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It all comes down to this. The emotions of Championship Week are unrivaled. Who doesn’t love the blood, sweat and buzzer beaters? Attempting to peg who will represent their league in the Big Dance, the Big Noise gives his conference tournament leans. Merry March Madness!
The pick — Montana to win Big Sky Tournament (+300, BetMGM)
In the complete history of the NCAA Tournament, the Big Sky has churned out total victories a beer short of a 12-pack (11). The last time it donned a glass slipper was in 2006 when Larry Krystkowiak’s Montana Grizzlies defeated Nevada 87-79.
It’s been more than a blue moon.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
Looking to reach the pinnacle of the Rockies, this year’s Big Sky batch are prepared for the arduous climb.
Northern Colorado is the market front-runner at +190, but the sloth from Missoula is the target for value seekers looking to maul the ‘book.
Montana, which split with the gang from Greeley in the regular season, has the makeup to push the favorite. Keep in mind: Unlike many mid-major tournaments, StarchMadness — yes, that is its incredible and appropriate nickname — is played in its entirety on a neutral court in Boise.
The Grizzlies are omnivores on offense. At No. 1 in league play and a respectable No. 100 overall on BartTorvik in action logged over the last month, they’re a remarkable No. 2 nationally in effective field goal percentage offense, converting a stupid 61.3% on 2-pointers and 40.6% on 3s. Also boasting an excellent free-throw rate, they're shooting 73.2% from the line.
Featuring a four-guard lineup, Travis DeCuire’s club simply gets buckets. When your leading scorer’s name is Money Williams (13.5 points per game), that perfectly sums it up.
Defensively, Montana is a different ball of wax. Considering its No. 287 ranking in average height, opponents with sizable frontcourts pose a problem.
In their last nine games, the Grizzlies slot north of No. 140 in offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. Even worse, they rank No. 244 in the country in near proximity percentage D, according to Haslametrics. No doubt, they will concede a number of bunnies.
Still, at +300, Montana could make backers a pile of moolah.
Be the schizz, Grizz.
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