Big Sky Tournament

In 1962, a Montana State Highway Department promotion called Montana "Big Sky Country", taken from a Bud Guthrie 1947 novel called "The Big Sky". The Idaho State track and field team and their coach, Dubby Holt were on their way to a competition in Missoula, MT and upon entering Montana, were greeted by a sign saying, "Welcome to Big Sky Country". Holt went to the 6 conference officials in charge of developing a new league for the Pacific Northwest College Teams and suggested that it be called the Big Sky Conference. The conference was officially established on Feb. 25, 1963, but the moniker was first presented to the public on Feb. 20, 1963 in a Spokane Spokesman-Review article by Harry Missildine. The original 6 teams were: Idaho, Idaho State, Gonzaga, Montana, Montana State and Weber State.

As of the 2009-2010 season, the Big Sky Conference has members from 8 states, ranging from the Pacific West Coast to the Rocky Mountains. The only western-most state not represented in the league is Nevada.

2009-2010 Season

On March 6, 2010, the first games of the basketball championship games will be played at the 3rd and 4th seed home courts. On March 9-10, 2010, the semifinals and championship games will be held at the Dee Events Center at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

Weber State has already clinched the No. 1 seed, and can clinch an outright regular-season title with one more win. Postseason spots have also been claimed by Northern Colorado, Montana, Montana State, and Northern Arizona.http://www.bigskyconf.com/index.aspx?tab=basketball&path=mbball

For Scores Click Here

Big Sky Conference Members

Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks from Flagstaff, AZ (Arizona Public Institution)
California State University, Sacramento Hornets from Sacramento, CA, Public (California State University System)
University of Northern Colorado Bears from Greeley, CO Public
Idaho State University Bengals from Pocatello, Idaho Public
Montana State University Bobcats from Bozeman, MT Public (Montana State University System)
University of Montana Grizzlies from Missoula, MT Public (University of Montana System)
Portland State University Vikings from Portland, OR Public (Oregon University System)
Weber State University Wildcats from Ogden, UT Public
Eastern Washington University Eagles from Cheney WA Public

History

The Big Sky Conference was established on February 25, 1963. It was adopted by six presidents of the charter member. The name Big Sky was from a novel written by A.B. (Bud) Guthrie of Great Falls entitled "The Big Sky".

The tournament started in 1976, Boise State was the first team who won the tournament championships in 1976, they beat Weber State 77 to 70 in double overtime. The Weber State has the most conference Tournament championships with eight followed by Montana with six Championships.

In 2007-2008 season, Portland State beat the Northern Arizona 67 to 51 to capture its first conference tournament championship. Leading the team is Head coach Ken Bone and Deonte Huff earned the MVP.