Tourney Time

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Just in case you live under a rock or don't follow Big Sky WBB, here is an update on weekend happenings in the BSC. Montana clinched the 1 seed and hosting rights in a thrilling 70-60 win over Portland State. Over 6,700 fans were in attendance at the game, giving us big hopes for a well-attended tournament this week.

Sac State clinched its third-ever BSC tournament with a walloping of Northern Colorado 74-60 on Saturday afternoon. Hats off to Dan Muscatell and crew on a job well done. Montana State capped off its regular season with an 85-67 win over Eastern Washington. EWU finished the season +6 in the win column over last season, completing a nice turnaround. With a loaded roster back for next season, EWU is primed for a 2009-10 run.

So, we are set for what should be a great tournament this week. In a 3-6 match up, MSU and NAU will tip things off in the first round at 5:30 pm on Thursday. The Jacks swept MSU in the regular season in 2 lopsided victories. MSU is one of, if not the, hottest teams heading into the tournament, and the bracket sets up for another run at the title game, similar to last season's magical run. MSU is 5-1 since their last meeting with NAU, but the 'Cats mustn't take NAU for granted, because the Jacks have been a very difficult match up for MSU over the last couple of seasons.

The ISU/SAC opening round match up is intriguing because SAC has never beaten ISU, but this year's 2 game series was decided by a total of 7 points. Will SAC have more momentum heading into this meeting due to its thumping of NC and ISU's resounding loss to WSU? Or will ISU's front court be too much for the Hornets as it was earlier this year?

An MSU win would set up another rematch with PSU in the semis. The two teams split in the regular season, with the Viks winning the most recent game. This would be the match up of the tournament in my mind. UM is the overwhelming favorite to win it all. They will have no trouble with whoever they face in the semis, but either PSU or MSU could give the Griz trouble in the final.

I can't wait!!

Note: Thanks to all of you who voted in our Courtside Awards. I will be posting winners this afternoon or tomorrow morning. We will have the fan choices and my awards. Check back soon!