Before we take a look at the best games in mid-major hoops this weekend, let’s clear something up. Yes, Savannah State is eligible for postseason play. That means they can play in the MEAC conference tournament, a conference in which they are currently tied for first, and the NCAA tournament, should they win the conference tournament.

There are national writers that still have Savannah State as listed as inelgible for season play on their bracket outlooks. They were given a waiver, overturning their banning for low Acedemic Process Rate, but because of said waiver, they are back in the hunt. I have had this waiver confirmed by not only multiple people on Reddit r/collegebasketball, but also from resident ESPN bracket guru Joe Lunardi and via email by Opio Mashariki, the assistant athletic director for Savannah State. The fact that the NCAA hasn’t released a statement regarding the waiver has created some confusion, but I think I’ve gotten enough proof

I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to most, but I think it’s worth noting for the fans of Savannah State and those that make a living – or part of their living – on accuratly predicting the tournament field.

Moving on from that, let’s take a look at some of the biggest games coming at us this weekend.

Tonight (Friday) there is only one top-25 game, and it pits the only undefeated team in the A-10, Rhode Island (19-3, 11-0) against the second place team, Davidson (13-9, 8-3). Rhode Island, ranked 18th in the conference, has all but locked up an invitatation to the Big Dance, but hope to extend their winning streak to 15, and all but lock up the regular season title.

On Saturday at 10 pm, St Mary’s (24-2, 13-0) hosts Gonzaga (22-4, 12-1) in one of the biggest games in all of college basketball, regardless of conference. St Mary’s enters the game as the 11th ranked team in the country (Gonzaga 12th) but despite that lofty ranking, bracketologists are a bit low on them, as they have a very low strength of schedule. If they lose here they could see their potential seeding in the NCAA Tournament drop way down. St Mary’s won their first meeting at Gonzaga, 74-71 on 1/18.

Earlier on Saturday in Ivy League action, Penn (16-6, 6-0) looks to stay undefeated in conference against Harvard (10-11, 5-1). This game will go a long way and determining the regular season conference championship, as outside of these top two teams, there’s four teams behind them with 3-3 records. Not so long ago, that may have been a huge problem, but with the Ivy League now hosting a conference tournament, all those teams will still have one more chance to make The Dance. Penn seems like the cream of the crop of this conference, and can prove it here with a win on the road at a tough opponent.

Sunday is looking a little thin in the mid-major department. But, if I had to choose one team to watch, it would be Vermont (20-5, 10-0) of the American East conference. They will be taking on UMass Lowell (9-14, 3-7) at home, in a game they should dominate. Vermont has continued to roll, even after losing their leading scorer and rebounder in Anthonly Lamb at the end of December to a foot injury.

Vermont hosts one of best home game atmospheres in the country, as they are undefeated at home this season. Again, this game isn’t a world beater, but if you haven’t gotten a chance to see Vermont play, then here’s your chance on a fairly slow day in college basketball.