Big Sky Basketball Tournament: Montana, Northern Colorado favored

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Head coach Travis DeCuire speaks with Ahmaad Rorie #14, Sayeed Pridgett #4 and Fabijan Krslovic #20 of the Montana Grizzlies during a stopage against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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SPOKANE, WA – NOVEMBER 06: Josh Perkins #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs controls the ball against Chidi Udgengwu #4 of the Idaho State Bengals in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 6, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Idaho State 120-79. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

First round of the Big Sky Tournament

No. 8 Northern Arizona vs. No. 9 Sacramento State

Both teams won on their home floors, earning a season split. Northern Arizona ended the season with a win over Northern Colorado, but have gone just 3-7 in their final ten games. Sacramento State has an advantage in the frontcourt with big man Joshua Patton, so give me the better playing Hornets to move on. Prediction: Sacramento State

No. 7 Southern Utah vs. No. 10 Idaho State

Despite the difference in seeds, Idaho State beat Southern Utah on their home floor by 20 and the Thunderbirds returned the favor by beating the Bengals by six at home. Both teams are balanced offensively, but neither lights the scoreboard up. In games like this, take the team with the best player on the floor, in this one that is, Southern Utah junior guard who averages 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists. Prediction: Southern Utah

No. 6 Montana State vs. No. 11 Idaho

Montana State won the season series with ease, winning each game by double digits. The guard duo of Tyler Hall and Harald Frey have combined for 37.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists and that will be enough to carry the Bobcats into the quarterfinals. Prediction: Montana State

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