Big Sky Thursday Night Predictions

With the exception of Northern Colorado and North Dakota (who have one game left), everyone in the Big Sky has two games left on their slate. Spots one and two are up for grabs, as are the last four seeds. In other words, a lot can and will happen over these next few days.

@ Northern Colorado 75, Southern Utah 68
UNC is playing their best basketball of the season, while SUU might be playing their worst. They lost a tough one on Monday night, meaning they absolutely have to win this game or Saturday against North Dakota, or their season will likely be over. The game has huge meaning for UNC as well... with a win they clinch a spot in the tournament, with a loss they are possibly subjected to the tiebreaker. In Greeley, I think the Bears are the better team.

@ Montana 68, Sacramento State 63
The Grizzlies gutted out two close games last week, and now they are back home. They are playing on a short week after a physical game, but there is something to be said for them knowing how to win games. The difference between Montana and a lot of Big Sky teams is that if the game is close, they expect to win. I think they make the plays down the stretch. Jordan Gregory is quickly becoming a really good player.

@ Weber State 81, Portland State 65
 It is the Big Sky's best offense (and best defense) going against the Big Sky's worst defense. And it's in Ogden. And the Wildcats have huge incentive to win, while the Vikings are mathematically eliminated. I could go on, but there is no need.

Eastern Washington 65, @ Idaho State 62
This is the rare Big Sky team where neither team has a lot to play for.  Even though EWU has lost three conference games in a row, I think they are getting better as the year has gone along. Between Venky Jois and Martin Seiferth, they probably have the top two shot blockers in the conference.

Northern Arizona 69, @ Montana State 66
I just have a feeling about this game. MSU is coming off a close loss to Montana, while NAU is coming off a devastating loss to Weber State, but I think NAU can go on the road and pull off the mini upset. Gabe Rogers is playing his best basketball of the season, continuing to score in bunches even though the defense knows that they stop him, they stop the Lumberjacks offense. With a trip to Montana to close the year, NAU knows they have to get this game.

Thoughts?

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