CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament in 2024. Up next: The Big Sky Tournament.
The Big Sky Tournament was pure madness from the get-go. Fifth-seeded, 14-17 (9-9) Montana State was the one punching the ticket, not without mayhem throughout the week.
The favorites in the tournament, Eastern Washington and Northern Colorado, both dropped their quarterfinal matchups, leaving the path to the Big Sky’s automatic bid wide open. Sacramento State, the league’s 10 seed, made it all the way to the semifinals after two upsets, ultimately falling to the eventual league champs.
The championship game was an in-state rivalry, pitting Montana State against Montana. Despite being six-and-a-half-point underdogs, the Bobcats throttled the Grizzlies by 15, securing their spot in the last dance.
CBB Review Big Sky Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Robert Ford II, Montana State
Ford II led the Bobcats in scoring in all three games of their run in the Big Sky Tournament. The lowest total the senior guard notched in three contests was 19 in the semifinal, but he still managed to knock down four threes in that outing. Ford finished the tournament shooting just under 50% from beyond the arc (8-17) and well above 50% from the floor (23-39). Though the Bobcats play a very cohesive game, Ford led the charge in all three contests and is the clear pick for MOP of this tournament.
CBB Review All-Big Sky Tournament First Team
- G: Robert Ford II, Montana State – 3 GP (22.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.3 SPG, 58.8 3P%, 59.0 FG%)
- G: Aanen Moody, Montana – 3 GP (17.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 54.3 FG%)
- G: Miguel Tomley, Idaho State – 3 GP (22.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 45.5 3P%)
- G: Brandon Whitney, Montana – 3 GP (16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 60.7 FG%)
- F: Brandon Walker, Montana State – 3 GP (10.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 60.0 FG%)
Montana State’s NCAA Tournament Prediction
Round of 64
Even with their best team representing them, the Big Sky would have trouble making it beyond the first round. Montana State, although scorching hot, does not give the league its best shot to advance past the round of 64. The Bobcats had a mediocre year if the championship is disregarded (which, it shouldn’t), and the only reason they’d pose an upset threat is if they continue to stay hot and play at this newfound high level.