I know it’s actually two university basketball programs facing off for a trophy, but doesn’t Montana versus Idaho for the whole Big Sky just sound a little bit more necessarily grand for a small-conference title game? It’s a true tuck-me-in, late-night-sweat of a game for those of us here on the East Coast, and with a ticket to the Big Dance on the line, we should expect primetime energy from these two squads. After upsetting Portland State on Monday night, the Vandals are the unlikely underdog tonight. And, say it with me now: I’ve got a preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for this Big Sky Conference Championship college basketball game tonight between Idaho and Montana.
Here’s how I’m playing the Battle for the Big Sky. I’ll be picking individual games throughout the week, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout conference tournament week.
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Montana vs. Idaho preview, prediction
Montana has been exceeding expectations offensively, scoring above their 76.5 points per game average in three of their last four matchups, while shooting at an even more efficient clip than their already impressive 49.8% season mark. Their defense, however, has shown some cracks, giving up more than their 73.5 points allowed per game in recent contests. Meanwhile, Idaho has struggled with consistency, often falling short of their 74-point average, though their recent win showed signs of life; they absolutely drubbed the Portland State Vikings.
If the Vandals want to pull off an upset, they’ll need to break from their recent trend of sluggish starts and capitalize on any defensive lapses from a Grizzlies team that has occasionally let teams hang around.
Idaho at Montana pick, best bet
I think this might be one of the sneaky-best games of Champ Week’s first half, and I think it’ll be because of the offenses. Idaho lost to Montana twice this year, but they fear no one right now. They blew through Portland State (again, as an underdog) with considerable ease last night. So, sure, Montana is more rested, and statistically better. But I think Idaho is going to either play exactly on Montana’s level, or force Montana to get into a faster rhythm than they were expecting. These are two teams who can run the floor, drain it from deep—use all the offense-related platitudes you want. What they cannot do? Play defense—this is especially true of Montana.
I’m only leaning tonight on the spread, and going Idaho’s way. I love what I saw out of the Vandals last night against Portland State, and lightning already struck twice. Why not thrice? Seeing as this game is being played in Boise, and will basically sport a home crowd for the Vandals, I’m leaning their way on the number, but taking the over with confidence. See the above about playing defense—even though it’s a championship game.
Lean: Idaho +6.5 (-105)
Best bet: Montana vs. Idaho o147.5 total points
Tail this late-night heater of a game to cash the over with me in the DK Network Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
