KC's Mid-Major Top 10 welcomes back Belmont, plus 10 pivotal mid-major college basketball games

This time of year, if you're like me, you've seen roughly every minute played of every game in every mid-major conference in Division I college basketball. (Full disclosure: Missed the first half of the Idaho-Cal Poly game in November for the wife's birthday — or whatever she said it was?)

But, alas, now is not the time to hibernate! With conference tournament play less than a week away, we brethren of the BarcaLounger need all bloodshot eyeballs on the remaining regular-season games that will determine seeding, conference championships and, in the rarest, most important instances, standing in KC's Top 10. Add the extra terabyte of space on the DVR, and make sure you catch each of these pivotal pre-tournament matchups:

South Dakota State wrapped up the Summit League regular-season title a long time ago, but at 16-0 in conference play the Jackrabbits are just two wins shy of the first perfect season in league history. Coach Eric Henderson's men are led by sophomore sensation Baylor Scheierman, the only Division I player leading his conference in rebounds and assists per game. Oral Roberts can still finish as the 2-seed for the Summit League tournament, but its margin for error is thin. Plenty of motivation to win this game for a Golden Eagles team that also has a chance to hand the Jacks their first conference loss, as well as send a message before the 8-team battle royale in Sioux Falls. Max Abmas became a mid-major god at this time last year. Pony up whatever scratch it takes and stream this on the ORU Sports Network.

When the Racers blasted Belmont by 22 back on Jan. 15 (ending the Bruins' 19-game home win streak), they sent a clear message: The road to an OVC regular-season title runs through Murray, Kentucky.