ABILENE, Texas – The American Southwest Conference West Division championships along with the McMurry women's rights to host the ASC Postseason Tournament are up for grabs with Thursday's matchups against Howard Payne crucial ones. The women will tip at 5:30 p.m. at Brownwood Coliseum with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

With a one-game lead in the ASC West, the men's team at 14-5 in league play, controls its own destiny for an outright regular season title. A win over Howard Payne (5-18, 4-15 ASC) and Sul Ross State (9-13, 8-11 ASC) Saturday in Alpine would guaranteed the title and the No. 1 West seed in the ASC Postseason Tournament in Richardson Feb. 24-26.

For the women, the situation isn't as simple. For McMurry (15-8, 13-6 ASC) to host, it would have to defeat Howard Payne (16-7, 13-6 ASC) and Sul Ross State (1-21, 1-17 ASC) Saturday in Alpine while HPU would have to defeat Hardin-Simmons (17-5, 14-5) Saturday in Brownwood.

If Hardin-Simmons defeats both Sul Ross State Thursday and HPU Saturday, the Cowgirls would host. HPU could host if it defeated McMurry and Hardin-Simmons because that would mean a 2-0 regulars season against McMurry while HSU and McMurry split games.

However, the McMurry teams must take care of business Thursday night for either of the scenarios to play out in its favor.

Neither the Thursday doubleheader or Saturday doubleheader will be available on mcmurrysports.com for live video and audio stream, however, Abilene fans can listen locally on 1560 AM KZQQ.