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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First Round of the Big Sky Tournament

No. 8 Weber State (NET #270) vs. No. 9 Sacramento State (NET #187)

The bottom six teams will face each other to move on to the next round where the top five teams will enter the fray. Weber State (12-19, 8-12) were picked to finish second and third in the Big Sky’s media and coaches’ preseason polls, respectively. However, the Wildcats have battled injuries throughout the season and split home-and-home with Sacramento State (15-14, 8-12). The Hornets’ defense should be able to throttle the Wildcats and the still ailing Harding.

Prediction: Sacramento State 65, Weber State 59

No. 7 Southern Utah (NET #159) vs. No. 10 Idaho (NET #324)

The Thunderbirds of Southern Utah (16-15, 9-11) defeated Idaho (8-23, 4-16) 73-45 at home on Jan. 27 and again 87-55 at Moscow on Feb. 29. Idaho moved into the #10 slot by defeating Idaho State at home 80-76 on the last day of the season to snap a six-game losing streak. The results may have been a tougher opponent for the Vandals. The T-Birds should be able to shut down Idaho’s offense once again.

Prediction: Southern Utah 72, Idaho 60

No. 6 Northern Arizona (NET #213) vs. No. 11 Idaho State (NET #296)

This game should be the most exciting of opening day. After losing to Idaho State (7-22, 4-16) 71-67 at home on Jan. 11, Northern Arizona (16-13, 10-10) shot up the Big Sky standings with a five-game winning streak. The Lumberjacks returned the loss to the Bengals on Feb. 6, 88-87 in overtime. This game should be just as tight. If Northern Arizona can get balanced scoring as they did in the second match-up, the Lumberjacks should be able to hold on.

Prediction: Northern Arizona 75, Idaho State 69

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