If motivation is king, then Merrimack should roll in the Northeast Conference Tournament final. Why? The regular-season champion Warriors are not allowed to play in the NCAA Tournament because they are in the midst of their four-year transition from Division II to Division I -- they can't play in the NIT, either, so this is their finale unless they get invited to one of those lower-tier clown tournaments (not sure if that's allowed, don't care). The Warriors enter on a 10-game winning streak. Fairleigh Dickinson gets the at-large bid no matter what happens here. It would be human nature for the FDU players to not take this as seriously as their opponents.

Win or lose, Merrimack will not be in the NCAA Tournament as it is ineligible, but this is still a chance to win a championship. The growth for the Warriors this season is evident. Since losing to Fairleigh Dickinson on Jan. 28, they have won ten straight. With the Knights' ticket to the NCAA Tournament already punched, I'm on Merrimack.

The Northeast Conference final lacks the usual suspense given that Merrimack is ineligible for the Big Dance while transitioning from Division II. The Warriors can play loose and free without having to cope with pressure. They have covered in four of their last five outings and can avenge their only straight-up setback in the prior 13 games. FDU's turnaround from a 4-22 season is remarkable, but this game in the Warriors' gym with less than the normal incentive is a challenge.