BIG SKY TOURNAMENT CAPSULES

CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE MATADORS

(20-9, 13-3)

Coach: Bobby Braswell (5th season)

Last tournament appearance: 2000

Tournament record: 5-4

Tournament titles: None

NCAA appearances: None

Scouting report: The Matadors, predicted to finish first, did so by two games over Eastern Washington. Northridge is led by center Brian Heinle, the Big Sky’s scoring leader (20.2 ppg) and most valuable player, and arguably is the deepest team in the field.

Fast fact: Northridge lost in overtime to Northern Arizona in last year’s final.

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EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES

(16-10, 11-5)

Coach: Ray Giaoletti (1st season)

Last tournament appearance: 2000

Tournament record: 1-4

Tournament titles: None

NCAA appearances: None

Scouting report: The Eagles figure to be the toughest challenge for Northridge, having defeated the Matadors in five of their last six games. Eastern Washington has won four of its last five. Forward Chris White averages 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Fast fact: Eastern Washington handed Northridge its only home loss, 88-75.

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IDAHO STATE BENGALS

(14-13, 10-6)

Coach: Doug Oliver (3rd season)

Last tournament appearance: 1997

Tournament record: 12-14

Tournament titles: Two

NCAA appearances: 11

Scouting report: The Bengals won five of their last six to post their best conference record since 1994. The run included an 89-84 victory over Northridge at Pocatello, Idaho. The Bengals defeated Eastern Washington, Montana State and Northern Arizona on the road.

Fast fact: Idaho State leads the Big Sky in free-throw percentage at 75%.

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NORTHERN ARIZONA LUMBERJACKS

(14-13, 8-8)

Coach: Mike Adras (2nd season)

Last tournament appearance: 2000

Tournament record: 8-10

Tournament titles: Two

NCAA appearances: Two

Scouting report: The defending champions thrive on three-point shooting behind guard Cory Schwab, who averages 15.4 points. But the Lumberjacks were 2-6 in conference road games. Northern Arizona defeated Northridge, 76-75, at Flagstaff.

Fast fact: Northern Arizona has played in three consecutive tournament title games.

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MONTANA STATE BOBCATS

(16-13, 8-8)

Coach: Mick Durham (11th season)

Last tournament appearance: 1999

Tournament record: 13-15

Tournament titles: Two

NCAA appearances: Three

Scouting report: The Bobcats have lost three of their last four after taking an early lead in the standings. They lead the conference in three-point shooting percentage (42%) but are 4-6 against the tournament field.

Fast fact: Montana State ranks second to Weber State with 18 tournament appearances.

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WEBER STATE WILDCATS

(14-13, 8-8)

Coach: Joe Cravens (2nd season)

Last tournament appearance: 2000

Tournament record: 24-18

Tournament titles: Six

NCAA appearances: 12

Scouting report: Weber State has outrebounded opponents, 177-130, in the last five games and leads the Big Sky in rebounding margin (+4.4). Guard Jermaine Boyette averages 18.5 points.

Fast fact: Weber State’s 25 tournament appearances and 12 NCAA tournament appearances are the most among Big Sky teams.