Big Sky: Conference Tournament Preview

Begins: March 12
Championship Game: March 14
Television Coverage: ESPNU
Tournament Bracket: http://bigskyconf.com/documents/2015/3/7/2015bracket.pdf

Overview:

With a win over Indiana and a narrow loss at then-17th ranked Washington, Eastern Washington was the surprise Big Sky team of the non-conference. They challenged themselves, and it appeared to pay off. They started conference play well too. They were 10-1 after a big win over Sacramento St. They lost 3 of their next 5 games, though, and came back to the pack in the Big Sky race. Montana is one of the teams to benefit. The Grizzlies have won 7 of 8 and claimed the number 1 seed. No teams get byes in the Big Sky Tournament, though, so everyone has to win 3 games to get the automatic bid.

Favorite to Win Tournament: Eastern Washington (23-8, 14-4)

The Eagles are still the favorite to win here, despite stumbling a bit down the stretch. They are just 4-3 in their last 7, but those 3 losses were by a combined 7 points. To say they are unlucky wouldn't be fair to the teams who beat them, but it is reasonable to say that EWU has not been blown out of a game in two months. Still, if they are going to get to the Dance, they need to figure out how to win these close games when they matter most.

Most Likely to Upset Favorite: Montana (18-11, 14-4)

The Grizzlies would be the undisputed favorite if not for a puzzling loss to Idaho, the Big Sky Tournament's 7 seed, a week ago. The Grizzlies had won 5 in a row heading into that game, but somehow let the Vandals hang around. They responded by beating Eastern Washington on the road in their very next game, so maybe it's water under the bridge. Still, there is also a loss to Weber St., the 8 seed, on their resume. Montana needs to sure up their game against inferior opponents if they hope to go back to the NCAA Tournament.

Dark Horse to Win Tournament: Northern Arizona (18-13, 13-5)

Northern Arizona is 10-2 in their last 12 games, including wins over Eastern Washington and Sacramento St. One of their losses, though, was against Northern Colorado, their first opponent in the Big Sky Tournament. And if they get by that game, Montana awaits. Still, they are playing well at the right time, and if anyone can make a surprise run in this tournament, it's the Lumberjacks.

Expected Tournament Bid(s): Conference Tournament Winner

Eastern Washington had a quality non-conference resume, especially for a team from the Big Sky Conference. But the RPI is just 89 and they have bad losses on their resume too. No, the Eagles will not be in at-large consideration. It's a one bid league, and the champion of this tournament will the only representative for the Big Sky in the Big Dance.