The final home game of the regular season is generally a festive and nostalgic affair. The Hamline women's basketball team is hoping it can be a celebratory one as well.

The Pipers (12-8 MIAC, 12-11 overall) can clinch a berth in the MIAC playoffs next week if they defeat Bethel (4-16, 5-18) tonight at Hutton Arena. HU can also get in if St. Olaf (10-10, 12-11) loses at home to St. Thomas.

But they would much prefer to go in through the front door.

Tip off is 7:30 p.m.

The teams met in December in Arden Hills with Hamline working its way past the Royals for a 59-50 decision. Although HU led most of the way, Bethel, led by freshman center Rachel Parupsky (who has taken over the league scoring lead from Hamline's Steph Pilgrim), refused to go away     quietly. 

Thanks to Jordan Sammons, (who had a big day with 23 points and 14 rebounds), HU built a 14-point lead in the second half only to see BU whittle it to four at 51-47 with five minutes to play. The Pipers then put the clamps down defensively, holding the Royals to just three free throws the rest of the way to earn the win.

Improved defense has been one of the reasons why HU has won eight of their last 11 games. A victory tonight would ensure a winning season and vault the Pipers into the playoffs for the first time since 2009. With two games remaining, Hamline is currently in sixth place, a game behind Gustavus Adolphus, who hosts Carleton tonight. 

But all the speculation belongs on the backburner. A simple win and the issue is settled.

Before the game, though, there is an important task to be handled. The Pipers will honor their three seniors who are likely playing their last game at Hutton. In addition to Pilgrim (who is currently 15th in the country in three-pointers per game at 2.8), HU will honor G Kara Poirier (pictured with ball), who will leave here No. 2 all-time in Assists and No. 10 in scoring and C Cassidy Vogt, who leads the team in Blocks with 33.