Montana Grizzlies (16-13) vs Idaho State Bengals (11-20)
Game Info: Monday, March 6, 2023 at 7:30 pm (Idaho Central Arena)
Betting Odds: Montana Grizzlies -4.5 -- Over/Under: 132 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Idaho State Bengals and the Montana Grizzlies will meet in Boise to battle in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Championship at the Idaho Central Arena on FloSports. Montana leads the all-time series, 90-49, after winning nine of the last ten meetings.
Idaho State moved to 11-20 after losing to Northern Colorado on the road. The Bengals led at the break, but the Bears would storm back to hand them a 15-point loss, 87-72. Idaho State is scoring 69.0 points per game, while allowing 70.6 ppg, and shooting 44.3% from the floor.
Idaho State almost shook up the Big Sky regular season title race with the win over Eastern Washington, and they’ll look to do the same here with the conference tournament. Senior guard Brock Mackenzie leads the Bengals in scoring (12.9) after going for a game-high 28 points in the win over EWU, and he’ll look to respond after a quiet outing versus Northern Colorado here. Junior forward Brayden Parker leads the team in boards (4.7), while scoring 11.7 ppg.
Montana moved to 16-13 after defeating Idaho in Moscow. The Grizzlies led the Vandals at the break and pulled away for the 15-point win, 68-53. Montana is scoring 68.7 points per game, while allowing 67.5 ppg and shooting 45.6% from the field.
Montana won seven of their last eight games, and they’ll look to beat the Bengals for the third time this season Monday. Josh Bannan had another strong season leading the charge for Montana this year. The junior forward double-doubled in the win over Idaho, and he’s scoring 15.1 ppg, while leading the team in rebounding (8.5) and assists (3.7). Senior guard Aanen Moody leads the Grizz in scoring at 16.0 ppg after scoring 21 points or more in five of their last seven games.
Idaho State is 14-15 against the spread this season, with a 18-11 over/under record. Montana is 13-15 ATS this year, with a 13-15 o/u record.
Montana is streaking into this conference, and their dark horses to win the entire thing. The Grizzlies have found their stride down the stretch, and after sweeping Idaho State, they’ll hold a slight mental edge heading this contest. The inside-outside pairing of Aanen Moody and Josh Bannan should be able to guide the Grizz to a victory here, and the margin is very manageable. Take Montana’s spread for this Big Sky Quarterfinal.
Corey’s Pick Montana -4.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
