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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Big Sky Basketball Weber State Wildcats (Photo by Paul Dye/J and L Photography/Getty Images ) /

Semifinals

No. 1 Montana State vs. No. 4 Weber State

The first semifinal sees No. 1 Montana State battling No. 4 Weber State after splitting the season series with them. In each team’s win, they shot lights out from deep, Montana State at 52% and Weber State at 60%.

Both teams attempted about 20 three-point shots per game and that again should be the difference in this one will be the team that is more efficient from behind the arc. At the end of this one, I think Weber State will find themselves in a familiar place, the Big Sky title game.

Prediction: Weber State 76, Montana State 72

No. 2 Southern Utah vs. No. 6 Eastern Washington

The other semifinal will see Southern Utah take on Eastern Washington. I’m looking forward to this matchup because of Venters and Bergersen going head-to-head with Knight III. Southern Utah swept the season series handily and did so without Maizen Fausett in one of those games. I think the Thunderbirds, at full strength, go 3-for-3 and find themselves in the title game.

Prediction: Southern Utah 74, Eastern Washington 66

Finals

No. 2 Southern Utah vs. No. 4 Weber State

A ticket to the Big Dance is on the line when No. 2 Southern Utah takes on No. 4 Weber State. As can be expected in a conference as bunched up as the Big Sky, these two split the season series with Southern Utah gaining its revenge in the regular-season finale. Offensively, the key for Southern Utah has been their depth, with four or five guys scoring in double figures on a consistent basis.

The question for their opponents has been, can they keep up? Weber State has shown that they can with McEwen, Seikou Sisoho Jawara, JJ Overton, and Dillon Jones. In the Thunderbirds’ win, they held Jones, who averaged a double-double on the season to just five points and six rebounds, thanks to foul trouble.

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If Dillon can stay out of foul trouble, I think he puts the Wildcats over the edge and they head back to the NCAA Tournament.

Prediction: Weber State 83 Southern Utah 78

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