The 2023 Big Sky Tournament is going to have a lot of fun games and will be very entertaining. There is no clear-cut favorite to win this tournament, and I can see three teams vying at the chance to represent the Big Sky in the 2023 NCAA tournament. With no clear favorite and a potential of three teams winning this thing, let’s take a look at the Big Sky basketball conference tournament.
The Betting Odds
Montana State +140
Eastern Washington +265
Montana +475
Weber State +900
Idaho State +1300
Sacramento State +1800
Portland State +3000
Northern Colorado +3000
Northern Arizona +3500
Idaho +6000
The Bracket
Eastern Washington
The Eastern Washington Eagles have been a fun team to watch over the past couple of seasons. Eastern Washington finished with the one seed even though they lost two straight to end the season. The Eagles average the most points per game in the Big Sky (77) and they rank 66th in the country in points per game as well. Eastern Washington is led by sophomore guard Steele Venters. Venters averages 15.1 points per game while having the shooting splits of 46/38/88. Another name to keep an eye on from Eastern Washington is senior forward Angelo Allegri. Allegri averages 13.5 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds per game. These two are the focal points, but they are going to need everybody on top of their game if they want to win the Big Sky tournament.
Montana State
The Bobcats have put together a great season in the Big Sky. They give up the fewest points per game in the conference (66.3). Montana State is one of the better defensive mid-major teams and will need to play hard for forty minutes every day. The Bobcats are led by junior guard RaeQuan Battle. Battle averages 17.1 points per game on 47/33/82 shooting splits. He has been the focal point of this Bobcats offense all season long. In order for Montana State to win they are going to need two things: their defense to play really well and for Battle to play the tournament of his life.
Weber State
Weber State is not getting talked about enough here. The Wildcats have put a nice run in conference together and should be discussed more in terms of title contenders. Weber State is led by sophomore forward Dillon Jones. Jones averages 16.6 points per game and averages 11 rebounds per game which is 7th in the country. Dillon Jones is easily the best player in this conference in my opinion. He has been a big reason why Weber State is in the discussion for the Big Sky tournament crown. If he plays to the level I have seen him play at, watch out for the Wildcats.
The Don’s Winner
There could be a bunch of different ways that this tournament plays out. However, I am all on the Eastern Washington +265 train. I am, and have been, a big Eastern Washington guy for the last few seasons. Let’s continue to ride the Eastern Washington wagon.
The Don’s Game By Game Predictions
First Round
9 N. Arizona over 10 Idaho
8 N. Colorado over 7 Portland State
Quarterfinals
1 Eastern Washington over 9 N. Arizona
4 Montana over 5 Idaho State
3 Weber St over 6 Sacramento State
8 N. Colorado over 2 Montana State
Semifinals
1 Eastern Washington over 4 Montana
3 Weber State over 8 N. Colorado
Finals
1 Eastern Washington over 3 Weber State