Big Sky Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies encourages his team during their game against the New Mexico Lobos at Dreamstyle Arena - The Pit on December 01, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Lobos defeated the Grizzlies 72-63. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 20: Jacob Davison /

Teams to watch in the Big Sky Tournament

The Favorite: Eastern Washington

Eastern finished the regular season on a seven-game win streak to capture their first regular-season championship in five years and first outright Big Sky regular-season championship in 16 years. The high-flying Eagles are seventh in the nation while scoring 80.9 ppg. Along with Peatling, EWU is led in scoring by 6’4 junior Jacob Davison with 18.4 ppg, fourth in the Big Sky. The Eagles’ four league losses game to the bottom two teams (Idaho and Idaho State) and two to Montana. Eastern has to avoid these letdowns when playing against lesser opponents.

Top Contenders: Northern Colorado and Montana

Northern Colorado finished the regular season by sweeping on the road at the Montana schools. The Bears five losses came to Eastern Washington (twice), Portland State (twice), and home against Northern Arizona. Along with Radebaugh, UNC is led by 6’6 sophomore Bodie Hume’s 13.9 ppg. Inside, 6’9 senior Kai Edwards contributes 9.4 ppg and 7.1 rpg. The Bears finished out the regular season going 7-1 with the only loss coming at home to Eastern 68-64 on Feb. 29. However, UNC has shown susceptibility to pressure defense as is evident in the two-losses to Portland State.

Montana was the two-time defending regular-season and tournament champs in the Big Sky coming into the season. The Griz and their experience will not be an easy out in Boise. Despite losing three of their last four games, Montana is still a favorite to cut down the nets. Prior two that Montana rode a six-game win streak in early February. The Grizzlies can claim two victories over the regular season champs, Eastern Washington. Aside from Pridgett, 6’4 senior Kendal Manuel adds 15.1 ppg. Montana is leading the league in field goal percentage (47.3%). The Griz will need to toughen up on the boards as they are 10th in Big Sky rebounding margin.

Possible Darkhorse: Portland State

The Vikings ride a six-game winning streak going into the tournament to take the fourth seed. The name of the game for the Vikings is pressure – pressure offense and pressure defense. Portland State leads the Big Sky in steals (8.7 per game) and turnover margin (+2.5). Pressure mounts in the post season and the Vikings are there to ratchet it up another notch or two. PSU is led by junior point guard Holland “Boo Boo” Woods and his 17.7 ppg (fifth in Big Sky), 5.2 apg (second), and 2.1 spg (first).

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