Big Sky Notebook
Congratulations
As the Big Sky season winds down, it looks like Montana State is going to walk away with the regular season championship. The Bobcats have just three games remaining with a one game lead. None of their remaining three games, however, are against any of the league contenders. Also, the Bobcats only have to play away from home once – at Montana.
Defense, defense, defense
Montana State’s defense has been the key behind the Bobcats first run at the title championship since 1996-97. With no players averaging more than 11 pointes per game, the Bobcats needed their defense to take over. The Bobcats have allowed just 65 points per game in 11 conference games and hold teams to 45 percent shooting.
Conference Player of the Year
As the season winds to an end, it is time to take a look at the conference’s top performers. The Conference Player of the Year race is a tough one to call. The conference’s leading team, the Montana State Bobcats are without a prolific scorer. Aaron Rich, who leads the team in scoring and is third in rebounding, is probably their best candidate. Other top conference performers are Jermain Boyette of Weber State, D’Marr Suggs and Jeremy Brown of Idaho State, and Joe Dawson of Sacramento State. If I had to make a pick, I’d go with Boyette. The junior guard is dangerous as both a scorer and a passer. He is the sole reason the Wildcats are within striking distance.
Big Sky games of the Week
Northern Arizona at Montana State (Friday Feb. 22) – Northern Arizona is still mathematically alive, but desperately need to win this game to have a shot.
Weber State at Eastern Washington (Saturday, Feb. 23) – This is a battle for second place in the conference. The Wildcats are looking for the season sweep.
