As the college basketball season heats up, Northern Colorado finds itself in a precarious position, needing quality wins to build a tournament resume. With a 1-7 conference record and a NET ranking of 180, the Bears are running out of time to make a statement. A win against Montana State, ranked 137 in the NET, would be a significant boost to their chances. The Bobcats, meanwhile, are looking to continue their strong conference play, boasting a 7-1 record in the Big Sky.
The CHD Scout prediction favors Northern Colorado by 3.7 points, giving the Bears a 63.5% win probability. This matchup is classified as a Quad 3 game for both teams, making it a crucial opportunity for both to pick up a valuable win. Northern Colorado's recent form has been concerning, with a three-game losing streak, while Montana State has been more inconsistent, with a win-loss-win record in their last three games.
CHD Scout Prediction
Montana State
76
Northern Colorado
80
Neither team has a player on a particularly hot or cold streak, making this a true team effort. The over/under is set at 152.5 points, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair. With the Bears favored by 1.5 points, they'll look to capitalize on their home-court advantage to get back on track.
Tournament Stakes
I predict Northern Colorado will edge out Montana State by a slim margin, 80-76, as the Bears' desperation to break their losing streak and bolster their tournament resume will drive them to a hard-fought victory. The Bears' home-court advantage and slight favorable prediction from the CHD Scout will be just enough to push them over the edge against a tough Montana State squad.