| MATCHUP | Northern Colorado Bears | Montana Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 20-11 | 16-15 |
| Spread | -4.5 -112 | +4.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | -192 | +160 |
| Total | Over 152.5 (-108) | Under 152.5 (-112) |
| Where | United Center, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Monday, March 9, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Northern Colorado Bears and the Montana Grizzlies meet Monday in Big Sky Tournament college basketball action from CenturyLink Center in Boise. Here’s a Northern Colorado vs Montana prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Northern Colorado vs Montana pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview
The Bears were in bad shape on January 24, coming off a five-game losing streak and sitting at 11-10 overall through 21 games. Northern Colorado beat Idaho, Eastern Washington, Weber State, Idaho State, Sac State, Portland State and Northern Arizona after that though, then lost to Eastern Washington. After wins over Idaho and Montana the Bears are 20-11 this year.
In the matchup with Montana last Monday the Bears came out of the break in the second half with a 27-23 advantage. Northern Colorado got even better from there in a 58-34 second-half run and powered out the dominant victory on their home court 85-57 in the end. Both Quinn Denker (seven rebounds; four assists) and Zach Block (four rebounds; three assists) led the team on 16 points.
Montana Grizzlies Betting Preview
Over on the Montana side, they managed a .500 record through their first 18 games at 9-9 then took wins over Northern Arizona, Weber State, Idaho State and Portland State. A rough 1-5 stretch came next however, featuring a lone win over Idaho on February 7. Since then it’s been wins over Sacramento State and Portland State ahead of a loss to Northern Colorado.
In their loss to the Bears last Monday, the Grizzlies were led by Money Williams with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes of work on the floor. The only other team player to finish in double-figures was Kenyon Aguino with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists with a pair of misses from 3-point range in 26 minutes of action.
Northern Colorado Bears @ Montana Grizzlies Betting Trends: March 9, 2026
Why the Montana Grizzlies will win
- Montana has won five of its last six games against Conference opponents at Idaho Central Arena.
Why the Northern Colorado Bears will win
- Northern Colorado has won nine of its last 10 games against Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Montana ranks 28th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.0%).
- Montana ranks 32nd among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (76.8%).
- Northern Colorado ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (29.9%).
- Northern Colorado ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.0%).
Northern Colorado vs Montana Prediction
I’m just going to stick with Northern Colorado. This is an interesting matchup, as these teams just met last Monday in a big win for the Bears. In that one Northern Colorado posted 49.3 percent shooting from the field with 36.7 percent (11-of-30) from 3-point range and a 39-30 rebounding edge. The Bears added a 40-30 edge on points in the paint and scored 19 points off 13 Montana turnovers. The Grizzlies shot just 38.3 percent from the field themselves with 22.7 percent (5-of-22) from outside.
Northern Colorado is playing well these days, with an 82-72 road loss to Eastern Washington on February 26 being their only blemish in the last 10 outings. The Bears are also scoring well; if they can manage to hang at least 75 points or so in this tournament matchup, I like Northern Colorado to power it out.