Pipe Dream’s senior beat writer Ben Masur and sports editor Mark Macyk spend more time thinking about America East basketball than they probably should. This is their actual conversation.

Mark: So, one more tournament, eh Ben?

Ben: Yeah, three out of our four years hosting the tournament is nothing to complain about.

Mark: Yeah, I was just thinking of how we lost to Vermont two years ago, that’s worth complaining about.

Ben: Even if they beat Vermont, Binghamton’s road won’t be easy. UMBC could have easily been undefeated.

Mark: I’m not even worried about UMBC, all I care about is the championship, where we’ll meet Albany.

Ben: Why, so you can rock your Brian Lillis jersey?

Mark: That’s cold man, I just respect good basketball and a great head of hair. I’m glad he won’t be sporting a mohawk this weekend.

Ben: Yeah, that could get ugly, but we all know the best mohawk belongs to Marqus Blakely.

Mark: I don’t know, have you seen Brett Gifford’s mohawk? But you’re right, Blakely is scary good, especially considering he’s a sophomore.

Ben: I saw him play in high school — he’s bulked up a lot since then and is so tough to guard.

Mark: Yeah, I expected him to be fun to watch, but I never expected Hartford’s Joe Zeglinksi to be as exciting as he is.

Ben: I was very impressed when Hartford was here against Binghamton. Throw in Warren McLendon, Morgan Sabia and Michael Turner, they could be a dangerous team.

Mark: Speaking of a dangerous team, how about our hometown Bearcats?

Ben: I’d hate to see Mike Gordon go out losing to Vermont again.

Mark: Yeah, he deserves better than that. I hope the BU seniors realize how lucky they’ve been to watch him for the last four years.

Ben: And to watch Kevin Broadus for a year. He’s a great in game coach.

Mark: Plus he’s like a rock star. How awesome was it when he ran into the Zoo after we beat New Hampshire?

Ben: Not to mention the recent blowout between him and Will Brown. That could make for an intriguing America East Championship.

Mark: Yeah, that’s what I just said, we’ll be at the championship in Albany. Broadus has brought that rivalry to new heights. I can’t wait to pull my handshake away from the Albany sports editor.

Ben: I just can’t wait to see what happens. Any given day, anyone can win in this conference.

Mark: Yeah, do you have one final thought for our loyal readers?

Ben: Expect the unexpected. You?

Mark: Kyle Cieplicki doesn’t suck. Sorry BU Zoo.

Ben: He’s no Richie Forbes.