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The Big Sky Conference saw a flurry of action on Thursday, February 19, with four men’s basketball teams vying for crucial conference wins. Portland State, Idaho State, Weber State, and Eastern Washington all emerged victorious, solidifying their positions in the league standings as the regular season nears its conclusion. These results impact the race for seeding in the upcoming Big Sky Tournament, promising a competitive finish.
Portland State secured a 77-67 victory over Idaho in a game played at the Viking Pavilion in Portland, Oregon. The win keeps the Vikings near the top of the Big Sky standings. Idaho State also claimed a win, defeating Montana 73-69 in Pocatello, Idaho. Further west, Weber State edged out Montana State 82-79 in Ogden, Utah, while Eastern Washington dominated Sacramento State with a final score of 102-94 in Sacramento, California. These contests showcased a range of scoring performances and set the stage for exciting matchups this weekend.
Portland State Vikings Defeat Idaho Vandals
Keyon Kensie led the Portland State Vikings to victory against the Idaho Vandals, contributing 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Portland State’s performance was a team effort, resulting in a decisive win. Isaiah Brickner was the leading scorer for Idaho, posting 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Vikings will next face Eastern Washington on Saturday, February 21, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while the Vandals will host Sacramento State at 10 p.m. ET on the same platform.
Idaho State Bengals Edge Out Montana Grizzlies
In a closely contested matchup, the Idaho State Bengals prevailed over the Montana Grizzlies with a score of 73-69. Gus Etchison was instrumental for Idaho State, delivering a standout performance with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Bengals will continue their homestand against Montana State on Saturday, February 21, at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Money Williams led the Grizzlies with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Montana will look to rebound against Weber State on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Weber State Wildcats Top Montana State Bobcats
Weber State secured a narrow 82-79 victory against Montana State in a thrilling game. Trevor Henning led the Wildcats with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. Patrick McMahon was the top performer for Montana State, contributing 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Weber State will next take on Montana on Saturday, February 21, at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while Montana State will host Idaho State at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Eastern Washington Eagles Soar Past Sacramento State Hornets
Eastern Washington delivered a dominant performance, defeating Sacramento State 102-94. Isaiah Moses led the Eagles with an impressive 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Prophet Johnson paced the Hornets with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Eastern Washington will face Portland State on Saturday, February 21, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and Sacramento State will host Idaho at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
These results highlight the competitive nature of the Big Sky Conference as teams battle for positioning heading into the tournament. With several key matchups scheduled for Saturday, February 21, the conference standings are sure to undergo further shifts. Fans can continue to follow the action on ESPN+, providing comprehensive coverage of Big Sky men’s basketball throughout the season.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Big Sky Conference tournament picture as the regular season progresses. Share your thoughts on these games and predictions for the upcoming weekend in the comments below.