tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54899764101215333132024-03-05T01:07:29.554-07:00Big Sky Basketball"Happiness is having one more game to play" - Dave SandyJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06120614209940641241noreply@blogger.comBlogger1405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-31046638356593524842017-03-04T06:02:00.000-07:002019-12-30T16:10:51.091-07:00The End<i>Originally published on April 21, 2015.</i><br />
<br />
I've never really written the story of how or why this blog came to be started. <br />
<br />
To be honest, it's not all that exciting. I have always loved to write, and I have always loved basketball. When I was in college, I had a blog covering all sports (back when there was a lot less of them), and it did pretty well. In time, life got busy, and I stopped writing there, but I still had the itch to write about sports. Eventually, I tried to write about college basketball as a whole, but I quickly found out that task was beyond me at that point in my life - I simply didn't have the time to devote to watching games and writing about them every night. <br />
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This was all around the time when I graduated college and was entering the "real world." In August of 2010, I moved from North Dakota out to sunny Colorado (following a girl, of course*). I still had the itch to write about basketball, but this time a better idea started to form in my mind. I decided that a better course of action would be to pick a specific conference to cover, and from there, the Big Sky was an easy choice for several reasons.<br />
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For one, living in Denver, I am only about an hour from Greeley, which would make it convenient to get to games (I have probably seen Northern Colorado 25 times in person over the last four years). Another good sign was the fact that my alma mater North Dakota would be entering the conference in the second year that I would be writing about the Big Sky. It seemed like a great way to follow my school and be very well-informed. Last, there really was nobody covering the Big Sky. Some teams have dedicated local beat writers, some kind of did, and a lot of the schools had active message boards, but there was no definitive source for Big Sky basketball information, opinions, and analysis. I hoped to become that source. So in July 2011, <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2011/07/time-for-university-of-north-dakota-to.html" target="_blank">I kicked off the blog</a>.<br />
<br />
This will be my 1,348th post here, with over 500,000 pageviews (and I think at least a couple hundred aren't from me refreshing to make sure my info is correct!), and almost 1,700 comments.<br />
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I blogged about the Big Sky for four seasons, or the length of a college career, and so to me there is great symmetry ending the blog after that amount of time. I've given the blog all I could for four years, but it's time for me to move on! Over the past year, it's been tougher to juggle life, marriage, other hobbies, and the blog, and I can't really make this blog as good as I'd like it to be in the time I have to devote to it.<br />
<br />
I've always had more ideas than time, so certainly there is room for someone else to do even a much better job covering the Big Sky, if they so choose.<br />
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Of course, there are many thank yous to say, so feel free to skip this section if you'd like!<br />
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First, big thanks to the Big Sky conference, who was really supportive of me and the site from right when I first started things. In particular, <b><a href="https://twitter.com/jon_kasper" target="_blank">Jon Kasper</a></b> and <b><a href="https://twitter.com/TWilliamGooch" target="_blank">Tanner Gooch</a></b> have been nothing but great, always helping me when I needed help or had any questions. They are certainly top notch.<br />
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Next, I have to thank many coaches and players who happily interacted with me, answered my questions, and made themselves accessible. I won't name names, but you know who you are. Growing up in North Dakota, I always thought basketball players and coaches were the coolest guys in the world, but they seemed so far removed from me. So, it was a little bit surreal to meet some of them and realize that for the most part, they're as nice as you hoped they would be. I feel like I've had the chance to interact a lot with guys that will be successful at the highest levels of both college basketball and at the NBA, and I can't wait to continue to follow the careers of those associated with the Big Sky.<br />
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Among the media, guys like <b><a href="https://twitter.com/gidalkaiser" target="_blank">Gidal Kaiser</a></b>, <b><a href="https://twitter.com/BobMeseroll" target="_blank">Bob Meseroll</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://twitter.com/RoyBurton" target="_blank">Roy Burton </a></b>were some of the first to really reach out, answer my questions, and recognize that I was not simply a charlatan behind a computer screen (well, that part is debatable, I suppose). Among the "new media" types, I have interacted a bunch with guys like <b><a href="https://twitter.com/bhein3" target="_blank">Brett Hein</a> </b>and <b><a href="https://twitter.com/raphiellej" target="_blank">Raphielle Johnson</a></b>, who seem to be as nice of people as they are good writers. There are many, many others who I've had the pleasure of interacting with over the last few years, so just let me say a blanket thank you in the interest of not rambling on too much.<br />
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Last, of course, a thanks to all readers and those who have conversed with me on the blog, the Big Sky message boards, email, and twitter. It'd be pretty boring to write and have nobody to read it, so I am exceedingly grateful for everyone that took the time to visit the site and chime in. Special thanks to guys like <b>MTJack </b>and <b>SDHornet</b>, who have been with me for as long as I can remember on the blog. There is a nice little community here, and during the last stretch run, the commenting and discussion on this blog was as good as it's been in all my years here, Truly, thank you all.<br />
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I have had some great experiences from this blog, from <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2014/10/big-sky-preview-on-espn.html" target="_blank">writing previews</a> <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2013/10/my-preview-on-espn-insider.html" target="_blank">for ESPN</a>, writing an article for the Ogden Standard-Examiner last year, and meeting a ton of great people. Rest assured, I already miss writing the blog, and I haven't even really stopped yet.<br />
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When next season comes around, I'll certainly get the itch to write again. I may write a post here and there, but most likely, this will be the last post on this site. Of course, I'll still follow the league, I'll try to visit the boards, I'll <a href="https://twitter.com/bigskybball" target="_blank">still be on twitter</a>, and you can always email me (bigskybball AT gmail.com).<br />
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More than anything else, this blog and the whole community around the Big Sky has been great fun. Don't be strangers.<br />
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There have been a lot of great experiences from the past four years, from watching the greatness of <b>Damian Lillard</b>, to <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2014/02/sacramento-state-beats-weber-state-at.html" target="_blank"><b>Dylan Garrity</b>'s 75 foot game winner</a> (the most visited blog post in the history of the blog), to <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2015/03/eastern-washington-is-big-sky-champion.html" target="_blank">Eastern Washington's furious rally to win the Big Sky this year</a>, to Montana's almost unbelievable two year stretch in my first two years of this blog, to many others that are too numerous to name.<br />
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Safe to say I have no shortage of great memories that stem from this website.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Who is now my wife</span><br />
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<i>Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/bigskybball">@bigskybball</a></i>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06120614209940641241noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-69306537999590035292016-03-25T11:29:00.002-06:002016-05-09T18:06:36.947-06:00The 2016-17 Big Sky rankings<div class="p1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH0BJCHjoy3RvBW1DXOSTlhUH3h4hdes7_Z2MBSwIuY1dFnT7vhxnNAba8GToS3zslMW_8SV4RC00Z60sNI_Zl7caQYmT_jF-FIO0tQeb85kUDIegbohk4Uscs0iyZWNlQjlKzRaNOGE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-25+at+1.31.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH0BJCHjoy3RvBW1DXOSTlhUH3h4hdes7_Z2MBSwIuY1dFnT7vhxnNAba8GToS3zslMW_8SV4RC00Z60sNI_Zl7caQYmT_jF-FIO0tQeb85kUDIegbohk4Uscs0iyZWNlQjlKzRaNOGE/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-25+at+1.31.00+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The committee (of one), <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">inspired by ESPN’s Marc Stein</a>, returns one more time this season. We’re gazing into the future, deciphering the signs of the basketball universe and revealing how the Big Sky Conference will unfold in 2017.</div>
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Take these prognostications seriously. <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-mbb-bengals-picked-to-finished-last-in-preseason-polls/article_9d181b26-6869-11e5-9357-73865f450a36.html" target="_blank">Because who’s ever been even slightly wrong when trying to predict how Big Sky teams will finish</a>? </div>
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<b>2016-17 Big Sky MVP</b></div>
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Jeremy Senglin, Weber State*</div>
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<b>2016-17 all-conference team^</b></div>
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G - Jeremy Senglin, Weber State</div>
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G - Quinton Hooker, North Dakota </div>
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G - Ethan Telfair, Idaho State</div>
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G - Victor Sanders, Idaho</div>
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G - Tyler Hall, Montana State**</div>
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<b>1) WEBER STATE (2015-16 record: 26-9, 15-3)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Joel Bolomboy (17.1 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 1.2 bpg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Even.</div>
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Losing Bolomboy, the Big Sky MVP, is no small detail. Then again, this is Weber State. Center Zach Braxton, who averaged 6.9 points on 61 percent shooting while starting 34 games as a freshman, should take a monumental step forward as he develops.</div>
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Senior-to-be Kyndahl Hill, the Wildcats’ third-leading scorer at 8.2 points a game, is ready for a primetime role. Freshman point guard McKay Cannon, who spent most of the season shooting spot-up 3-pointers and passing the ball around the perimeter, showed real flashes of real playmaking ability against Xavier in the NCAA Tournament.</div>
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Just think about Weber’s depth. The ’Cats had the luxury of bringing <a href="https://twitter.com/JJSportsBeat/status/703324593755324418" target="_blank">absurdly athletic junior guard Richaud Gittens </a>off the bench in 2015-16, and they’ll start incorporating 6-foot-10 redshirt freshman and former Rivals three-star recruit Jordan Dallas into the fold next fall.</div>
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And in the biggest OH BY THE WAY, Jeremy Senglin, with Bolomboy off to the pros, becomes <i>the guy</i> for Weber State now. Senglin will vie for conference MVP honors, and the Wildcats will contend for a second straight league championship.</div>
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<b>2) NORTH DAKOTA (17-16, 10-8)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> No one of consequence</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Up</div>
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Eight Fighting Hawks averaged at least 15 minutes a game a season ago. Four were freshmen, two were sophomores and the other two were juniors. That’s the group that pushed UND to 17 victories, a nine-win boost from 2014-15 when North Dakota finished 4-14 in the Big Sky.</div>
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We know what Quinton Hooker delivers on a nightly basis. His offensive rating of 120.7 and effective field goal percentage of 55.4 percent are excellent and likely to improve with another year of maturity. But the guy who’s really interesting moving forward is freshman Geno Crandall. He’s nowhere near the offensive dynamo of Hooker, and there were times when UND was overly reliant on Hooker’s scoring. So if Crandall — and the Hawks’ other bevy of contributors — can continue developing their offensive skills, North Dakota will have one heck of a year.</div>
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Here’s one area where North Dakota should be much better: on the road. The Fighting Hawks, in league play, went 7-2 at home but 3-6 on the road. And two of those road Ws were at Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Finding a way to get things done away from Grand Forks is their next step of development.</div>
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<b>3) MONTANA (21-12, 14-4)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Martin Breunig (18.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.1 bpg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Even</div>
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For the past two seasons, Montana built itself around the all-league skills of Martin Breunig, and he delivered with back-to-back first-team all-conference selections.</div>
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Breunig posted a stellar 120.2 offensive rating via KenPom, and his 62.8 percent effective field goal percentage was 23rd in the country. Breunig was a tank, too, starting 65 games the past two seasons. The committee (of one) took no issue with Bolomboy’s selection as the Big Sky MVP. But if we had a vote, it would have gone to Breunig.</div>
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We bring this up because, as well as UM has recruited with DeCuire, replacing Breunig is going to be monstrously difficult for coach Travis DeCuire.</div>
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Breunig was the team’s lone senior, and UM signed high school swingman Alphonso Anderson out of Tacoma, Washington, last November. If our math is correct, then, the Grizzlies don’t have another scholarship available. So Montana’s options for replacing Breunig are to either make room on the roster for a transfer or rely on the roster pieces already in place.</div>
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The latter of the options is particularly intriguing. Montana has ranked No. 303 and 310 in adjusted tempo in DeCuire’s two seasons, but the current construction of players on the team leads us to think the Griz may decide to speed things up. A faster pace could take advantage of Walter Wright, Mario Dunn and Michael Oguine^^^ — not to mention the shooting talents of Bobby Moorehead, Brandon Gfeller and Jack Lopez.</div>
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No matter what the Montana coaching staff decides, though, we’ll just assume it’s the right choice and Montana will battle (again) for the Big Sky crown.</div>
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<b>4) IDAHO (21-13, 12-6)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Chris Sarbaugh (5.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.2 apg), Nashon George (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Paulin Mpawe</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Up</div>
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Four is too low for the Vandals. The committee (of one) is already regretting it. The team’s top six scorers are back, and that includes sophomore Victor Sanders (15.9 ppg, 41 FG%) and junior Perrion Callandret (14.0 ppg, 39 FG%).</div>
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Idaho’s weakness was its offense. The Vandals were ninth in the Big Sky in offensive efficiency (1.033 points per possession), so Sanders and Callandret have to lead the charge to an improved offensive unit. Junior college signee BJ Blake, who averaged 21.2 points a game at North Idaho College as a sophomore, should be able to help right away.</div>
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And, ultimately, if the Vandals proceed to defend at a high level, they’re going to be just fine.</div>
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<b>5) IDAHO STATE (16-15, 11-7)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Ben Wilson (6.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 50 percent shooting), Evann Hall (2.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 50 percent shooting)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Up</div>
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Don’t sleep on how much Idaho State will miss Wilson. He was a limited offensive weapon but his defense, rebounding and, most of all, leadership are the kind of things no one outside ISU’s locker room will notice as a big deal until it’s no longer there.</div>
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That said, however, Idaho State is in the same position as Weber, North Dakota and Idaho. The Bengals return the bulk of a roster that shocked the league as they nabbed a top-four postseason seed.</div>
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One of the biggest accomplishments of ISU’s season, and the reason why Bill Evans was the right choice for coach of year, was that the Bengals won 11 league games despite working from scratch with the roster. Other than Wilson, Idaho State’s top players were new to the program or minor contributors the year before. They’ve got an entire offseason to continue working out together and that extra time to get to know one another on and off the court is important.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72FjMFi6SMo" target="_blank">We know Ethan Telfair is tremendous</a>. He is, in the committee’s eyes, the most exciting talent in the Big Sky. But if ISU is going to challenge for a championship next season, guys like junior forward Kyle Ingram, freshman Stephen Lennox and freshman Gary Chivichyan have to make similar year-to-year improvements like Luzcando^^ managed in 2016.</div>
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Watch what Chivichyan (7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 38 3P%) does closely. As a true freshman he didn’t work his way to a full-time starter until mid-January, and of his 168 field goal attempts, 151 were from 3. But he’s a solid athlete and there were flashes of an all-around game as the season wore on.</div>
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<b>6) PORTLAND STATE (13-18, 8-10)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Cameron Forte (19.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Donivine Stewart (5.8 ppg, 3.7 apg), Collin Spickerman (5.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Even</div>
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By the end of the season, Portland State’s cast of Division I transfers and junior college signees came together really well. The Vikings played faster than anyone else in the Big Sky, Cameron Forte was a nightmare matchup and PSU developed a toughness the committee (of one) found appealing.</div>
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Three starters (Isaiah Pineiro, Calaen Robinson, Zach Gengler) are back from that team, plus junior Braxton Tucker, who started 22 games in 2014-15 and redshirt last season, is slated to return. Throw in junior college transfer <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/vikings/index.ssf/2016/01/grant_alum_bryce_canda_signs_f.html" target="_blank">Bryce Canda</a>, who should be able to provide some much-needed long-range shooting, and PSU has intriguing talent.</div>
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<b>7) Montana State (14-17, 9-9)</b></div>
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<b>Who’s gone:</b> Marcus Colbert (16.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.1 apg), Danny Robison (5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Up***</div>
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With Colbert gone, Montana State has two key areas to address in recruiting. Coach Brian Fish needs a point guard and an injection of some frontcourt players with size.</div>
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Expect MSU to go the juco route to fix at least one of those issues, and the Bobcats will structure their offense (to an even greater degree) around the abilities of sophomore-to-be Tyler Hall.</div>
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Montana State has a number roster issues, but the ’Cats take our No. 7 spot because … A) We believe Fish and his staff can recruit. He’ll fill the holes. … B) Hall is the Big Sky’s next big thing.</div>
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<b>8) NORTHERN COLORADO (10-21, 7-11)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> No one</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Even</div>
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In our continuing theme, Northern Colorado was an exceedingly young team in 2015-16 and didn’t have a senior on its roster. That’s good news.</div>
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What’s bad news, however, is that BJ Hill and UNC have ranked 305th or worse in adjusted defensive efficiency in each of the past five seasons. Northern Colorado was 348th in AdjD in 2016, giving up 1.165 points per possession. At this point we know Northern Colorado is a miserable defensive squad, and without any major additions to the current roster that’s not changing.</div>
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But the committee (of one) loves the idea of continuity. And assuming the Bears take the floor with the same cast of guys next season, they’ll make improvements in all aspects, and — maybe — they’ll even get a few stops on defense.</div>
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<b>9) EASTERN WASHINGTON (18-16, 10-8)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Venky Jois (16.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Austin McBroom (21 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.7 apg), Kyle Reid (1.3 ppg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Down</div>
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Eastern returns some talent next season in Felix Von Hofe, Bogdan Bliznyuk and Julian Harrell. And the Eagles will have 6-foot-7 Australian <a href="http://pickandroll.com.au/ncaa-men-mckay-one-six-aussies-transferring/" target="_blank">Geremy McKay </a>ready to go after he had to sit out a season following his transfer from Albany.</div>
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But McKay is a freshman who hasn’t played for two years, and he’s part of team filled with 12 freshmen and sophomores. The 2016-17 season could be a rebuilding year as the Eagles transition to a new era.</div>
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The most fascinating thing to watch with the Eagles right now is whether coach <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Rex-Walters-out-as-USF-basketball-coach-6879872.php" target="_blank">Jim Hayford really is interested in the vacant University of San Francisco job</a>.</div>
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<b>10) SACRAMENTO STATE (14-17, 6-12)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Dreon Barlett (7.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Cody Demps (12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.7 apg)</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Down</div>
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Sophomores Justin Strings and Marcus Graves are two solid building blocks, and freshman Jeff Wu has us interested. But Sacramento State, which was 295th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, lacks the pieces that shows the committee (of one) the Hornets will be demonstratively better on that side of the ball next season. The Big Sky Conference, with rare exceptions, is ruled by great guards, and that’s what the Hornets are missing.</div>
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<b>11) NORTHERN ARIZONA (5-25, 3-15)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Kris Yanku (14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.8 apg) … Jordyn Martin and Jaleni Neely are both appealing for medical redshirts</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> Down</div>
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It stinks that Kris Yanku’s collegiate career is over. <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/713034025116499968" target="_blank">ESPN’s Jeff Goodman reported</a> Thursday that Yanku, a junior, will not return to NAU for his senior season. He’s “deciding between transfer/turning pro.”</div>
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Yanku, remember, did not play in the Big Sky tournament for NAU. When the Lumberjacks traveled the #RoadtoReno, Yanku was sent home for “conduct detrimental to the team,” <a href="http://azdailysun.com/sports/basketball/yanku-s-future-with-lumberjacks-uncertain/article_f8e0710a-a91b-5824-aa56-c7d77407b029.html" target="_blank">according to an article by the Arizona Daily Sun</a>.</div>
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It’s an unsatisfying end to what had been a brilliant career. The committee’s lasting memory of the heady point guard is from his freshman season.</div>
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The Lumberjacks were in Pocatello playing the Bengals and Yanku walked to the line for a free-throw attempt with 6 seconds left in the game and the score tied. Yanku had drawn foul by stealing the ball away from ISU’s Chris Hansen on the other end of the floor.</div>
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As Yanku stood at the foul line and waited for the ball, Bengals senior point guard Tomas Sanchez walked up to him and whispered in his ear. No idea what Sanchez said, but let’s assume they weren’t words of encouragement. Yanku went on to sink one of the free throws, <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/hanging-in-the-balance-jacks-steal-crucial-game-in-reed/article_222103f2-a046-11e3-a65f-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">NAU won 66-65 and delivered a crushing blow to Idaho State’s postseason hopes in the process</a>.</div>
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On the road, chaotic ending, senior muttering sweet words in your ear — it was just a ballsy couple plays for Yanku and ones he made again and again for the ’Jacks. But the relationship , it seems, ended because Yanku rebelled against coach Jack Murphy and the NAU staff as they labored through a five-win season. It’s too bad.</div>
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<b>12) SOUTHERN UTAH (6-24, 3-15)</b></div>
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<b>Who's gone:</b> Travon Langston (11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Christian Thompson (4.2 ppg), Casey Oliverson (9.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and the status of A.J. Hess is unknown. Hess has been granted a medical redshirt and is “exploring options” according to the Twitter account Compton Magic.</div>
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<b>Trending:</b> To be determined … not really sure down is an option, anyway</div>
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Nick Robinson is out. And Todd Simon, who was a high school coach in 2013, is Southern Utah’s new head coach for men’s basketball.</div>
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Simon built a reputation as a top recruiter in his three years at UNLV. Recruiting, as it turns out, was Robinson’s greatest downfall. The Thunderbirds never consistently pulled in elite players in his Robinson’s four years in Cedar City.</div>
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Robinson and SUU relied heavily on high school kids to fill out their roster, rather than dipping into the juco ranks for a quick fix. It’ll be intriguing to see which approach Simon takes.</div>
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<b>FINAL RPI RANKINGS FOR THE BIG SKY</b></div>
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108 - Weber State</div>
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144 - Montana</div>
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190 - Idaho</div>
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218 - North Dakota</div>
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232 - Eastern Washington</div>
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256 - Idaho State</div>
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260 - Montana State</div>
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273 - Sacramento State</div>
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282 - Portland State</div>
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304 - Northern Colorado</div>
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333 - Northern Arizona</div>
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335 - Southern Utah</div>
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<b>CURRENT KENPOM RANKINGS FOR THE BIG SKY</b></div>
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137 - Weber State</div>
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146 - Montana</div>
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194 - North Dakota</div>
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195 - Eastern Washington</div>
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213 - Idaho</div>
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257 - Montana State</div>
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261 - Portland State</div>
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277 - Idaho State</div>
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284 - Sacramento State</div>
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312 - Northern Colorado</div>
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340 - Southern Utah</div>
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343 - Northern Arizona</div>
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* The committee (of one) truly wanted to select either North Dakota’s Quinton Hooker or Idaho State’s Ethan Telfair as the 2016-17 Big Sky MVP. But if we’re under the assumption Weber State is going to win the league, we have to pick a Wildcat as the MVP. It’s rare when those two things don’t coincide. And, hey, Senglin is good — like real good.</div>
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^ Notice how there are five players on our all-conference team? Big Sky coaches should take note, because we’re sick of seeing six players on the league’s all-conference teams. It’s a joke. Why six? It makes no sense … unless, of course, you remember the fact that the coaches who vote for the all-conference teams are thinking about job security and padding their resumes.</div>
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** Five guards on the all-conference team? That’s ridiculous. … And, yeah, it is. But with Bolomboy, Breunig and Jois graduating, there’s a dearth of quality big men in the conference. New guys will emerge, no doubt. But as we look at the conference, there’s no question to the committee (of one) that the five best players are guards. Taking that thought a step further, we could make a second all-conference team with five different players and it’d still largely consist of guards. That’s the state of the Big Sky.<br />
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^^^ As if Montana doesn't have enough good guards ... <a href="https://twitter.com/ARozayy14" target="_blank">this guy will be ready to go in 2016-17</a>.</div>
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^^ Luzcando as a freshman … 15.6 mpg, 3.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 36.4 FG%, 27.9 3P%</div>
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Luzcando as a sophomore … 30.6 mpg, 14.4 ppg … 4.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 50.3 FG%, 35.9 3P%</div>
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*** Wait, Montana State is picked by the committee (of one) to finish seventh in the league. That’s where the ’Cats finished last season. So why are they “trending” up?</div>
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Well, thanks for asking imaginary friend. The answer is because this whole “trending” thing is 1) a gimmick and 2) more a reflection of how the committee (of one) feels about the program from a big-picture perspective. And when it comes to Montana State, we like Fish and we like Hall. MSU is trending in the right direction.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-82417075092829857292016-03-21T09:44:00.001-06:002016-03-21T13:26:30.545-06:00The Big Sky's last hope — previewing Eastern Washington-Nevada<div class="p1">
<b>College Basketball Invitational</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>EASTERN WASHINGTON (18-15) at NEVADA (20-13), MONDAY 8 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Nevada -5.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Nevada a 75 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>CAN YOU WATCH?</b> <a href="http://www.nevadawolfpack.com/videos/" target="_blank">Watch</a> … <a href="http://nevadastats.com/home.php" target="_blank">live stats</a></div>
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<b>WINNER </b>moves on to the CBI semifinals March 28-April 1. The tournament is re-bracketed following the quarterfinals. <a href="http://www.gazellegroup.com/main/cbi/schedule-4/" target="_blank">Check out a fully updated CBI bracket here</a>.</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> Last Wednesday … Eastern Washington knocked off Pepperdine 79-72. EWU’s Venky Jois was limited to 12 minutes with a sore knee (according to EWU athletics) and the Eagles shot 10 for 32 from 2-point range — not good. But led by Austin McBroom, Felix Von Hofe and Bogdan Bliznyuk, the Eagles drained 14 3-pointers and 17 of 20 free-throw attempts to sneak out a win.</div>
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Last Wednesday … Nevada trailed Montana by 10 at halftime, but rallied in the second half behind D.J. Fenner’s and Lindsey Drew’s combined 30 points and six 3-pointers of a 79-75 victory.</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> First things first: Yes, Jois is expected to play against the Wolf Pack. And on the injury front for Nevada, the Wolf Pack’s leading scorer, senior guard Marqueze Coleman, should return to the floor.</div>
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Coleman, Nevada’s highest usage rate player, averages 15.9 points a game but has been fighting a bum ankle he turned Feb. 24 against Utah State.</div>
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On the matchup itself, this is strength versus strength. Eastern is 62nd in the country in offensive points per possession (1.102), and Nevada is 39th in defensive points per possession (.965).</div>
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It’s also a game of weakness versus weakness. Nevada has one of the country’s least-productive offenses, ranking 289th in offensive points per possession (.978), and Eastern is even worse defensively, giving up 1.133 points per possession, 329th in the nation.</div>
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So in really simple terms, can Eastern overcome its porous defense by hitting enough 3-pointers to outscore Nevada? Or maybe the Wolf Pack will take advantage of the Eagles and have a great offensive performance.</div>
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Nevada is one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in college basketball, but seven 3s in the second half against Montana helped drive the Wolf Pack in the come-from-behind victory. Fenner, a junior, had a team-high 24 points, and even if Coleman is able to return, Fenner has become a good gauge for Nevada’s success. The Reno Gazette-Journal’s Chris Murray, <a href="http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/college/nevada/2016/03/20/nevada-ewu-three-keys-and-prediction/82047486/" target="_blank">in an article you can find here</a>, wrote that in Nevada’s wins, Fenner averages 14.9 points on 39.7 percent shooting. In the team’s losses, his production drops to 30.4 percent shooting and 10.8 points a game.</div>
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A couple tidbits to keep in mind for the game: Eastern’s win against Pepperdine was the school’s first in a national postseason tournament as a member of Division I. … It was also EWU coach Jim Hayford’s 500th game as a collegiate head coach. … The Eagles are 3-9 all-time versus the Wolf Pack. Eastern’s lone victory in Reno against Nevada was on Feb. 22, 1990. … EWU’s Jois, who has 1,803 points in his career, needs seven more to move into 12th place in Big Sky Conference history.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-52390508553773041332016-03-18T08:23:00.002-06:002016-03-18T08:23:50.969-06:00Big Sky morning links -- getting set for Xavier-Weber StateTwo things before we get to the links.<br />
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One, a Big Sky bball dot com <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2016/03/xavier-weber-state-ncaa-tournament-game.html" target="_blank">Xavier-Weber State preview of the game is here</a>. And if you're a Wildcat fan — or at least rooting for WSU — consider this for a bit of hope: Eastern Washington beat Pepperdine on Wednesday in the CBI. Pepperdine beat St. Mary's twice during the regular season. St. Mary's beat Gonzaga twice during the regular season. Gonzaga handled Seton Hall on Thursday in the NCAA tournament. Seton Hall knocked off Xavier in the Big East postseason tournament.<br />
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So, in recap, ... EWU > Pepperdine > St. Mary's > Gonzaga > Seton Hall > Xavier. Based off those ridiculous factors, is it fair to think Weber State can pull off a shocking upset? After all, WSU > EWU ... right? On to the links ...<br />
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<b>No. 2 XAVIER vs No. 15 WEBER STATE, Friday, 7:20 p.m.</b><br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2016/03/17/xavier-not-overlooking-no-15-seed-weber-state/81941104/" target="_blank">Xavier not overlooking No. 15 seed Weber State</a><br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/columnists/paul-daugherty/2016/03/17/doc-barberbig-man-jalen-reynolds-keeps-xavier-looking-sharp/81942796/" target="_blank">Doc: Barber/big man Jalen Reynolds keeps Xavier looking sharp</a><br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2016/03/17/xaviers-chris-mack-earns-another-national-coach-year-honor/81919610/" target="_blank">Xavier's Mack earns another national Coach of the Year honor</a><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/17/video-weber-state-ncaa-tournament-saint-louis-fans.html" target="_blank">What do fans in St. Louis know about Weber State?</a><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/17/weber-state-xavier-ncaa-tournament-preview.html" target="_blank">Xavier not taking Weber State lightly, will look to limit Bolomboy and Senglin</a><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/17/Weber-State-Xavier-ncaa-tournament.html" target="_blank">Weber State feeling cool, calm and collected before facing Xavier</a><br />
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From the Salt Lake Tribune ... <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3670599-155/weber-state-mens-basketball-randy-rahe" target="_blank">Weber State men’s basketball: Randy Rahe a blue-collar success</a></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Chris Mack <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Xavier?src=hash">#Xavier</a> coach watches his team practice in St.Louis for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAATOURNAMENT?src=hash">#NCAATOURNAMENT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ENQSports">@ENQSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/UWhDErM6em">pic.twitter.com/UWhDErM6em</a></div>
— Cara Owsley (@caraphoto23) <a href="https://twitter.com/caraphoto23/status/710592146877882368">March 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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👏🏼RT <a href="https://twitter.com/WeberStateMBB">@WeberStateMBB</a>: The Wildcats in front of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreWeber?src=hash">#WeAreWeber</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/jpO5Ogalhn">pic.twitter.com/jpO5Ogalhn</a></div>
— YNX212 (@YNX212) <a href="https://twitter.com/YNX212/status/710599894323466240">March 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-33626712156313158722016-03-17T08:53:00.000-06:002016-03-17T09:02:46.814-06:00Big Sky morning links -- recapping the Big Sky in tournament action<h3>
CollegeInsider.com tournament</h3>
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<b>UC IRVINE 89, NORTH DAKOTA 86 OT</b><br />
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From the Grand Forks Herald ... <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3988649-mens-basketball-uc-irvine-89-und-86-ot" target="_blank">MEN'S BASKETBALL: UC Irvine 89, UND 86, OT</a><br />
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The Fighting Hawks finish on a two-game losing streak, falling in overtime to Weber State in the Big Sky tournament and UC Irvine in the CIT. That's tough, but UND's potential for next year couldn't be higher.<br />
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Here's what North Dakota coach Brian Jones told the Herald on Wednesday: “It was a high-level game. Both teams played really hard and both were really prepared. We got quality shots in regulation and overtime and that’s all you can ever want. You can’t control whether the ball goes in but you can control the quality of looks you get.”<br />
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<h3>
College Basketball Invitational</h3>
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<b>EASTERN WASHINGTON 79, PEPPERDINE 72</b><br />
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From the Spokesman Review ... <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/16/ewu-outlasts-pepperdine-earns-first-postseason-win/" target="_blank">EWU outlasts Pepperdine, earns first postseason win in program history</a><br />
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Fun game — "March Madness, Cheney-style,” Eastern coach Jim Hayford told the Spokesman. The Eagles will play at Nevada on Monday.<br />
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<b>NEVADA 79, MONTANA 75</b><br />
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/nevada-erases-halftime-deficit-ends-grizzlies-season/article_d5ef98b1-d552-53c9-98c8-586137dbf2a4.html" target="_blank">Nevada erases halftime deficit, ends Grizzlies' season</a><br />
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Another fantastic postseason game. And another disappointing finish for the Big Sky Conference. The Grizzlies performed well on the road, but couldn't stem a second-half Wolf Pack surge.<br />
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<b>SEATTLE 68, IDAHO 63</b><br />
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From The Seattle Times ... <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-university/seattle-u-gets-past-idaho-in-cbi-opener/" target="_blank">Seattle U gets past Idaho in CBI opener</a><br />
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Ugh. Idaho's Victor Sanders went 1 for 11 from the field and 0 for 7 from 3-point range.Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-36362070807476304132016-03-16T18:07:00.000-06:002016-03-16T18:10:20.370-06:00Xavier-Weber State NCAA tournament game preview<div class="p1">
<b>EAST BRACKET</b></div>
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<b>No. 2 XAVIER vs No. 15 WEBER STATE, Friday, 7:20 p.m.</b></div>
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<b>Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Mo.</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Xavier -13.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Xavier an 87 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WHERE CAN YOU WATCH?</b> TNT with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Anderson_(broadcaster)" target="_blank">Brian Anderson,</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru0HamTussI" target="_blank">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/danajacobson" target="_blank">Dana Jacobson </a>on the call</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> The winner of No. 7 Wisconsin/No. 11 Michigan/Tulsa</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> Xavier lost 87-83 in the semifinals of the Big East tournament to Seton Hall. The Musketeers still managed to snag a a No. 2 seed in theBig Dance based on its 28 victories — 12 coming against teams in the top 100 of the latest RPI rankings.</div>
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Weber State, which has 26 wins of its own and is No. 108 in the RPI, won both the regular season and postseason tournament in the Big Sky Conference. The Wildcats, of course, can’t match the number of quality wins of the Musketeers. In terms of RPI, WSU’s best win was Dec. 22 at home, a 99-95 victory against South Dakota State (26-7, No. 28 in the RPI).</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> Let’s start with the most pressing question in regard to this game and work our way from there: Can Weber State pull off the upset and knock off Xavier? The Wildcats are 6-16 all-time in the NCAA tournament, and the Big Sky Conference hasn’t won a game in the Dance since 2006 when 12th-seeded Montana beat No. 5 Nevada 87-79.</div>
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Weber State last made a major splash in the NCAA tourney when it shocked No. 3 North Carolina 76-74 in 1999. Since 1985, when the tournament field was expanded to 64 teams, the Big Sky Conference has three wins, total — like, period.</div>
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<b>2006</b></div>
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No. 12 Montana 87, No. 5 Nevada 79</div>
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<b>1999</b></div>
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No. 14 Weber State 76, No. 3 North Carolina 74</div>
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<b>1995</b></div>
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No. 14 Weber State 79, No. 3 Michigan State 72</div>
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In the past 31 years, a Big Sky team has lost to a No. 1 seed eight times, a 2 seven times, a 3 four times, a 4 eight times and a 5 once.</div>
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Getting to the point: Weber State and the rest of the Big Sky need monumental wins for the league to garner respect. But when your best team — this year, the Wildcats — goes 18-3 against league competition, works itself to No. 108 in the RPI, has an NBA draft prospect and still only manages a 15 seed in the tournament … well … it’s an uphill battle.</div>
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And that’s nothing new.</div>
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Getting back around to the original question of whether WSU can pull off an upset … </div>
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Xavier is no joke. The Musketeers are one of nine teams in the country that have reached five Sweet 16s since 2008. Sophomore Trevon Bluiett is XU’s first All-American since Tu Holloway in 2011-12.</div>
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The talk in Cincinnati this week is whether this season’s Xavier men’s basketball squad is the school’s best, ever. EVER. That’s no quaint discussion to have considering the program’s basketball chops.</div>
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That sort of discussion springs up after Xavier was tabbed as a No. 2 seed, the best in the school’s history. And it’s placed the Musketeers in unfamiliar territory. Usually, they’re viewed as one of the little guys, the underdog in the NCAA tournament. As Shannon Russell, the Xavier beat writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer, points out in a recent article, the Musketeers were a 6 seed a year ago, a 12 in 2014 and a 10 in 2012.</div>
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“Where teams mess up is the fact that they try to get comfortable,” junior guard Myles Davis told the Enquirer. “We don’t want to be comfortable. We want to be just as hungry as any other team.”</div>
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So is it possible Xavier adjusts poorly to the reality of being the “hunted” rather than the “hunter?” If there’s a positive of being a 13.5-point underdog in the tournament like Weber coach Randy Rahe and the Wildcats, it’s always the fact that the neutral-site crowd will root for you in a close game. And if WSU can keep within striking distance of XU late into the second half, the pressure of the moment falls squarely on the Musketeers.</div>
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And, yes, it does seem like a possibility Weber State can give itself a shot at keeping things close Friday. The Wildcats are 90th in the country in defensive efficiency, holding teams to .100 points per possession. With Joel Bolomboy, Kyndahl Hill and Zach Braxton patrolling the paint, WSU was particularly good defensively in the Big Sky, leading the league in defensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage defense and 2-point defensive shooting percentage.</div>
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The formula for Weber on Friday …… Control the pace of the game — XU is 29th in the country in adjusted tempo — to keep Xavier’s athletes in check + get comfortable working against the Musketeer’s 1-3-1 zone* + Bolomboy needs to dominate the paint and defensive glass + and Jeremy Senglin has to play out of his mind.^</div>
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If any of those things don’t happen, it’s hard to conjure a scenario where Weber State comes out on top. But who the heck knows, really? This is supposed to be the NCAA tournament where everybody’s bracket is shredded to pieces because there are no clear favorites. This is the season of parity.</div>
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And maybe it’s the season when Weber State can become the darling for the nation. Maybe.</div>
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*<a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/five-weird-teams-to-watch-in-the-ncaa-tournament/" target="_blank">According to an article on FiveThiryEight</a>, Xavier has used the 1-3-1 zone on 33.6 percent of its defensive possessions and held opponents to .797 points per possession when doing so — which is just spectacular.</div>
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^Senglin averaged 22.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists during the Big Sky tournament, shooting 10 for 18 from 2 (48.9 percent) and 13 for 29 from 3 (44.8 percent). If Senglin hadn’t gone off for seven 3-pointers and 31 points in the semifinals against North Dakota, the Wildcats would be taking part in the NIT.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-84463858941228556922016-03-15T19:41:00.003-06:002016-03-16T16:24:33.332-06:00Previewing North Dakota, Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana in the postseason<h3>
<b>CollegeInsider.com tournament</b></h3>
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<b>UC IRVINE at NORTH DAKOTA, Wednesday, 6 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> UC Irvine -4.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>UC Irvine a 63 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>CAN YOU WATCH?</b> <a href="http://www.watchcollegeinsider.com/watch/?Live=38" target="_blank">There should be a live stream here</a></div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Depends. The CollegeInsider tournament, as its site notes, “uses the old NIT model in which there is no set bracket. Future round opponents are determined by the results of the previous round.”</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> UC Irvine, the No. 2 seed in the Big West tournament, was upset by third-seeded Long Beach State 77-72 in the semifinals. North Dakota was knocked off the semis of the Big Sky 83-78 in overtime by Weber State.</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> Great news for North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks are hosting a postseason game as a Division I basketball program for the first time.</div>
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Bad news for North Dakota. The Hawks make the CollegeInsider.com tournament and are pitted against UC Irvine, a 25-win team ranked No. 94 by KenPom and No. 75 in the RPI.</div>
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<a href="http://img.theepochtimes.com/n3/eet-content/uploads/2015/03/20/AP720807962993.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://img.theepochtimes.com/n3/eet-content/uploads/2015/03/20/AP720807962993.jpg" target="_blank">Mamadou Ndiaye</a> is 7 foot 6 and the anchor of the Anteaters’ defense that is 58th in the country holding teams to .970 points per possession.</div>
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UC Irvine, though, is much more than Ndiaye. He’s the team’s second-leading scorer and plays under 24 minutes a night. The Anteaters dip deep into their bench with 10 guys averaging at least 10 minutes. Certainly, Ndiaye is impactful. His production — 12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.47 bpg, 66.5 percent shooting — is downright impressive considering how much time he spends resting.</div>
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In light of Ndiaye’s size and strengths, Irvine doesn’t play fast, ranking 219th in adjusted tempo. So expect North Dakota, hopefully in front of a big crowd, to try and ratchet up the intensity and speed of the game.</div>
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That’s how Quinton Hooker, Drick Bernstine and Geno Crandall have the best shot at pulling off what would arguably be their best win of the season.</div>
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<h3>
<b>College Basketball Invitational</b></h3>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>PEPPERDINE at EASTERN WASHINGTON, 7:05 P.M. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Even</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Eastern a 51 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>CAN YOU WATCH?</b> Yep, <a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky" target="_blank">on Eversport</a></div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> The winner of Nevada/Montana</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> Pepperdine lost to Saint Mary’s 81-66 in the West Coast Conference semifinals. Eastern Washington dropped out of the Big Sky tournament in the quarterfinals, falling to Idaho 77-73.</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> One more chance to watch Eastern’s Venky Jois and Austin McBroom? Heck, yeah, I’m in.</div>
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Those two, actually, will need to play well if the Eagles are going to win this game. Pepperdine beat Montana back in November 69-63 and also has wins against Saint Mary’s (twice) and BYU. This game is particularly important to the Waves program. Fifth-year head coach Marty Wilson and his team can surpass their win total of 18 from a season ago, the most victories Pepperdine would have in a single season since 2002.</div>
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The guy to watch for the Waves is junior Lamond Murray Jr.. He was an All-WCC second-team selection and averaged 17.3 points a game in league play. That’s after putting up just under seven points a game as a sophomore.</div>
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Pace will be an important facet of this game. Pepperdine is 209th in the country in adjusted tempo and Eastern is 118th. The Eagles don’t want to be forced to match up with the Waves in a half-court battle.</div>
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<b>IDAHO at SEATTLE, Wednesday, 8 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Idaho -2</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Idaho a 55 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>CAN YOU WATCH?</b> Yep, <a href="http://www.wacsports.com/sports/2015/3/27/GEN_0327151717.aspx" target="_blank">on the WAC Digital Network</a></div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Winner of Vermont/Western Carolina</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> Idaho lost to Montana 81-72 in the Big Sky semifinals. Seattle dropped a 72-47 decision to CSU Bakersfield in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference.</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> Idaho is the lone Big Sky Conference team favored to win this week. Seattle is two games below .500, went 7-7 in the WAC and possesses one of the least productive offenses in the country. The Redhawks No. 324 in offensive points per possession (.938).</div>
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The Vandals, as we know, are very good defensively and will make life tough for the 'Hawks, who are led by junior guard Brendan Westendorf — the lone player on the team to average double digits (13.0 ppg) in points.</div>
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Idaho isn’t elite on offense, either, but Victor Sanders and company should have the firepower to win on the road if they can do one thing: defensive rebound. Seattle is shooting 45 percent from 2-point range (310th in the country) and 35.3 percent from 3 (143rd in the country), but those poor shooting percentages are somewhat offset by a 32.5 percent offensive rebounding rate (81st in the country).</div>
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<b>MONTANA at NEVADA, 8 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Nevada -4.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Nevada a 66 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>CAN YOU WATCH?</b> <a href="http://www.themw.com/game-center/56e82565e4b008546401afdc/" target="_blank">A live stream should be available here.</a> You can <a href="http://gogriz.com/watch/?Live=155" target="_blank">listen here</a> and<a href="http://www.nevadawolfpack.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbaskbl.html?event=1489165&school=unv&sport=mbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&" target="_blank"> live stats are here</a></div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Winner of Eastern Washington/Pepperdine</div>
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<b>HOW WE GOT HERE:</b> Nevada lost 67-55 to San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference semifinals. Montana dropped a a 62-59 thriller to Weber State in the Big Sky Conference title game.</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> Nevada is in the midst of its best season since joining the Mountain West Conference four years ago. The program’s 19 wins is 10 more than a season ago and marks one of the biggest turnarounds in the country.</div>
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The Wolf Pack, who played the 119th toughest schedule in college basketball according to KenPom.com, beat Montana State (83-62) and Portland State (76-73) during nonconference play and have solid wins against UNLV, Utah State, Fresno State and Colorado State.</div>
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Nevada’s greatest strength is its defense where it ranked second in Mountain West Conference action, holding teams to .972 points per possession and an effective field goal percentage of 46 percent.</div>
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The Wolf Pack have had to be stingy defensively. They’ve lacked offensive firepower. They’re the worst — No. 351 — 3-point shooting team in the country. It’s forced Nevada to structure its offense around pounding it inside the paint with the likes of senior Marqueze Coleman (15.9 ppg), junior DJ Fenner (12.9 ppg), freshman Oliver Cameron (12.4 ppg) and senior Tyron Criswell (12.2 ppg).</div>
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<br /></div>
This is going to be a physical game, but the Griz have a shot to pull the upset if the likes of Jack Lopez, Walter Wright, Michael Oguine, Bobby Morehead or Brandon Gfeller can hit a few shots from deep to take the pressure of Martin Breunig. The Wolf Pack have one of the stoutest defenses the Grizzlies will face this season, so we’ll find out what kind of game plan UM head coach Travis DeCuire can come up with to win on the road.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-84060082742497026132016-03-15T08:57:00.000-06:002016-03-15T08:57:42.227-06:00Big Sky morning links -- March 15<b>UC IRVINE at NORTH DAKOTA, Wednesday, 6 p.m. MST</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
From the Grand Forks Herald ... <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3986895-mens-basketball-tall-tall-challenge" target="_blank">Tall, tall challenge</a><br />
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Fighting Hawks coach Brian Jones on the Anteaters: "I'm shocked they're in the CIT. They won 25 games and that's really, really hard to do. They're a veteran, experienced team."<br />
<br />
<b>MONTANA at NEVADA, Wednesday, 8 p.m. MST</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22kyle+sample%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Grizzlies' CBI decision didn't come easy</a><br />
<br />
<b>XAVIER vs WEBER STATE, Thursday, 7:20 p.m. MST</b><br />
<br />
From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2016/03/14/wins-record-rankings-highlight-xaviers-regular-season/81416148/" target="_blank">Wins, record rankings highlight Xavier's regular season</a><br />
<br />
You'll definitely want to check this article out. It's a great way to review Xavier's season and see how the team has evolved.<br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2016/03/14/heres-how-xavier-uc-move-forward-tourney/81416350/" target="_blank">Here's how Xavier, UC move forward in tourney</a><br />
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Musketeers coach Chris Mack to the Enquirer: “This team’s had a remarkable regular season, one that I’m really proud of. But as I told our team, and again I’m looking more in the future, I’ve been around teams that have barely made the NCAA tournament and gone on incredible runs. And then I’ve seen the opposite, where you knew you were in for a month or so and didn’t fare so well. So we’re not entitled to anything. I think our team understands that."<br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2016/03/14/youthful-xavier-exceeds-outsiders-expectations/81416398/" target="_blank">Youthful Xavier exceeds outsiders' expectations</a><br />
<br />
From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2016/03/14/best-xavier-team-ever/81416412/" target="_blank">Is this the best Xavier team ever?</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-895367108212693592016-03-14T09:55:00.001-06:002016-03-14T10:19:44.535-06:00Big Sky morning links -- recapping who is headed to the postseason<b>FULL UPCOMING SCHEDULE FOR BIG SKY TEAMS</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>— College Basketball Invitational</b><br />
<br />
Pepperdine at Eastern Washington, Wednesday, 7:05 p.m. MST<br />
Montana at Nevada, Wednesday, 8 p.m. MST<br />
Idaho at Seattle, Wednesday, 8 p.m. MST<br />
<br />
<b>— CollegeInsider.com Tournament </b><br />
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UC Irvine at North Dakota, Wednesday, 6 p.m. MST<br />
<br />
<b>— 2016 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship</b><br />
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Weber State vs Xavier, Friday, 9:20 p.m.<br />
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.......................<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Weber State is a 15 seed and will play second-seeded Xavier</b><br />
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<a href="http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/printable-bracket/2016/bracket-ncaa.pdf" target="_blank">Get your printable NCAA bracket here</a><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/13/Weber-State-to-face-Xavier-in-NCAA-Tournament.html" target="_blank">Weber State to face Xavier in NCAA Tournament</a><br />
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Wildcats coach Randy Rahe in the Examiner: “We will be ready to compete, there is no question. I want them to enjoy the experience, but when it's time to lock in and get ready to go in our preparation, they'll get locked in and ready to go.”<br />
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From the Salt Lake Tribune ... <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3660022-155/kragthorpe-weber-state-excels-in-post-damian" target="_blank">Kragthorpe: Weber State excels in post-Damian Lillard era</a><br />
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From the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/columnists/paul-daugherty/2016/03/13/doc-s-xaviers-time-shine/81749030/" target="_blank">Doc: It's Xavier's time to shine</a><br />
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The Enquirer's Paul Daughtry wrote: "This is definitely Xavier’s time. Time for more validation and continued steps along the trail up Mt. Elite. Xavier has been on the Final 4 fringes for a decade, with groups of players either not as talented, as together or as deep as this group."<br />
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Also from the Cincinnati Enquirer ... <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2016/03/13/xavier-makes-history-no-2-seed/81709142/" target="_blank">Xavier makes history with No. 2 seed</a><br />
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Xavier guard Myles Davis to the Enquirer on what he knew about Weber State early on: "Mack told us that they like to shoot jump shots. That’s the most that we know. I know that their main player averages about 18 points a game. I heard all their losses were…they didn’t lose by a lot. They’re a very good team, one that we’re not going to overlook."<br />
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<b>North Dakota accepted an invitation to play in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.undsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=58563&SPID=6388&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210801088&DB_OEM_ID=13500" target="_blank">The Fighting Hawks will host UC Irvine on Wednesday</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.collegeinsider.com/tournament/schedule-results.php" target="_blank">You can find the entire CollegeInsider.com Tournament schedule here (there is no bracket)</a><br />
<br />
<b>Montana, Eastern Washington and Idaho accepted invitations to play in the College Basketball Invitational</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.govandals.com//pdf9/4624522.pdf?ATCLID=210799859&SPSID=87265&SPID=10365&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=17100" target="_blank">A bracket is here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.govandals.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87265&SPID=10365&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=17100&ATCLID=210799859" target="_blank">Idaho plays Wednesday at Seattle U</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://goeags.com/news/2016/3/13/mens-basketball-hayfords-500th-will-be-wednesday-when-eagles-host-pepperdine-in-cbi.aspx" target="_blank">Eastern Washington hosts Pepperdine</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.gogriz.com/news/2016/3/13/mens-basketball-griz-return-to-reno-to-play-in-cbi.aspx" target="_blank">And Montana is headed back to Reno to play Nevada</a><br />
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<br />Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-40979119335558280532016-03-13T17:25:00.001-06:002016-03-13T18:00:41.856-06:00An early look at Weber State's NCAA Tournament draw<div class="p1">
The Big Sky Conference champions are a 15 seed and headed to play second-seeded Xavier on Friday in the Scottrade Center in in St. Louis, Missouri.</div>
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Xavier (27-5) is ranked fifth in the country and coming off an 87-83 loss to Seton Hall in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament. The No. 2 seed in the tournament is the highest in the school's history.<br />
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The Musketeers have reached 10 of the last 11 NCAA Tournaments and 14 of the last 16. Seventh-year head coach Chris Mack has led Xavier to six NCAA Tournaments in his first seven years, including three Sweet 16 berths.<br />
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The Musketeers are No. 15 in Ken Pomeroy’s latest rankings. Led by 6-foot-6 sophomore Trevon Bluiett, Xavier is 36th in the country in defensive efficiency (.962 points per possession) and 18th in offensive efficiency (1.158 points per possession).</div>
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Bluiett, who is one of two Musketeers to start every game this season, leads the team in scoring (15.5 ppg) and is second in rebounding (6.2 rpg). Bluiett is a former four-star recruit who picked Xavier over programs like UCLA, Arizona, Indiana and Michigan. But he’s just part of a potent offense. Freshman Edmond Sumner (11.3 ppg), junior Myles Davis (11.1) and senior James Farr (10.8) all average double figures for a team that’s 29th in the nation in adjusted tempo and 18th in points per game (81.3).</div>
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A glance at Xavier’s projected starting five …</div>
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— Fr. G Edmond Sumner (6-6) … 11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 40.8 FG%, 31.6 3pt%</div>
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— So. G Trevon Bluiett (6-6) … 15.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 42.9 FG%, 39.9 3pt%</div>
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— Jr. G Myles Davis (6-2) … 11.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 40.5 FG%, 38.7 3pt%</div>
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— Jr. F Jalen Reynolds (6-10) … 9.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 507 FG%</div>
— Sr. G Remy Abell (6-4) … 6.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 39.5 FG%, 32.5 3pt%<br />
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<b>XAVIER IN KENPOM’S RANKINGS</b></div>
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<b>Offense</b></div>
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No. 18 in offense … 1.158 points per possession</div>
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No. 29 in adjusted tempo … 72.9</div>
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No. 108 in effective FG% … 51.5</div>
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No. 108 in 3p% … 36.2</div>
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No. 122 in 2p% … 50.0</div>
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No. 58 in FT% … 73.1</div>
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<b>Defense</b></div>
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No. 36 in defense … .962 points per possession</div>
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No. 83 in effective defensive FG% … 47.9</div>
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No. 32 in 3p% … 31.5</div>
No. 153 in 2p% … 48.4<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The early line<br>Xavier -13 vs Weber State<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkymBB?src=hash">#BigSkymBB</a></p>— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko/status/709164758331760641">March 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Rahe says he's been to St. Louis several times, loves the city. He's a big St. Louis Cardinals fan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeberState?src=hash">#WeberState</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SelectionSunday?src=hash">#SelectionSunday</a></div>
— Brett Hein (@bhein3) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhein3/status/709149013010829314">March 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Weber St makes its 16th NCAA Tourney appearance from its 22 Big Sky titles. 15-WSU will play 2-Xavier in St. Louis. Winner gets Pitt/Wiscy</div>
— WeberHoops (@WeberHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeberHoops/status/709144889250832384">March 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A few more photos from the selection show party! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsDance?src=hash">#LetsDance</a> <a href="https://t.co/AtxEn2xAoG">pic.twitter.com/AtxEn2xAoG</a></div>
— Xavier Basketball (@XavierMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/709158235316600832">March 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Off to St. Louis! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XavierNation?src=hash">#XavierNation</a>!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Team94?src=hash">#Team94</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsDance?src=hash">#LetsDance</a> <a href="https://t.co/GAlxBC2sob">pic.twitter.com/GAlxBC2sob</a></div>
— Xavier Basketball (@XavierMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/709148812674265090">March 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-57132487272924483042016-03-13T08:51:00.001-06:002016-03-13T08:54:38.104-06:00Big Sky morning links -- championship recap<b>GAME 11</b><br />
<b>WEBER STATE 62, MONTANA 59</b><br />
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From Skyline Sports ...<a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/weber-gets-past-um/" target="_blank">Weber beats Griz, punches Big Dance ticket</a><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/12/Weber-State-wins-Big-Sky-championship-game-advances-to-NCAA-tournament.html" target="_blank">Weber State wins Big Sky championship game, advances to NCAA tournament</a><br />
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22KYLE+SAMPLE%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Griz fall short in NCAA bid</a><br />
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22KYLE+SAMPLE%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Griz will now await postseason fate</a><br />
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<b>A FEW LINKS ABOUT THE BIG SKY TOURNAMENT</b><br />
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Sports/2016/03/12/Big-Sky-brass-pleased-by-first-Reno-tournament-set-sights-on-2017-improvements.html" target="_blank">Big Sky brass pleased by first Reno tournament, set sights on 2017 improvements</a><br />
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From the Bozeman Daily Chronicle ... <a href="http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/mens-basketball/new-big-sky-tournament-format-shows-promise/article_df0ec351-c1a4-5ace-8745-80d9bc61dec6.html" target="_blank">New Big Sky tournament format shows promise</a><br />
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From the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/big-sky-tournament-draws-fan-on-quest-to-see-all/article_f53e5c44-879e-5a67-a6ed-2abed3d4fafb.html" target="_blank">Big Sky tournament draws fan on quest to see all D-I teams</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-73444317330340245972016-03-12T15:33:00.000-07:002016-03-12T16:02:26.385-07:00Idaho's Jon Newlee with strong comments to Idaho State fans<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DP_eVMyPg0M?rel=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
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After Idaho defeated Idaho State 67-55 in the Big Sky women's basketball championship game, Vandals coach Jon Newlee gestured toward Bengal fans. It caused Idaho State athletic director Jeff Tingey to Tweet, "Class act. Idaho's Newlee came to the @ISUBengals fans post-game to gloat and celebrate...twice. They can have him."<br />
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In the video above, Newlee explained why he was upset with fans from Idaho State.<br />
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And here's a screen grab of Tingey's Tweet that has since been deleted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYGGRoOo8EUJJ8MhcchAFwy16CiY-Z04JRMUEEaKpBinySyEslhRj6MYJIRkV-V-L7gvnICawwGqToIxLlEqNKDL38C_FbVU8xX8rpj9jsFmfcYRGSExfFyOt8BmqaO2ThCf963mfzbs/s1600/image2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYGGRoOo8EUJJ8MhcchAFwy16CiY-Z04JRMUEEaKpBinySyEslhRj6MYJIRkV-V-L7gvnICawwGqToIxLlEqNKDL38C_FbVU8xX8rpj9jsFmfcYRGSExfFyOt8BmqaO2ThCf963mfzbs/s320/image2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
For some additional background on Newlee's history with Idaho State, he is the school's second-winningest women's basketball coach with 93 career victories. Newlee was in Pocatello from 2002-07 and went 54-34 in the Big Sky Conference. He led the program to a conference tournament championship in 2007. Following the 2007-08 season and a berth in the WNIT, Newlee left ISU for Idaho.Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-6678126288665443472016-03-12T09:57:00.000-07:002016-03-12T17:32:26.207-07:00Previewing Saturday's Big Sky men's championship game<div class="p1">
<b>GAME 11</b></div>
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<b>NO. 1 WEBER STATE VS NO. 2 MONTANA, 6:45 p.m. MST, ESPNU</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Weber State -1.5 (Weber opened as a one-point favorite. The line shifted to Montana -2 Saturday morning, and to UM -1.5 early Saturday afternoon.)</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Weber a 52 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> The Big Sky’s automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA men’s basketball tournament</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> Weber State won the lone meeting</div>
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<b>Weber State 60, Montana 54 in Ogden</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UM - </b>Michael Oguine … 21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 1 steal</div>
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<b>WSU -</b> Dusty Baker … 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 of 4 from 3 in 25 minutes off the bench</div>
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<b>HISTORY IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:</b> This is the eighth time Weber State and Montana are meeting in the championship game of the Big Sky tournament. The Grizzlies hold a 4-3 edge, including four straight wins — three of those with Wildcats coach Randy Rahe on the sideline.</div>
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<b>2013</b></div>
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Montana 67, Weber State 64</div>
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<b>2012</b></div>
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Montana 85, Weber State 66</div>
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<b>2010</b></div>
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Montana 66, Weber State 65</div>
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<b>2005</b></div>
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Montana 63, Weber State 61</div>
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<b>1995</b></div>
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Weber State 84, Montana 62</div>
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<b>1980</b></div>
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Weber State 50, Montana 42</div>
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<b>1978</b></div>
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Weber State 62, Montana 55 OT</div>
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<b>PREVIEWING THE GAME:</b> Looking back at the one game these teams played Feb. 27 in Ogden, Utah, for any clues about how Saturday night will play out seems dangerous.</div>
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Big Sky Conference MVP Joel Bolomboy didn’t suit up for Weber State (advantage: Montana), but the Wildcats also benefited from a home attendance of 8,960 boisterous fans (advantage: Weber).</div>
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Weber State will field its full team for the championship tilt, and the neutral-court setting is something else entirely different from their first game. Attendance for the semifinals Friday was officially 2,362.</div>
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I guess what this really means is that we’ve got a matchup tonight where neither team has a distinct advantage.</div>
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KenPom’s numbers tell us the same thing. Using conference-only stats, Montana has the league’s second-best offense. Weber State counterattacks with the No. 1 defense. WSU is fourth in the league in points per possession on offense. UM is fourth in defensive points per possession.</div>
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Up and down KenPom’s metrics, any strength of the Grizzlies is offset by something the Wildcats do exceptionally well. And if the ’Cats are good in one area, the Griz are positioned to counteract it.</div>
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But there is one facet of the game that is interesting. Montana relies on 3-pointers for 38.5 percent of its field goal attempts, the fourth-highest mark in the Big Sky. Weber State defends the 3-point line at a high level. The Wildcats are fifth in the Big Sky in 3-point field goal percentage (34.1 percent).</div>
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But what Weber does particularly well on defense is limiting <i>how many</i> 3-pointers its opponents take. In conference action, a league-low 23.9 percent of opponents’ field goal attempts were from beyond the arc against WSU. Over the entire season, 27.5 percent of the field goal attempts versus Weber’s D were from 3 — the seventh-lowest mark in the country.</div>
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Limiting 3-point attempts is a huge part of the defensive game plan for Weber. Montana, during the 18-game conference schedule, shot just over 21 3-pointers per game. The Griz were held to 11 attempted 3s in their game versus Weber, tied for the fewest they had in any game this season.*</div>
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While the chess match along the 3-point line will be fun to watch, there are a couple individual matchups that we all want to check out. Because of Bolomboy’s knee injury late in the regular season, we were robbed of seeing the Big Sky MVP go up against Grizzlies star forward Martin Breunig, who is averaging 21 points and eight rebounds in the tournament, when the teams squared off two weeks ago.</div>
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The other personnel battle is among the guards … WSU’s Jeremy Senglin versus Montana’s Michael Oguine, Walter Wright and Mario Dunn. Senglin was unbelievable against North Dakota on Friday, hitting seven 3-pointers and finishing with a team-high 31 points. His ability to make off-balance, contested shots <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBPZIJd6CA4" target="_blank">is a reminder of a guy in Portland who Big Sky fans knew about before anyone else</a>.</div>
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So will it be Senglin who has the game of his life to push the Wildcats to the Big Sky championship? Or will it be Breunig? … maybe Bolomboy? … or Wright? … or Dusty Baker? … or Oguine?</div>
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We’ll find out at 6:45 MST on ESPNU.</div>
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*Note: The number of 3-pointers attempted isn't everything — duh, right? And Montana isn’t going to hoist up a bunch of long-distance treys just to meet some sort of quota. In fact, the Griz only shot 12 3s in the semifinals against Idaho. The bad part for the Vandals? UM made seven of those shots. And this goes back to what we all know — efficiency is the important thing here.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-25054796555859145962016-03-12T08:37:00.001-07:002016-03-12T08:38:03.558-07:00Big Sky morning links -- recapping the semifinals<div class="p1">
<b>GAME 9</b></div>
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<b>WEBER STATE 83, NORTH DAKOTA 78</b><br />
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://senglin%20leads%20weber%20past%20und%2C%20into%20title%20game/" target="_blank">Senglin leads Weber past UND, into title game</a></div>
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From the Grand Forks Herald ... <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3985315-mens-basketball-weber-state-holds-und-overtime" target="_blank">Weber State holds off UND in overtime</a></div>
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/11/big-sky-tournament-weber-state-north-dakota-semifinals-recap.html" target="_blank">Senglin scores 31 as Weber State outlasts North Dakota in OT</a></div>
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<b>GAME 10</b></div>
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<b>MONTANA 81, IDAHO 72</b><br />
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/montana-into-championship/" target="_blank">Execution paces Griz past UI, into championship</a></div>
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22kyle+sample%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Griz shoot lights out, head to Big Sky title</a></div>
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From the Billings Gazette (but written by <a href="https://twitter.com/Kyle_Missoulian" target="_blank">Kyle Sample</a> of the Missoulian) ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/basketball-mens/decuire-positions-grizzlies-for-another-title-run/article_022cab9f-95b5-5e73-9229-2c9fb64c6760.html" target="_blank">DeCuire positions Grizzlies for another title run</a></div>
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Also from the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/basketball-mens/neutral-court-tournament-now-a-promising-reality-for-big-sky/article_6650693a-f741-590f-bf7c-e870d90a690c.html" target="_blank">Neutral-court tournament now a promising reality for Big Sky Conference</a></div>
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Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/WeberStateMBB">@WeberStateMBB</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> semifinal win over <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDmbasketball">@UNDmbasketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/F5a3n5auKW">https://t.co/F5a3n5auKW</a></div>
— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708506246555377667">March 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/UMGRIZZLIES_BB">@UMGRIZZLIES_BB</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> semifinal win over <a href="https://twitter.com/VandalHoops">@VandalHoops</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/DRvYE4DCI2">https://t.co/DRvYE4DCI2</a></div>
— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708545715006406656">March 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-47692502913055751682016-03-11T07:45:00.000-07:002016-03-12T08:20:31.527-07:00Previewing Friday's Big Sky semifinals<h3>
<b>GAME 9</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 1 WEBER STATE VS NO. 5 NORTH DAKOTA, 6:35 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Weber -5.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Weber a 65 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> UM/Idaho winner</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> The teams split a pair of games</div>
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<b>Weber State 74, North Dakota 62 in Ogden</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>WSU - </b>Jeremy Senglin … 26 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers, 2 steals, 5 of 11 from 3</div>
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<b>WSU -</b> Joel Bolomboy … 20 points, 23 rebounds, 8-of-14 shooting</div>
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<b>UND -</b> Quinton Hooker … 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists … 6-of-16 shooting, 10 of 11 from the free-throw line</div>
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<b>North Dakota 78, Weber State 71 in Grand Forks</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>WSU - </b>Jeremy Senglin … 28 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 7 of 11 from 3</div>
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<b>UND -</b> Geno Crandall … 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals</div>
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<b>UND -</b> Conner Avants … 12 points, 5 rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench … Avants averages 7.0 points per game</div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> Old power versus new power. Established versus up-and-coming. A nine-time champion versus a program that jumped up to Division I athletics eight years ago.</div>
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If Weber State wins, it moves into the championship game of the Big Sky tournament for the 16th time. North Dakota reached the tournament semifinals in ’13 and the finals in ’14.*</div>
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Like a number of other games in the tournament, this matchup is about tempo. The Wildcats defends so well in the half court that an opponent has to manufacture points by getting stops or turnovers and running in the open court. In the quarterfinals, Weber State gave up 19 points off turnovers and 16 points via the fast break.</div>
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North Dakota is a more well-rounded offensive unit than PSU, but the Fighting Hawks can’t let this turn into a slow, one-shot, half-court slog.</div>
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Looking at the individual matchups, North Dakota needs to find an answer for WSU guard Jeremy Senglin, who averaged 27 points against the Hawks during the regular season. Going back to Senglin’s freshman season, he’s played great against UND — putting up 21 points in their one meeting in 2015 and scoring a combined 40 points versus North Dakota in three games two years ago.</div>
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Another facet of this semifinal: North Dakota is now the lone team remaining that didn’t have a first-round bye. The Hawks, after playing at Montana and Montana State last week, flew directly to Reno, Nevada, from Bozeman, Montana. They’ve been on the road for more than week, and this will be UND’s fifth game in nine days.</div>
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To some extent, it won’t matter a bit. Adrenaline and the allure of an NCAA tournament bid will provide plenty of fuel. But at some point, WSU’s fresher legs could mean the difference on a loose ball or long rebound. </div>
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<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky" target="_blank">Watch</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a></div>
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<h3>
<b>GAME 10</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 2 MONTANA vs NO. 3 IDAHO, 9:05 p.m. winner</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Montana -3.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Montana a 63 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> WSU/UND winner</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> Idaho won 1-0</div>
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<b>Idaho 63, Montana 58 in Missoula</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UM - </b>Martin Breunig … 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 steals</div>
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<b>UI -</b> Victor Sanders … 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers, 6-of-10 shooting, 13 of 14 from the free-throw line</div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> If Weber-North Dakota is old versus new, Montana-Idaho is a throwback to another time.</div>
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The Griz and Vandals were charter members of the Big Sky Conference in 1963 and have played 192 times, according to UM’s athletic department. They’ve combined to win 13 Big Sky championships and were potent rivals until Idaho left the Big Sky following the 1995-96 athletic season.</div>
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The Vandals have been back in the league since 2014, and this is the first time they’ll play the Grizzlies in men’s postseason basketball in 20 years.</div>
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Montana forward Martin Breunig dominated Sacramento State in the quarterfinals with 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. The Grizzlies won 70-53 and it wasn’t that close. UM scored 1.15 points per possession and held Sac to .87 points per possession.</div>
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Idaho, of course, will be a much different test. The Vandals held Eastern Washington to 28.1 percent (9 for 32) shooting from 3 in the quarterfinals, and freshman Nate Sherwood, who averages 6.4 points a game, blasted the Eagles for 19 points.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It feels like Sherwood, or some other role player for Idaho or Montana, could be the difference in this game, too. The Grizzlies and Vandals are the slowest-paced teams in the Big Sky. Who can execute against a set defense? Who can nab a couple offensive rebounds? Who can knock down a contested 3-pointer? Can someone get a couple steals and easy layups? All those little things will loom large in this slugfest.</div>
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<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky" target="_blank">Watch</a> </div>
<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a><br />
<br />
*Note: In 2014, UND beat Sac State and Portland State on the way to the championship game where it lost to Weber State 88-67. Earlier this sentence read that UND had never advanced past the semifinals.Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-86276850680407722052016-03-11T05:59:00.003-07:002016-03-11T08:02:56.449-07:00Big Sky morning links -- recapping the quarterfinals<div class="p1">
<b>WEBER STATE 78, PORTLAND STATE 74</b></div>
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/weber-survives-upset-bid/" target="_blank">Weber State survives PSU’s upset bid</a></div>
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/10/big-sky-tournament-2016-weber-state-portland-score-recap.html" target="_blank">Weber State survives scare from Portland State</a></div>
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Also from the Standard-Examiner ...<a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/10/big-sky-tournament-reno-events-center-weber-state-fans.html" target="_blank"> Weber State fans miss Ogden but have high hopes for Big Sky tournament in Reno</a></div>
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<b>NORTH DAKOTA 83, IDAHO STATE 49</b></div>
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/und-blasts-isu/" target="_blank">Already acclimated UND blasts Idaho State</a></div>
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From the Grand Forks Herald ... <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3984212-mens-basketball-und-cruises-past-idaho-state-reaches-semifinals" target="_blank">UND cruises past Idaho State, reaches semifinals</a></div>
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From the Idaho State Journal ... <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-mbb-crushing-blow-north-dakota-deals-idaho-state-/article_aa58d747-cc6e-5a0b-bfae-9b9a52d0edcb.html" target="_blank">CRUSHING BLOW — North Dakota deals Idaho State 83-49 loss in Big Sky tournament quarterfinals</a></div>
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<b>MONTANA 70, SACRAMENTO STATE 53</b></div>
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/breunig-leads-um-past-sac/" target="_blank">Breunig leads Griz past Sac State, into semis</a></div>
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22kyle+sample%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Griz rebound, exact revenge against Sacramento State</a></div>
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From the Sacramento Bee ... <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/mens-basketball/article65380157.html" target="_blank">Sac State men fall to Montana in Big Sky Conference tournament</a></div>
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<b>IDAHO 77, EASTERN WASHINGTON 73</b></div>
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/idaho-ousts-ewu/" target="_blank">Intensity leads Vandals past EWU</a></div>
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From the Spokesman Review ... <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/10/idaho-beats-eastern-washington-77-73-in-big-sky-qu/" target="_blank">Idaho clamps down on Eastern Washington for 77-73 win in Big Sky tournament</a></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/WeberStateMBB">@WeberStateMBB</a>'s 78-74 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> victory over <a href="https://twitter.com/ViksMBB">@ViksMBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/FRt7ynckpa">https://t.co/FRt7ynckpa</a></p>— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708056453001555970">March 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDmbasketball">@UNDmbasketball</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> quarterfinal win over <a href="https://twitter.com/IdahoStateBball">@IdahoStateBball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dSdJRM1Wk">https://t.co/1dSdJRM1Wk</a></p>— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708095711301095424">March 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/UMGRIZZLIES_BB">@UMGRIZZLIES_BB</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> quarterfinal win over <a href="https://twitter.com/SacHornetsMBB">@SacHornetsMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/ygPyy55zyL">https://t.co/ygPyy55zyL</a></p>— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708138252926984192">March 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are some highlights from <a href="https://twitter.com/VandalHoops">@VandalHoops</a>' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> quarterfinal win over <a href="https://twitter.com/EWUMBB">@EWUMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/pjugqfBbiC">https://t.co/pjugqfBbiC</a></p>— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/708178481612324864">March 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-16176146255097911452016-03-10T08:13:00.001-07:002016-03-10T09:14:31.095-07:005 reasons to watch the Big Sky men’s quarterfinals (as if you need them)<h3>
<b>1) Can the men’s tournament match the women’s for excitement?</b></h3>
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The women had an epic four games in the quarterfinals. Longtime Big Sky beat writer Colter Nuanez, on his site <a href="https://twitter.com/SkylineSportsMT" target="_blank">Skyline Sports</a>, wrote it had to be <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/pierce-buzzer-beater-beats-weber/" target="_blank">“one of the wildest days in the 34-season history of the Big Sky Conference women’s basketball tournament.”</a></div>
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Every game went down to the final possession. Who could possibly expect the men’s tournament to follow that up? It won’t. It’s impossible. But <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2016/03/previewing-thursdays-big-sky.html" target="_blank">Weber State-Portland State, Idaho State-Idaho, Montana-Sac State and Idaho-Eastern Washington</a> are four solid-to-good-to-great matchups. Here’s hoping they can deliver.</div>
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<b>2) Can Forte maintain his torrid pace against the league’s top defense?</b></h3>
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PSU forward Cameron Forte stung Northern Colorado for 26 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in the Vikings’ 74-67 win in the first round. That sort of double-double has become downright common for Forte in the past month.</div>
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Here are Forte’s points, rebounds and assists in his previous nine games …</div>
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26-13-2</div>
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17-7-0</div>
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23-16-5</div>
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32-9-1</div>
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24-13-5</div>
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17-5-5</div>
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20-13-10</div>
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25-5-2</div>
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26-12-4</div>
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Going back one more game, Forte has ripped off 10 straight games with at least 13 points. He’s got five double-doubles and one triple-double in his last nine games … and he’s doing that while shooting 86 of 139 (61.8 percent) from the field.</div>
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Forte put together two solid performances against the Wildcats during the regular season (both WSU wins), averaging 17.5 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.</div>
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But those kinds of numbers probably won’t be enough for PSU to upset Weber, an eight-point favorite, in the quarterfinals. As it’s been mentioned numerous times on this blog in the past few weeks, WSU is the Big Sky’s top defensive team, holding league opponents to .943 points per possession — by far the best mark in the Big Sky (Idaho is second at .989 points allowed per possession).</div>
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And Weber, with its strong front court and athletic guards, is very good defending inside the paint. And that’s where the Vikings want to attack.</div>
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Heck, after just thinking about Forte versus Weber State’s D, I don’t even need three more reasons for you to watch the quarterfinals. Especially when you read the Tweet below …</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Portland State's Cameron Forte is feasting early. After and-1 he looks right at me and says "Imma be here all day." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a></div>
— Brooks Nuanez (@Brooksnuanez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brooksnuanez/status/707299977291104256">March 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<b>3) Telfair vs Hooker</b></h3>
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Idaho State junior Ethan Telfair and North Dakota junior Quinton Hooker were the two best guards in the Big Sky this season.</div>
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Just look at the numbers they put up during conference play …</div>
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Telfair averaged 23.9 points, 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Hooker rang up 20.6 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals a game.</div>
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And now they’re going head to head for a spot in Friday night’s semifinals.</div>
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<b>4) Sac State fan advantage?</b></h3>
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Sacramento to Reno is a 132-mile drive — 789 miles shorter than Missoula to Reno. It could mean that for the first time in … ever? … the Hornets will have a fan advantage going against Montana in a Big Sky basketball tournament.</div>
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Word on Tuesday was that Sac had a nice contingent on hand during its 79-75 victory against the Bobcats. When you’re the 10 seed trying to knock off the mighty Grizzlies, every little bonus helps.</div>
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<b>5) A rivalry to behold</b></h3>
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Since Sacramento State upset Montana State, we’re deprived of a Cat-Griz throwdown in the postseason. But that’s OK because Idaho-Eastern Washington could bud into something special in the coming years.</div>
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These two universities are only separated by 72 miles and one state border. Both seemed positioned to have success in basketball for years to come, and if they continue to butt heads in high-stakes games then we’ll have a burgeoning rivalry in the Northwest that will be fun to watch.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a></div>
Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-80806962516751102352016-03-10T06:22:00.000-07:002016-03-10T06:34:50.261-07:00Big Sky morning links -- quarterfinal edition<div class="p1">
Of course, you can find individual <a href="http://www.bigskybball.com/2016/03/previewing-thursdays-big-sky.html" target="_blank">game previews for all four of the quarterfinal games here.</a></div>
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<b>GAME 5</b></div>
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<b>NO. 1 WEBER STATE VS NO. 8 PORTLAND STATE, 1:05 p.m. MST</b><b></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.goviks.com/news/2016/3/9/vikingsvsWSU.aspx" target="_blank">Portland State notes</a></div>
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From the Standard-Examiner ... <a href="http://www.standard.net/Weber-State/2016/03/09/Weber-State-Portland-State-Big-Sky-championships.html" target="_blank">Weber State hopes to get comfortable early against Portland State</a></div>
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WSU head coach Randy Rahe to the Standard-Examiner on Portland State: “They’re playing their best basketball. They’re playing loose and they’re playing really well right now. The game that I watched yesterday on film was probably the best performance I’ve seen them have all year. We’ve got a big challenge there.”</div>
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<b>GAME 6</b></div>
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<b>NO. 4 IDAHO STATE vs NO. 5 NORTH DAKOTA, 3:35 MST</b><b></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.undsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=58563&SPID=6388&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210788105&DB_OEM_ID=13500" target="_blank">North Dakota notes</a></div>
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From the Idaho State Journal ... <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-mbb-bengals-open-tournament-against-familiar-foe-north-dakota/article_0fff73f9-04e9-5779-8bc3-0f057ef167cb.html" target="_blank">Bengals open tournament against familiar foe North Dakota</a></div>
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Idaho State coach Bill Evans told the Journal: “North Dakota, obviously, is a very good team. They have one of the best guards in the league in Quinton Hooker. They have one of the best freshman in the league in (Geno) Crandall. (Drick) Bernstine's a really good player. They have really good complimentary players. … I think they're a team that could win this tournament.”</div>
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Also from the Idaho State Journal ... <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-mbb-need-for-speed-isu-s-adaption-of-uptempo/article_c3c1932c-7b75-5844-b214-30df43918332.html" target="_blank">Need for speed — ISU's adaption of uptempo offense critical to success</a></div>
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The link above is a story on how radically Idaho State changed its offensive approach this season. And, other than Ethan Telfair, it's the single biggest reason why <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/sports/isu/isu-mbb-bill-evans-named-big-sky-coach-of-the/article_2bce3148-4136-5b82-bef5-8ddb3797349e.html" target="_blank">Evans was named the Big Sky Coach of the Year on Wednesday</a>.</div>
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<b>GAME 7</b></div>
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<b>NO. 2 MONTANA vs NO. 10 SACRAMENTO STATE, 6:35 p.m. MST</b></div>
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From the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22kyle+sample%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Tournament championship key to DeCuire's vision</a></div>
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Also from the Missoulian ... <a href="http://missoulian.com/search/?l=25&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&q=%22kyle+sample%22&nsa=eedition" target="_blank">Longtime Montana broadcaster Holien will soon go silent</a></div>
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<a href="http://hornetsports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/releases/20160309runvku" target="_blank">Sacramento State notes</a></div>
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<b>GAME 8</b></div>
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<b>NO. 3 IDAHO vs NO. 6 EASTERN WASHINGTON, 9:05 p.m. MST</b></div>
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From the Spokesman Review ... <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/09/healty-vandals-aiming-for-big-sky-tournament-title/" target="_blank">Healthy Vandals aiming for Big Sky tournament title, but first must get past EWU</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.govandals.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87265&SPID=10365&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=17100&ATCLID=210788101" target="_blank">Idaho notes</a></div>
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<a href="http://goeags.com/news/2016/3/9/mens-basketball-in-survive-and-advance-scenario-ewu-plays-idaho-thursday.aspx" target="_blank">Eastern Washington notes</a></div>
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<b>AND FROM THE BIG SKY WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT ...</b></div>
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The quarterfinals of the Big Sky women's tournament were as good as basketball gets. Four games decided by a total of 11 points. Two game-winning 3-pointers in the closing seconds. One overtime. One game where the teams beat the heck out of one another. One game where there was a combined 156 field goal attempts. Wednesday had everything you could have asked for.</div>
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<b>Idaho State 52, Montana State 50</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-wbb-an-unreal-ending-jones-game-winner-lifts-bengals/article_40db8569-f3ca-5c43-af37-1a35c9d48198.html" target="_blank">AN UNREAL ENDING — Jones' game-winner lifts Bengals over Montana State</a></div>
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<a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/isu-stuns-msu-women/" target="_blank">Bengals’ buzzer-beater ends Bobcat women’s season in heartbreak</a></div>
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<b>North Dakota 65, Montana 62</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3983181-womens-basketball-und-holds-montana-advances" target="_blank">UND holds off Montana, advances</a></div>
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<a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/und-knocks-out-lady-griz/" target="_blank">UND withstands late run, eliminates Lady Griz</a></div>
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<b>Eastern Washington 100, Sacramento State 97</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/09/eastern-washington-women-win-offensive-showdown-wi/" target="_blank">Eastern Washington women win offensive showdown with Sacramento State</a></div>
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<a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/hodgins-sisters-lead-ewu-past-sac-into-semis/" target="_blank">Hodgins sisters lead EWU past Sac, into semis</a></div>
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<b>Idaho 86, Weber State 83 OT</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/09/idaho-women-earn-semifinal-berth-with-overtime-win/" target="_blank">Idaho women earn semifinal berth with overtime win over Weber State</a></div>
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<a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/pierce-buzzer-beater-beats-weber/" target="_blank">Pierce’s buzzer beater in OT caps day of Madness</a></div>
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Those two game-winning shots ...</div>
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Juliet Jones with the game-winner to take down first-place Montana State. 52-50. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoISU?src=hash">#GoISU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadtoReno?src=hash">#RoadtoReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/bOVzfpTtw2">https://t.co/bOVzfpTtw2</a></div>
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISUBengals/status/707685989989240832">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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OH MY WORD! Pierce sinks a wild buzzer beater to win it for <a href="https://twitter.com/VandalsWBB">@VandalsWBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyWBB?src=hash">#BigSkyWBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCTop10?src=hash">#SCTop10</a> <a href="https://t.co/BXm1FKdHKl">https://t.co/BXm1FKdHKl</a></div>
— Big Sky WBB (@BigSkyWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyWBB/status/707809336584749056">March 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-73055015340309384502016-03-09T15:12:00.001-07:002016-03-09T20:52:30.850-07:00Why is basketball fun?This is why ...
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Juliet Jones with the game-winner to take down first-place Montana State. 52-50. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoISU?src=hash">#GoISU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadtoReno?src=hash">#RoadtoReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/bOVzfpTtw2">https://t.co/bOVzfpTtw2</a></div>
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISUBengals/status/707685989989240832">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
There was also a great call on the radio from ISU's <a href="https://twitter.com/KaboomLip" target="_blank">Mark Liptak</a>. Check it out below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a_j6s6JdQFw?rel=0" width="400"></iframe>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-86912139302309054112016-03-09T11:22:00.002-07:002016-03-09T15:22:52.149-07:00Robinson fired, Evans named Big Sky Coach of the Year<a href="http://www.suutbirds.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=95898&SPID=11728&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210786791&DB_OEM_ID=20100" target="_blank">Southern Utah announced Wednesday that fourth-year head coach Nick Robinson was fired.</a><br />
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And on the same day, the most successful coach in Southern Utah men's basketball history, Bill Evans, was named the <a href="http://www.bigskyconf.com/news/2016/3/9/MBB_0309163158.aspx" target="_blank">Big Sky Coach of the Year after guiding Idaho State to the postseason tournament's No. 4 seed</a>.<br />
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SUU basketball: Head coach Nick Robinson fired after 5 win season <a href="https://t.co/b1tgGopBIE">https://t.co/b1tgGopBIE</a></div>
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) <a href="https://twitter.com/millerjryan/status/707630222489862144">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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SUU has fired men's basketball coach Nick Robinson. He spent four seasons in Cedar City with an overall record of 28-90. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SUU?src=hash">#SUU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a></div>
— John Coon (@johncoonsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/johncoonsports/status/707631814794305536">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THANK YOU <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TBirdNation?src=hash">#TBirdNation</a> for 4 great years of support from campus, community, fans, & student-athletes! <a href="https://t.co/ewx24NPfPV">pic.twitter.com/ewx24NPfPV</a></p>— Nick Robinson (@suucoachnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/suucoachnick/status/707624430051004416">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/ISUBengals">@ISUBengals</a> Bill Evans has been named <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> Coach of the Year! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoISU?src=hash">#GoISU</a><a href="https://t.co/0ATCOoVTHX">https://t.co/0ATCOoVTHX</a> <a href="https://t.co/6s0e1FjSKW">pic.twitter.com/6s0e1FjSKW</a></div>
— Big Sky MBB (@BigSkyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB/status/707627150036209664">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/IdahoStateBball">@IdahoStateBball</a> coach Bill Evans for being named <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB">@BigSkyMBB</a> Coach of the Year. <a href="https://t.co/ZA4ZC3NFWn">https://t.co/ZA4ZC3NFWn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoISU?src=hash">#GoISU</a></div>
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISUBengals/status/707626071852605440">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Former Southern Utah coach... that's some fun timing. <a href="https://t.co/HUaJNCX0pb">https://t.co/HUaJNCX0pb</a></div>
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) <a href="https://twitter.com/millerjryan/status/707631749078126592">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-57981083036413313442016-03-09T11:15:00.003-07:002016-03-10T06:43:54.576-07:00Previewing Thursday's Big Sky quarterfinals<h3>
<b>GAME 5</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 1 WEBER STATE VS NO. 8 PORTLAND STATE, 1:05 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Weber -7.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Weber State a 76 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Idaho State/North Dakota in the semifinals</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> Weber won the series 2-0</div>
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<b>Weber State 73, Portland State 58 in Portland</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>WSU - </b>Joel Bolomboy … 22 points, 13 rebounds</div>
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<b>WSU -</b> Jeremy Senglin … 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 of 10 from 3</div>
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<b>PSU -</b> Cameron Forte … 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in 27 minutes coming off the bench<b> </b></div>
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<b>Weber State 87, Portland State 78 in Ogden</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>WSU - </b>Jeremy Senglin … 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 of 8 from 3</div>
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<b>PSU -</b> Cameron Forte … 17 points, 7 rebounds, 7-of-15 shooting<b> </b></div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> Both games played out exactly like Weber State would have wanted. Senior Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy put up two double-doubles, and his teammates, particularly junior guard Jeremy Senglin, were efficient shooting from the arc. In a combined 80 minutes of action, WSU led for 73 minutes and 52 seconds.</div>
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But their last game was Feb. 13. The Vikings have gone 4-2 since then and Cameron Forte, who had 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four turnovers against UNCo in their opening game of the tournament, has continued to emerge as one of the league’s best players. He’s a difficult matchup because of his height (6-7), athleticism and ability to handle the ball. When PSU can speed up the game, it allows their athletes to finish at the rim and draw fouls.</div>
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And in regard to PSU’s speed, this game comes down to tempo. Portland State plays faster than anyone else in the league, and Weber State ranks 10th in terms of tempo.</div>
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The Vikings are only only pulling off an upset by forcing the Wildcats into a frantic, full-court game.<br />
<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky/basketball-mens/2016/3/10/weber-state-vs-portland-state" target="_blank">Watch</a><br />
<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a><br />
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<b>GAME 6</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 4 IDAHO STATE vs NO. 5 NORTH DAKOTA, 3:35 MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> North Dakota -2.5</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>North Dakota a 60 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Weber/PSU in the semifinals</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> UND won the series 2-0</div>
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<b>North Dakota 84, Idaho State 76 in Pocatello</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UND - </b>Quinton Hooker … 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals … 7-of-11 shooting</div>
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<b>UND -</b> Corey Baldwin … 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 5 of 11 from 3</div>
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<b>ISU -</b> Ethan Telfair … 37 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 turnovers, 2 steals, 12-of-21 shooting, 6 of 8 from 3<b> </b></div>
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<b>North Dakota 76, Idaho State 60</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UND - </b>Adam McDermott … 28 points in 30 minutes off the bench, 8 of 14 from 3</div>
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<b>UND - </b>Quinton Hooker … 13 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists</div>
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<b>ISU -</b> None. This was a miserable game for the Bengals<b> </b></div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> North Dakota matches up well with Idaho State. The Hawks have a good inside presence with Drink Bernstine and Carson Shanks, and they’ve got guys who can line it up and hit it from 3 — essential against Idaho State’s zone.</div>
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And from a coaching matchup, North Dakota’s Brian Jones has owned Idaho State’s Bill Evans. UND is 7-0 versus ISU since the 2012-13 season (Evans’ first in Pocatello).</div>
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But here’s the thing … Evans isn’t going to shy away from mentioning to his players how poorly they’ve performed going against North Dakota. He won’t hesitate to point out little things like how <a href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/big-sky-tournament-media-roundtable-predictions-for-this-week-s/article_ca97ab91-a647-5676-add6-325ea07e5100.html" target="_blank">two Big Sky media members picked UND to beat ISU </a>before the tournament. He won’t mind telling them how, even as the higher seed, they’re not favored to win this game.</div>
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This all just comes down to the Bengals’ mental approach. They’ve got the edge. But will that help ISU actually win the game? It’s not like Quinton Hooker, who went off for 24 points in one game against the Bengals and a triple-double in the other, is going to shrink away from the pressure of the moment.</div>
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And North Dakota has some real roster advantages in this matchup. The Hawks can choose to play small with the Bengals or stick with their bigs and try to beat up ISU on the boards.</div>
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This is going to be a fun game. Someone who was at the North Dakota-Southern Utah game told me that Telfair (ISU’s players and coaches were, of course, at the game watching) was openly rooting for Southern Utah. These teams aren’t “rivals,” but there’s no love between the two.<br />
<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky/basketball-mens/2016/3/10/idaho-state-vs-north-dakota" target="_blank">Watch</a><br />
<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a></div>
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<h3>
<b>GAME 7</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 2 MONTANA vs NO. 10 SACRAMENTO STATE, 6:35 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Montana -7</div>
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<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Montana a 75 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> Idaho/EWU in the semis</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> They split two games</div>
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<b>Montana 77, Sac State 58 in Missoula</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UM - </b>Jack Lopez … 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 of 8 from 3</div>
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<b>UM - </b>Walter Wright … 16 points, 4 rebounds, 12 assists</div>
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<b>Sac -</b> Jeff Wu … 13 points in 18 minutes off the bench</div>
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<b>Sac State 83, Montana 79 in Sacramento</b></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>UM - </b>Brandon Gfeller … 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 of 8 from 3</div>
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<b>Sac -</b> Jiday Ugbaja … <b> </b>18 points, 5 rebounds, 5-of-8 shooting</div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> Sacramento State is coming off its biggest win of the season, and Montana has been stewing since Saturday when it blew a shot to win a share of the regular-season title.</div>
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Throw in the fact that the Hornets have won three in a row for the first time since November and suddenly Brian Katz’s team, even with its offensive flaws, is a seemingly dangerous foe for the Grizzlies.</div>
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Sac’s chances of pulling off an upset come to one thing: Can sophomore Justin Strings and senior Cody Demps, who missed both games with UM during the season, manufacture enough offense to win?</div>
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The Hornets scored .987 points per possession in conference play, the 11th-worst mark in the league. But they were much better against Montana State on Tuesday, putting up 1.14 points per possession.</div>
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After the game, Katz wanted to credit his defense for the win as much as anything. MSU shot 21.4 percent (6 for 28) from the 3-point arc.</div>
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Without question Sacramento deserves a heaping chunk of credit for that defensive performance, but Montana’s offense is a different kind of animal to contain. The Grizzlies, during the conference season, led the Big Sky in 3-point shooting percentage, and with Martin Breunig’s presence down low, Sac’s defense will be stretched thin trying to cover the entire court.<br />
<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky/basketball-mens/2016/3/11/montana-vs-sacramento-st" target="_blank">Watch</a><br />
<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a></div>
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<h3>
<b>GAME 8</b></h3>
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<b>NO. 3 IDAHO vs NO. 6 EASTERN WASHINGTON, 9:05 p.m. MST</b></div>
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<b>BETTING LINE:</b> Eastern -1.5<br />
<b>KENPOM GIVES </b>Eastern a 53 percent chance to win</div>
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<b>WINNER GETS</b> UM/Sac in the semis</div>
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<b>DURING THE REGULAR SEASON:</b> They split two games</div>
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<b>Eastern Washington 74, Idaho 60</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>U of I - </b>Victor Sanders … 18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 7-of-18 shooting</div>
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<b>EWU -</b> Austin McBroom … 26 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 turnovers, 6 of 10 from 3<b> </b></div>
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<b>Idaho 66, Eastern Washington 62</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>Stars of the game</b></div>
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<b>U of I - </b>Victor Sanders … 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals</div>
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<b>U of I -</b> Nate Sherwood … 11 points, 2 rebounds, 5-of-8 shooting off the bench</div>
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<b>EWU -</b> Venky Jois … 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 7-of-10 shooting<b> </b></div>
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<b>TRENDS/WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:</b> Tempo, tempo, tempo and the 3-point line. That’s what you need to keep an eye on. That’s it. Tempo, tempo, tempo and the 3-point line.</div>
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When Eastern beat Idaho at home Jan. 9, the Eagles, in a terrific performance, drained 15 of 29 3-point attempts and scored 1.17 points per possession. Austin McBroom, Julian Harrell and Felix Von Hofe combined to go 9 of 14 from deep.</div>
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When Idaho beat Eastern at home Feb. 27, the Vandals, in an outstanding defensive performance, held the Eagles to nine 3-point makes, and EWU went 3 for 13 from the arc in the second half. McBroom needed 15 shots to pour in 11 points, and his team scored .95 points per possession.</div>
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This game is similar to WSU-PSU in that one team (EWU) is better off if it’s a fast-paced battle, and the other (Idaho) is in a better position to win if it can create a grind-it-out slugfest.</div>
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Whoever controls the pace of the action wins.</div>
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And maybe tempo won’t matter a bit, because Eastern will heat up* and bury Idaho in an avalanche of 3-pointers.<br />
<a href="http://eversport.tv/big-sky/basketball-mens/2016/3/11/idaho-vs-eastern-washington" target="_blank">Watch</a><br />
<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=354" target="_blank">Live stats</a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ByKyleFranko" target="_blank">— Kyle Franko</a><br />
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*had to reword this sentence, because it made no sense before. Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/WACspartypants" target="_blank">spartypants</a>.Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-4108557554047699422016-03-09T08:19:00.002-07:002016-03-09T10:10:31.694-07:00Big Sky morning links -- March 9<div class="p1">
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<b>Portland State 74, Northern Colorado 67</b></h3>
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From Portland State athletics ... <a href="http://www.goviks.com/news/2016/3/8/viksbeatunc7467.aspx" target="_blank">Forte, Parsons Carry Vikings To Opening Win In Big Sky Tournament</a><br />
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/forte-parsons-lead-portland-state-past-unc/" target="_blank">Forte, Parsons lead Portland State past UNC</a><br />
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<b>North Dakota 85, Southern Utah 80</b></h3>
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/hooker-takes-over-leads-und-past-suu-into-quarterfinals/" target="_blank">Hooker takes over, leads UND into quarterfinals</a></div>
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From the Grand Forks Herald ...<a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3982531-mens-basketball-und-rallies-survives-advances" target="_blank"> UND rallies, survives, advances</a><br />
<br />
From The Spectrum ... <a href="http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/college/southern-utah/2016/03/08/suu-basketball-t-birds-upset-bid-falls-short-against-north-dakota/81509662/" target="_blank">T-Birds' upset bid falls short against North Dakota</a><br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Sacramento State 79, Montana State 75</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p2">
From the Sacramento Bee ... <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/mens-basketball/article64913597.html" target="_blank">Sacramento State men beat Montana State in Big Sky first round</a><br />
<br />
From the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/basketball-mens/bobcats-eliminated-from-big-sky-tournament/article_fbc29969-d74a-5c88-a7ff-0eb6759502d6.html" target="_blank">Bobcats eliminated from Big Sky tournament</a><br />
<br />
From the Bozeman Daily Chronicle ... <a href="http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/mens-basketball/bobcats-men-go-cold-from-deep-bow-out-of-big/article_894ee9ab-f92b-59e3-ab75-08de94662723.html" target="_blank">Bobcats men go cold from deep, bow out of Big Sky tournament</a><br />
<br />
Also from the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/basketball-mens/rachac-column-msu-should-make-contract-extension-for-fish-a/article_be7e4e44-38c6-544b-af62-caaaab2b2ebf.html" target="_blank">Rachac column: MSU should make contract extension for Fish a priority</a><br />
<br />
From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/msu-upset-by-sac/" target="_blank">Bobcats go cold, fall victim to Sac upset in Reno</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<h3>
<b>Eastern Washington 74, Northern Arizona 52</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p2">
From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/ewu-cruises-past-nau-2/" target="_blank">Eagles shake off slow start, cruise past NAU</a><br />
<br />
From the Spokesman Review ... <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/08/eagles-dispatch-lumberjacks-with-strong-second-hal/" target="_blank">Eagles dispatch Lumberjacks with strong second half</a></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Here's what NAU head coach Jack Murphy said about Kris Yanku's absence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bigskymbb?src=hash">#bigskymbb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/roadtoreno?src=hash">#roadtoreno</a> @… <a href="https://t.co/IphK5gJhBU">https://t.co/IphK5gJhBU</a></div>
— Brandon Garside (@BrandonGarside) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonGarside/status/707448148877316097">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Here's an interesting development from the late game: No PG Kris Yanku in warmups for Northern Arizona. Haven't seen him yet in Reno.</div>
— Parker Gabriel (@pgabriel15) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgabriel15/status/707408337357254656">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
No. 6 Eastern Washington vs No. 11 NAU just tipped. Lumberjacks kicked All-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> PG Kris Yanku off the team on the way to the tourney.</div>
— Skyline Sports (@SkylineSportsMT) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkylineSportsMT/status/707417939616538624">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Jack Murphy was pretty open about Kris Yanku's absence this week but punted when asked if he expects the PG back at NAU next season.</div>
— Parker Gabriel (@pgabriel15) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgabriel15/status/707448072033411080">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"No long-term decisions have been made." Murphy on Yanku's future in the program. So we can stop saying he is kicked off already. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a></p>— Cody Bashore (@AZDS_Bashore) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZDS_Bashore/status/707455821630840833">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-72944489743484427422016-03-08T10:51:00.000-07:002016-03-08T10:51:27.277-07:00Big Sky morning links -- March 8<div class="p1">
<b>GAME 1</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<b>NO. 8 PORTLAND STATE vs NO. 9 NORTHERN COLORADO, 1:05 p.m. MST</b><b></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
From the Greeley Tribune ... <a href="http://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/21024831-113/unc-mens-basketball-starts-big-sky-tournament-play" target="_blank">UNC men's basketball starts Big Sky tournament play Tuesday</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://uncbears.com/news/2016/3/7/mens-basketball-unco-mbb-opens-big-sky-tournament-with-portland-state.aspx" target="_blank">Northern Colorado notes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goviks.com/index.aspx?path=mbball" target="_blank">Portland State notes</a><br />
<br />
From Portland State's athletic department ...</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
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WATCH | It's Tourney time for <a href="https://twitter.com/ViksMBB">@ViksMBB</a>! The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> tournament starts Tuesday. Get prepped right here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoViks?src=hash">#GoViks</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9KnfpYsl7">https://t.co/v9KnfpYsl7</a></div>
— PSU VIKINGS (@PSU_VIKINGS) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSU_VIKINGS/status/706570926075170816">March 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<div class="p1">
<b>GAME 2</b></div>
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<b>NO. 5 NORTH DAKOTA vs NO. 12 SOUTHERN UTAH, 3:35 p.m. MST</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
From The Spectrum ... <a href="http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/2016/03/06/suu-basketball-t-bird-men-and-women-set-big-sky-tourney/81416514/" target="_blank">T-Bird men set for Big Sky tourney</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
From the Grand Forks Herald ... <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-basketball/3981594-mens-basketball-ready-reno" target="_blank">Ready for Reno</a><br />
<br />
Hawks junior guard Quinton Hooker told the Herald: "At this time of the year, it's all about who can finish strong. We've had a great offseason and a great season; we just can't let youth and fatigue hold us down. It's all about finishing and giving it everything you've got."<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>GAME 3</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>NO. 7 MONTANA STATE vs NO. 10 SACRAMENTO STATE, 6:35 p.m. MST</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/changes-ensured-all-teams-walked-road-to-reno-this-season/" target="_blank">Changes ensured all teams walked Road to Reno</a><br />
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From Skyline Sports ... <a href="http://skylinesportsmt.com/first-year-players-have-immediate-impact-on-big-sky-landscape/" target="_blank">First-year players have immediate impact on Big Sky</a><br />
<br />
From the Bozeman Daily Chronicle ... <a href="http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/blogs/bobcats/mens_basketball/hall-and-colbert-win-awards-lead-msu-into-big-sky/article_b4a6b623-4fce-589a-bcdc-6d226b6d2221.html" target="_blank">Hall and Colbert win awards, lead MSU into Big Sky tournament</a><br />
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From the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/basketball-mens/hall-named-top-freshman-as-bobcats-prepare-for-sacramento-state/article_cd7efb7d-4712-5136-9a22-59a942d57a5e.html" target="_blank">Hall named top freshman as Bobcats prepare for Sacramento State</a><br />
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From the Billings Gazette ... <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/basketball-mens/big-sky-men-s-basketball-tournament-primer/article_3ff628b0-0bd5-586d-a044-3cbcd6f78fd3.html" target="_blank">Big Sky men's basketball tournament primer</a><br />
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<a href="http://hornetsports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/releases/2016030710iq74" target="_blank">Sacramento State notes</a><br />
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<b>GAME 4</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>NO. 6 EASTERN WASHINGTON vs NO. 11 NORTHERN ARIZONA, 9:05 p.m. MST</b></div>
<br />
From the Spokesman Review ... <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/ewuhoops/" target="_blank">Jim Hayford built Eagles around Venky Jois’ character</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nauathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/releases/20160306tm895l" target="_blank">Northern Arizona notes</a></div>
Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-11870138962566985322016-03-08T09:12:00.000-07:002016-03-08T09:26:33.222-07:005 Big Sky tournament storylines<div class="p1">
<h3>
<b>1) What’s the atmosphere of Reno going to be like?</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p3">
If not for the Big Sky Conference’s decision to change its postseason format, the tournament would be in Ogden, Utah, this week where Weber State averaged a league-high 6,943 fans for home conference games.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Instead, everybody is in Reno, Nevada, an eight-hour drive from Weber State, 13 hours from the University of Montana and 25 hours from Grand Forks, North Dakota.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
How many fans will travel for the games? Tuesday’s first round could be lifeless, but will they start to filter in for the quarterfinals and semifinals Thursday and Friday?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
The league’s hierarchy has said they understand fan turnout may be mediocre this year. But the goal is to put on a great event, and ensure that those who do visit Reno go home and convince more folks to attend in the future.</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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The Lumberjacks have invaded Reno <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAUStrong?src=hash">#NAUStrong</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToReno?src=hash">#RoadToReno</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5Tby9ucnc">pic.twitter.com/d5Tby9ucnc</a></div>
— NAU Men's Basketball (@NAUBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NAUBasketball/status/706653622294032384">March 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Center court at the Reno Events Center for the <a href="https://twitter.com/BigSkyMBB">@BigSkyMBB</a> Tournament. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkfTXmWGAq">pic.twitter.com/hkfTXmWGAq</a></div>
— Kobee Stalder (@KobeeAlon) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobeeAlon/status/706617428864675840">March 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Superquick look at the Reno Events Center during the Big Sky hoops tourney. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyWBB?src=hash">#BigSkyWBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Z9nxRXNXH">pic.twitter.com/6Z9nxRXNXH</a></div>
— Madison Guernsey (@MGuernsey_ISJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGuernsey_ISJ/status/706985826240962561">March 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
A look at the Reno Events Center for the Big Sky tournament. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyMBB?src=hash">#BigSkyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigSkyWBB?src=hash">#BigSkyWBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/KPx2WNHXaj">pic.twitter.com/KPx2WNHXaj</a></div>
— Madison Guernsey (@MGuernsey_ISJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGuernsey_ISJ/status/706939882849972226">March 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div class="p3">
<h3>
<b>2) The top-four seeds and their big-time advantage.</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p3">
Weber State, Montana, Idaho and Idaho State worked their butts off to finish in the top four. Yes, it means those teams skate through automatically to the quarterfinals, but the biggest advantage lies one step further.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
For any of the 5-12 seeds to win a Big Sky title, they’ll have to win games Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Keep in mind, that’s after playing twice last week.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
So they’re actually playing Thursday, Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. That’s a possible six games in 10 days. It’s the stuff of legends if anyone pulls it off.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<h3>
<b>3) North Dakota is the most likely team of the 5-12 seeds that could make a run to the championship game.</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p3">
I like North Dakota’s draw. The Fighting Hawks can’t sleepwalk past Southern Utah, but they’re a seven-point favorite and should move on to play Idaho State — a team UND has tormented in recent history.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Win those two games and North Dakota is suddenly in the semifinals. That’s when I’d expect the fatigue to start kicking in, but UND does regularly go eight deep into its rotation. Assuming junior Quinton Hooker, the team’s top scorer, can fend off exhaustion, they’re the best bet of the 5-12 seeds to contend for a championship. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<h3>
<b>4) Can we finally see Bolomboy vs Breunig?</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p2">
Weber State’s Joel Bolomboy missed Martin Breunig and Montana when the Grizzlies traveled to Ogden during the regular season.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Bolomboy’s Wildcats pulled out the win without him, but it’d be fun to see the league’s best two forwards clash if they meet in Saturday’s championship tilt.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Bolomboy and Breunig took the top two spots on Ken Pomeroy’s all-kenpom.com team thanks to fantastic senior seasons for each. Bolomboy is fifth in the country in defensive rebounding percentage and 65th in effective field goal percentage. Breunig doesn’t get after it on the boards like Bolomboy, but he’s a more refined product on offense where he’s 19th in the country in effective field goal percentage and boosts a 120.1 offensive rating to Bolomboy’s 115.9 (both are very good).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Listen, that essentially a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Getting down to it, it’d just be fun to see UM-Weber, Breunig-Bolomboy go at it underneath.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<h3>
<b>5) The two big men at UM and WSU are the league’s best players, but the Big Sky is all about the guards.</b></h3>
</div>
<div class="p3">
The top players in the Big Sky Conference are two forwards in Ogden and Missoula, but the league, as usual, is dominated by its guard play. And the 2015-16 season has its share of quality small guys skirting around the perimeter.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
ISU junior Ethan Telfair has single-handedly changed the Bengals’ fortunes with his combination of competitiveness, unmatched speed and ability to rise to the moment in the closing minutes of games.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
North Dakota junior Quinton Hooker had a fine start to his career in Grand Forks as a freshman and sophomore, starting 44 games, but he’s taken a monumental step forward this year.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Eastern’s Austin McBroom has drained 106 3-pointers this season and needs three more to tie former Eagle Tyler Harvey for third all time in the conference for a single season.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Idaho’s starting trio of Victor Sanders, Perrion Callandret and Chris Sarbaugh may be the most unappreciated set of guards in the league.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Weber State’s Jeremy Senglin is terrific. Montana State’s Marcus Colbert can be a load, especially if his 3s are falling. Northern Colorado’s Anthony Johnson can drop 30 if he heats up. Montana has a healthy dose of talented, versatile guards.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p3">
The list doesn’t seem to stop. We’ve gone this far and not even mentioned NAU’s Kris Yanku, a first-team all-Big Sky selection a year ago.</div>
</div>
Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5489976410121533313.post-53062160425728235742016-03-07T14:16:00.001-07:002016-03-07T14:19:30.178-07:002015-16 Big Sky Conference men's all-conference team<a href="http://www.bigskyconf.com/news/2016/3/7/MBB_0307163753.aspx" target="_blank">Check out the Big Sky's full release here.</a><br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: 'Titillium Web', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; width: 583px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;" width="174"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">FIRST TEAM </strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;" width="64"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;" width="64"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;" width="281"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Player</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Year</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pos.</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">School (Hometown)</strong></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*Joel Bolomboy (MVP)</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">F</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Weber State, (Fort Worth, Texas)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*Ethan Telfair</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Idaho State (Coney Island, N.Y.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">#Venky Jois</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">F</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eastern Washington (Boronia, Australia) </td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">#Martin Breunig</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">F</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Montana, (Leverkusen, Germany)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Quinton Hooker</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">North Dakota (Brooklyn Park, Minn.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jeremy Senglin</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Weber State (Arlington, Texas)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*Unanimous selection</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">#Two-time first-team selection </td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">SECOND TEAM </strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Player</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Year</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pos.</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">School (Hometown)</strong></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cameron Forte</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gr.-Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">F</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Portland State (Tempe. Ariz.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Victor Sanders</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">So.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Idaho (Portland, Ore.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Austin McBroom</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gr.-Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eastern Washington (Los Angeles, Calif)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Marcus Colber</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Montana State (Post Falls, Idaho)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tyler Hall</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Montana State (Rock Island, Ill,)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">HONORABLE MENTION</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Player</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Year</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pos.</strong></td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">School (Hometown)</strong></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Anthony Johson</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Northern Colorado (Indianapolis, Ind.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Geno Luzcando</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">So.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Idaho State (Estacion Central, Chile)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Walter Wright</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jr.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">G</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Montana, (Waterbury, Conn.)</td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td height="20" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Justin Strings</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">So.</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">F</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sacramento State (Carson, Calif.)</td></tr>
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Kyle Frankohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01326794152793185693noreply@blogger.com0