Montana State (15-6, 11-1 BSC)
This season, Montana dominated the Big Sky Conference (BSC) with only one loss and a seven-game winning streak. In the Bobcats’ last outing, they easily defeated Eastern Washington 79-47 and look to bring that momentum going into their game against Idaho State.
Northern Arizona (12-10, 9-4 BSC)
The Lumberjacks silenced doubters in the preseason coaches’ poll where they were placed to finish in eighth place. Northern Arizona finished their last game with a 31-point win over Weber State 92-61. NAU’s 92 points is the second-highest point total scored this season. The Lumberjacks lead the BSC in points scored.
Idaho (13-8, 8-4 BSC)
Idaho dropped from second to third after losing two straight games against Montana State and Montana. Idaho looks to bounce back against Eastern Washington today. Gina Marxen and Beyonce Bea are the top scorers for the Vandals as they look to revitalize the offense. Idaho leads the conference defensively with the least amount of points allowed.
Montana (13-9, 8-5 BSC)
Montana moves up in the power rankings after a win against Idaho at home. The Grizzlies won two straight games and look to continue that success against Weber State.
Idaho State (13-9, 8-5 BSC)
The Bengals are currently sitting one spot behind the position they were picked in the preseason coach’s poll. The Bengals trail the Grizzlies and their positions in the BSC can change at any time with Idaho State’s current four-game winning streak on the line against top-seed Montana State.
Southern Utah (12-9, 6-6 BSC)
Thunderbirds had a rocky start to BSC play, they evened out their conference record last week with two straight wins. Southern Utah’s Rebecca Cardenas leads the BSC in scoring and the Thunderbirds will look to her for more wins down the road. The Thunderbirds are approaching a four-game home stretch starting with Sacramento State.
Northern Colorado (10-11, 6-6 BSC)
Northern Colorado has struggled to win games in the BSC this season with big losses against top conference opponents. In the Bear’s last game, they defeated Portland State and have a tough match-up against a high-scoring team Northern Arizona squad. With a losing record at home, The Bears have to take advantage of their next two home games to move up in the BSC.
Portland State (12-11, 6-7 BSC)
Portland State was picked to finish third in the BSC preseason coaches’ poll but has failed to see success in conference games. Currently, on a three-game losing streak, the Vikings have to bounce back if they want to remain a threat in the Big Sky. Portland State’s last game against Northern Colorado was a 27-point blowout at home. The Vikings look to bounce back against a struggling Eastern Washington squad.
Sacramento State (7-15, 5-8 BSC)
Sacramento State failed to get things done at home and on the road. With the Hornets’ last loss against a talented Idaho State squad, they look to bounce back against a Southern Utah squad that has started seeing more success offensively. Sacramento State remains in ninth place as Weber State and Eastern Washington continue to struggle.
Saydee Brass | Argonaut
Eastern Washington (2-19, 1-11 BSC)
Eastern Washington has struggled in the BSC after winning their first conference game against Weber State. Since then, the Eagles lost 11 straight games and continue to struggle against the teams above them in the BSC. The Eagles have a tough match-up against a defensive-minded Vandal squad. Last time the two teams met, it ended in a tough loss on the road for the Eagles.
Weber State (3-19, 1-12 BSC)
The Wildcats have struggled all season. Their last win in the BSC was against Northern Colorado early on in conference play. Weber State is on a nine-game losing streak and has a tough match-up against Montana coming up.
Armin Mesinovic can be reached at [email protected]