Big Sky Basketball power rankings: EWU, Montana among teams at the top
2. Northern Colorado Bears (6-4) KenPom: 144
Similar to Montana, da Bears have played some tough opponents but dropped one 67-62 to #238 Gardner Webb, Nov. 27 in Cancun. Their best win was the day before in a convincing 78-55 victory over #233 Boston University.
Last year’s Big Sky Coach of the Year, Jeff Linder, brings a solid defense, especially on the perimeter and cutting off the passing lanes. Opponents are only shooting 28.6% against Northern Colorado from three-point land.
The Bears like a slower tempo and are led by 6’6 sophomore Bodie Hume (16.0 ppg) and two-time Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, 6’3 senior Jonah Radebaugh, with his 15.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 4.4 apg. Defense wins championships and Northern Colorado will be right in the thick of it at 14-6.
1. Eastern Washington Eagles (7-3) KenPom: 126
The Eastern Eagles have been putting together their case that they should be the favorites in the Big Sky this year. The Eagles knocked off #77 Belmont 87-82 at home on Nov. 26 and worst loss was 72-68 at #129 Boston College on Nov. 20.
Coach Shantay Legans is hoping for a healthier club that finished third in the Big Sky last year. This preseason, the Big Sky coaches had them in first place while the media had them in third. 6’4 junior Jacob Davison has returned this year from an ankle injury and is scoring 18.1 ppg.
6’7 sophomore Kim Aiken Jr. has been a force inside with 16.1 ppg and 11.8 rpg. 6’8 senior Mason Peatling adds 15.7 ppg, although that is padded by a 54-point outburst against NAIA Multnomah University on Dec. 13. 6’9 redshirt sophomore Tanner Groves added an ESPN Top 10 Plays throw down in that game for good measure.
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After playing at #6 Gonzaga (#2 in the AP Poll, #5 NET) on Dec. 21, Eastern will settle in to rise to the top of the Big Sky at 15-5. However, the league is too wide open to say the Eagles are a clear-cut favorite. It will be a four-team race.