Nearly every weekend, the University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team is battling on the hardwood against some of their toughest Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opponents.

However, this weekend, it doesn't get any tougher for the Bulldogs.

Friday (Jan. 30) marks the opening of one of the most intriguing NSIC weekends of basketball for host UMD (14-7 overall; 8-3 NSIC), as they collide with Southwest Minnesota State (15-5; 8-3), while the following Saturday (Feb. 1) the Maroon and Gold will clash with No. 13-ranked Minnesota State-Mankato (8-3; 17-4).

This weekend, fans will see some of the best action around, as the Bulldogs - who knocked off Bemidji State most recently - Mustangs and Mavericks are all knotted up for second place in the always-grueling NSIC, only trailing Winona State, the defending Division II national champions.

Friday and Saturday will also feature three regionally ranked squads, as in this week's latest Central Regional rankings, UMD notched the No. 9 spot, while Minnesota State held the No.4 position and Southwest Minnesota State was ranked No. 5.

To show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer program this weekend held by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in conjunction with the American Cancer Society; Bulldog, Mustang and Maverick coaching staffs' - as well as staffs' all around the country - will be wearing sneakers along with their suits to raise awareness among college basketball audiences about the fight against cancer.

Fans attending this weekend's affairs are sure to get their fair share of entertainment, as there will be playoff implications on the line at Romano Gymnasium.