Big Sky Basketball power rankings: Wild two weeks of conference play

Big Sky Basketball power rankings: Wild 2 weeks of 2019-20 conference play

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 23: Wendell Carter Jr /

8. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (7-5, 1-2) NET: 216

Northern Arizona picked up their first win in conference play Jan. 4, by taking advantage of a hobbled Weber State. The Lumberjacks were swept at the Montana schools in their opening games.

NAU has been performing adequately on the offensive end with their slow-down tempo and is ranked #321 by KenPom in average possession length. The Jacks are ranked #36 nationally for three-point shooting percentage at 37.1%.

Their interior defense has struggled at times. They are ranked #323 by allowing 55.0% in two-point field goal percentage.

First-year coach Shane Burcar is still adjusting his lineup. Sophomore Cameron Shelton is the leader with 13.8 ppg. Redshirt sophomore Luke Avdalovic has been heating it up from beyond the arc, coming off the bench, hitting 24 for 48 so far.

Next up for the Lumberjacks is a great opportunity to move up in the rankings, as they travel to Sacramento State on Thursday, Jan. 9.

7. Portland State Vikings (7-9, 1-3) NET: 172

The Vikings opened conference play with two contenders at home. Portland State got a big win over Northern Colorado 69-65 but fell to Southern Utah 83-81. The Viks then went on the road for a disappointing loss at Idaho 72-61 and losing a 71-69 squeaker at Eastern Washington.

PSU is the only Big Sky team with three losses in conference play. However, given the fact that two of the three losses were to contenders to win the Big Sky, I bump them up in the power rankings despite the loss to Idaho. The Vikings can be a scary team with their pressing, up-tempo style.

Junior Holland “Boo Boo” Woods is averaging 17.6 ppg to go with 5.5 apg for Portland State. The point guard is making his claim for Big Sky Player of the Year.

Shooting guard Matt Hauser is averaging 15.3 ppg. Getting 6’6 Alonzo Walker and 6’8 Sal Nuhu back from earlier injuries improves the Vikings upfront, while 6’6 Markus Golder has been inconsistent.

Portland State finishes a four-game road trip at the Montana schools. The Vikings play Montana State on Jan. 11 and Montana on Jan. 13.

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