It's Now Or Never For Northern Colorado

Through 14 Big Sky games, Northern Colorado is 5-9, and they currently sit tied 8th in the Big Sky. But that, of course, is just part of the story. They have faced the toughest Big Sky schedule so far, with 8 road games compared to 6 home games, and having played both Montana and Weber State twice each already.

Conversely, this means they have the easiest schedule in the conference down the stretch. They play four home games (current rank of teams in Big Sky - 7, 4T, 4T, 3) and two road games (8T, 10T). They control their own destiny. Before the year, I picked them to finish third, so obviously I thought they would be doing better than they are. They showed glimpses of being that they team when they walloped Portland State and Eastern Washington at home, but they followed up those victories with losses to Northern Arizona and Sacramento State.

Last week, they got another potential signature win, when they went on the road and beat Montana State. It was a game they needed to have, and they played as well as they have all year to get the win. This week, though, they have two games at home that will go a long way toward determining whether they make the trip for the conference tournament or whether they watch it at home for the second straight season.

On Thursday, Northern Arizona comes to town.
On Saturday, Sacramento State comes to town.
Next Wednesday, North Dakota comes to town.

In case you missed it, here are the current standings:

3. Southern Utah (8-6)
4. Montana State / North Dakota / Sacramento State (7-7)
7. Northern Arizona (6-8)
8. Northern Colorado / Eastern Washington (5-9)

They play the teams in front of them at home. As a team, that is about all you can ask for. We will get a clear look at what the Bears are made of. It is times like this where I am thankful to live near Greeley, because the next three games should be very interesting!

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