at Maine in a 5-2 win that was a huge boost to the ability to make the Hockey East Tournament. The easiest way UMass clinches a spot is to finish tied or ahead of Vermont. Both teams have 24 points. So whatever Vermont does aganst Lowell, UMass has to do the same or better, which could create an interesting scenario.

If UMass is tied with two minutes left in Maine and Vermont is beating Lowell, the Minutemen could be forced to pull the goalie in a tie game. If UMass is tied and Vermont is tied, the Catamounts might have to pull the goalie. 

I'm curious what each team is doing to keep track of the score of the other game. Do they have someone there with a cell phone?

Things are far more simple in hoop. If they upset Rhode Island, they're in. If La Salle beats St. Joe's, the Minutemen are in.  If neither happens, they're out.