The Big Sky Tournament

ALL HAIL THE BIG SKY TROPHY GOD!

The Big Sky Tournament is upon us at last. 6 teams will duke it out in bloody, spectacular fashion in an attempt to win the favor of the Big Sky Trophy God and claim his mercy and the coveted trophy of said God. The winner will advance to do battle with juggernaut teams in what usually ends up as a complete slaughter. Oh well. Appeasing the Big Sky Trophy God should be the 6 teams' only concern this coming weekend and the 10th-12th of next week. And now, let's look at our proud, strong, stoic gladiators!

1. Weber State (15-1, 21-8)
Right now, the fantastic gladiators from Ogdenia are the best team in the conference, hands-down. The only loss was to 7th place Montana State (how the hell did that happen?). The Weberians, who are guided by a mystical Wizard, have been imbued with magical powers to cruise as the perennial favorites to appease Big Sky Trophy God. If the signs hold up (Red Hill going purple for like, 10 seconds, the skies going purple in the nighttime, and most ominous, a Weber State logo appeared in this blog author's toast this morning), then the Wizard along with his merry company of purple clad knights will find themselves, once again, in the NCAA Tournament (and also appeasing the Trophy God...this, above all else, is most important)

2. Idaho State (9-7, 12-18)
The Bengalians, after weathering a brutal non-conference schedule and hitting one helluva hot streak to end the season (including two maimings of NAU and Sac State), are looking to carry this momentum into the tournament and are also looking to impress the Big Sky Trophy God by upsetting every team on the way to Wooden Trophy Glory. All ISU needs to do is play the ball they have been playing the past couple of games and keep it going. When the Bengals are clicking, even the Wizard's powers are no match for the power of Orange and Black.

3. Portland State (11-5, 21-9)
The Vikings were not only favorites to win the conference regular season title, they were expected to host it once again in the Rose Garden. Aaaaannnddd....after a guarantee by Dominic Waters to never lose a game after the Weberians beat them, went on to lose to Idaho State and Montana State and obtain 3 more losses en route to an 11-5 and 2nd place. They finished the season strong and have a shot at knocking off the Weberians if they play as a team and if Mr. Waters can keep his mouth shut.

4. Montana (11-5, 17-11)
The Griz have Anthony Johnson. AJ is a great player, and is only a sophomore. Yes, a sophomore. He can hurt you in ways that even Torquemada couldn't. If the rest of Teh Griz steps up and helps this sophomore sensation, it can mean that the Griz will beat Weber State and assert an excellent claim to gaining the Big Sky Trophy God's favor.

5. Northern Colorado (8-8, 14-17)
Wow, the Greelians are in the Tournament. They've given plenty of teams fits and look to do the same this week. They of course, must get by an Idaho State team that's on fire at this moment, having demolished two teams and beaten 4 out of 5 to get in the Tournament. The Big Sky Trophy God will be watching this game (and team) with interest. Perhaps the Greelians, who are new to the conference, can include Big Sky Trophy God into their pantheon of gods, notably alongside their chief god, The Minotaur.

6. Montana State (6-10, 12-17)
The Bobcats are the surprise team, having established their Tournament bid with their signature win over the Weberians. Montana State is hoping to duplicate that win three times in order to be a 15-17 team in the NCAA Tournament. Of course, to pull this off, the Bobcats must not only play fantastic basketball but also must sing, dance and chant ancient, sacred Bozeman sutras in a seance circle surrounded by Champ heads...and wearing Snuggies.

The Big Sky Trophy God looks forward to watching the carnage and bloodshed with great earnest, as he awaits the team that he shall grant mercy to. The losing teams must all wear Snuggies for the Big Sky Conference Media Days.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!