Big Sky Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, predictions

Bracketology

The Big Sky Conference will have as many qualifiers as most other mid-majors; one. Despite the solid competition within Big Sky Conference, it just is not good enough to require more March Madness bids than the automatic qualifier. In fact, Big Sky basketball has never received an at-large bid for March Madness. The best finish by a Big Sky Conference team would take you back to 1977 when Idaho State reached the Elite Eight. Currently, the winner of the Big Sky Conference will end up as a 15-seed.

First Round & Quarterfinals

#9 Sacramento State versus #8 Northern Colorado

The first-round opponents did not face each other during the regular season. Sacramento State has lost five of their last six. Northern Colorado is riding a two-game losing streak. However, Northern Colorado has only played four games since a COVID pause. The Bears will be hitting their stride with fresher legs.

Prediction: Northern Colorado 75, Sacramento State 71

#10 Northern Arizona versus #7 Portland State

Another instance of two conference teams not playing each other. Northern Arizona is on a four-game losing streak after being swept by the two best teams in conference, Weber State and Southern Utah, to close out the season. Portland State has a much better offense (68.9 points per game) while Northern Arizona’s offense (62.7 points per game) has been nonexistent all season.

Prediction: Portland State 69, Northern Arizona 59

#11 Idaho versus #6 Montana

Last place Idaho has won one game all season. The games they have lost have not been particularly close either. On the other hand, Montana actually fields a competitive team. This will be a tune-up game for Montana before heading to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Montana 87, Idaho 65

QUARTERFINALS

#1 Southern Utah versus #8 Northern Colorado

The Big Sky Conference is top-heavy and Southern Utah belongs in that conversation. The only question in this game is how much does Southern Utah win by?

Prediction: Southern Utah 91, Northern Colorado 75

#5 Montana State versus #4 Idaho State

A defensive team against an offensive team will make for an interesting matchup. Idaho State has only given up 61.3 points per game this year. Montana State, on the other hand, has averaged close to 75 points per game. Who’s strength is better?

Prediction: Montana State 83, Idaho State 79

#2 Eastern Washington versus #7 Portland State

Eastern Washington will have no issue with this game. Portland State does not have the firepower (68.9 points per game) to stand up to Eastern Washington (79.3 points per game)

Prediction: Eastern Washington 85, Portland State 67

#3 Weber State versus #6 Montana

This game will be a product of the top-heavy conference. Weber State is averaging a robust 82.1 points per game compared to Montana’s pedestrian 71.3 points per game.

Prediction: Weber State 91, Montana 71