:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32398025/1000px-northeast_conference_logo_svg.0_standard_352.0.0.png){kind=logo}
The NEC Tournament gets underway later today in Philadelphia (because apparently half of college lacrosse is required to hold their tournament games there) to decide who gets the conference's bid to the NCAA Tournament. Although the winner is likely looking at a trip to the play-in round next week, it's one of the most intriguing tournaments to keep an eye on.
Bryant has been ranked in the top 20 for the majority of the season and is looking to grab their third NEC crown in a row. Standing as a major roadblock, however, is arguably the hottest team in college lacrosse in the St. Joseph's Hawks, winners of 10 of their last 11. Sacred Heart and Hobart hope to sneak their way into The Big Barbeque as well. What the NEC lacks in conference strength it more than makes up for in compelling competitiveness. Sorry Wagner, you didn't make it into this tournament.
THE FACEOFF continues its conference championship series with a look at the NEC. Here's how it shapes up:
(Click to make it larger.)