WEEKLY NOTEBOOK (PDF)
EASTERN WASHINGTON 10-11, 5-4)
Eastern Washington lost a heartbreaker to North Dakota (81-79) and lost again to Idaho (78-64) on the road last week. Senior forward Delaney Hodgins is now just 15 points away from becoming the Eagles all-time scoring leader. Eastern Washington will look to bounce back against Sacramento State and Portland State at home this week.
IDAHO (10-10, 6-3)
Idaho defeated Big Sky leading Northern Colorado (79-71) and topped North Dakota (78-64) in an impressive road sweep last week. In fact, the Vandals are just the second Big Sky team to complete a road sweep of Northern Colorado and North Dakota in six years. The Vandals are deadly from 3-point range as they’ve made 206 3-pointers on the year, which ranks ninth in the nation. Idaho will look to continue its recent surge up the standings in contests against Portland State and Sacramento State this week.
IDAHO STATE (12-7, 4-4)
In only one game last week, Idaho State fell on the road to Weber State (84-73). The Bengals average the best team field goal percentage (44.3%) in the Big Sky so far. Idaho State will enjoy a pair of home games this week as they play Northern Arizona and Southern Utah this week.
MONTANA (11-9, 7-2)
After recording two more wins over Southern Utah (74-65) and Northern Arizona (69-52), the Lady Griz are currently the Big Sky leader with a 7-2 record. Montana takes care of the ball, allowing only 264 total turnovers this season, which ranks 27th in the nation. The Lady Griz also make it difficult on the defensive end, permitting conference foes to score an average of just 63.0 points per game, which ranks second in the Big Sky. The Lady Griz will try and hold their position at the top against Northern Colorado and North Dakota at home this week.
MONTANA STATE (12-8, 6-3)
Montana State notched a pair of wins over Northern Arizona (78-56) and Southern Utah (63-57) last week. The Bobcats are known for shooting lots of 3’s on offense, while greatly limiting the 3-point shot on defense. Montana State ranks second in the conference and 12th in the nation in 3-point field goals made (199) this season. The Bobcats also rank first in the league and eighth in the country in three-point defense (26.5%). Montana State will face North Dakota and Northern Colorado this week at home.
NORTH DAKOTA (10-10, 3-6)
North Dakota split its home series last week with a win over Eastern Washington (81-79) and a loss to Idaho (78-64). The Fighting Hawks have the fifth-best scorer in the Big Sky in junior forward Lexi Klabo (17.9). Klabo and company will look to close the distance between the Fighting Hawks and the conference leaders with games against Montana State and Montana this week.
NORTHERN ARIZONA (4-16, 1-8)
Northern Arizona’s struggles continue as the Lumberjacks fell to Montana State (78-56) and Montana (69-52) last week. NAU’s senior duo of Kenna McDavis and Olivia Lucero both average above 15 points per game. Both McDavis and Lucero will face a tough test as Northern Arizona takes on Weber State and Idaho State on the road this week.
NORTHERN COLORADO (14-6, 6-3)
Northern Colorado suffered a setback to Idaho (79-71) but maintained its composure and finished off the week with a win over Eastern Washington (68-62). The Bears will be without Courtney Smith (13.3 ppg) from now on as the junior decided to leave the team last week. However, UNC still has its top two scorers in Savannah Scott (17.2) and Savannah Smith (16.9). Northern Colorado will continue the season against Montana and Montana State this week.
PORTLAND STATE (11-8, 5-3)
In only one contest last week, Portland State downed Sacramento State (81-72). Forward Courtney West was dominant against the Hornets defense as she scored 25 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and recorded five blocks in last week’s game. The Vikings will embark on a pivotal road trip against Idaho and Eastern Washington.
SACRAMENTO STATE (3-16, 1-7)
In just one game, Sacramento State was defeated by Portland State (81-72). Hannah Friend is the currently leader in scoring for the Hornets, averaging 17.8 points per game. Sacramento State will look to end its six-game losing streak against Eastern Washington and Idaho this week.
SOUTHERN UTAH (3-17, 2-7)
Southern Utah dropped a pair of home games to Montana (74-65) and Montana State (63-57) last week. The Thunderbirds have a balanced offensive attack, but Breanu Reid currently leads SUU in scoring with an average of 11.9 points per game. Southern Utah will face. Weber State and Idaho State on the road this week.
WEBER STATE (14-5, 6-2)
Weber State downed Idaho State (84-73) with a barrage of 3’s to grab the season sweep over the Bengals last week. The Wildcats are led by senior guard Larryn Brooks. Brooks averages 20.1 points per game and can fill it up from three-point range. The Wildcats will enjoy more home cooking this weekend as they host Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.