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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AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Jonah Radebaugh #12 of the Northern Colorado Bears (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

No. 1 Eastern Washington (NET #136) vs. No. 9 Sacramento State (NET #187)

The Hornets plan on slowing this game down and in doing so, will keep the score close. Eastern won both previous matchups 59-54 and 77-76. Coach Brian Katz will have Sacramento State try to pound the ball into 6’8 senior center Joshua Patton who is leading the Hornets scoring 13.1 ppg and rebounding 5.7 rpg. This game should come down to the Hornets being able to score in crunch time. Peatling should be the difference for Eastern.

Prediction: Eastern Washington 68, Sacramento State 65

No. 4 Portland State (NET #180) vs. No. 5 Montana State (NET #229)

Portland State was able to sweep the two games against Montana State, 77-76 and 87-77. The Vikings like to get up and down the court and this game should be no different. If the Bobcats (16-15, 10-10) can keep from turning the ball over and keep PSU off the boards, they have a chance to move on. “Boo Boo” Woods scored 30 and 22 points against the Bobcats and will be the key for the Vikings to win.

Prediction: Portland State 80, Montana State 75

No. 2 Northern Colorado (NET #100) vs. No. 7 Southern Utah (NET #159)

Northern Colorado took both match-ups this season, 68-60 and 68-66. John Knight averaged 20.5 points in those two games for Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds will need a big game from him to win. He has been inconsistent while averaging only 12.5 ppg on the season. The Bears should be able to shut down any three-pointers for Southern Utah to come away with the win.

Prediction: Northern Colorado 68, Southern Utah 63

No. 3 Montana (NET #142) vs. No. 6 Northern Arizona (NET #213)

This game should be tighter than expected. The two teams split their games this season home-and-home. The Lumberjacks were able to hold Pridgett to eight points in 38 minutes in their 57-56 victory on Feb. 27 after he torched them for 27 in the Montana win on Dec. 28. Controlling Pridgett will be key for Northern Arizona, however, the Grizzlies’ tournament experience should win out.

Prediction: Montana 68, Northern Arizona 65

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