Big Sky Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: The NCAA March Madness logo is seen on the basket stanchion before the game between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the Florida Gators in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Dec 18, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Idaho Vandals guard DeAndre Robinson (13) looks to pass against Utah Utes forward Riley Battin (21) in the first half at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

First-round

No. 8 Sacramento State vs. No. 9 Idaho

The No. 8 seed Sacramento State Hornets have a first-round matchup with the No. 9 Idaho in the first game of the tournament. The Hornets came oh so close to a season sweep of the Vandals, losing by one on the road and then gaining revenge with a 31-point blowout at home. In the second game, Sacramento State forced 16 Idaho turnovers and held them to 32% shooting. I expect that Hornets have figured something out here and move on easily.

Prediction: Sacramento State 77, Idaho 64

No. 7 Portland State vs. No. 10 Idaho State

Portland State swept the season series from the Idaho State Bengals, but the games were closer than expected for two teams that finished five games apart in the standings. The Vikings came away with two wins by an average of just six points.

The thing that worries me for Portland State in this game is that they needed overtime, 23 Idaho State turnovers, and a career-high 27 points from Khalid Thomas to get that second victory. Even though they have a much better record, I’m not sure those circumstances will be replicated, give me the Bengals to pull the upset and move into the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Idaho State 71, Portland State 67

No. 6 Eastern Washington vs. No. 11 Northern Arizona

The final game of the first round sees No. 6 Eastern Washington take on the No. 11 Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. The Eagles won both games this season including a seven-point win just a few days ago on March 3rd, in that game Steele Venters and Ryland Bergersen combined for 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. But, it’s Eastern Washington’s offensive depth compared to Northern Arizona’s that will help them prevail here.

Prediction: Eastern Washington 72, Northern Arizona 59

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