The Big Sky Championship is tonight in Boise, Idaho and a berth into the NCAA Tournament is up for grabs between the Montana Grizzlies and the Northern Colorado Bears.
Find out why my Montana vs Northern Colorado predictions see the Bears punching their ticket in my college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 12.
Montana vs Northern Colorado prediction
Who will win Montana vs Northern Colorado?
The Northern Colorado Bears have dominated this conference tournament thus far, defeating Weber State 76-52 and Montana State 72-45 — easily covering both spreads.
The Bears are better than the Montana Grizzlies on several fronts and should be able to score inside and win the battle on the boards. That'll lead to Northern Colorado’s second ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
My best bet: Northern Colorado -2.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Bears dominated the first matchup at Montana by a score of 81-57. That game was very similar to how they have played thus far in this conference tournament by playing efficient offense, dominating the boards, and forcing tough shots. Montana shot only 34.5% in that game.
The second game in Northern Colorado was a rare occasion where the Bears were out rebounded and out-shot. The Grizzlies shot 62.0% from the field and won the rebound battle 27-21. I do not see the Bears letting that happen again in the rubber match.
Northern Colorado has the best shooting percentage at 50.9% and scores most of its points from twos.
Conversely, the Grizzlies allow their opponents to shoot 45.1% from the floor, which ranks 259th, and allow a 50.6% floor percentage (294th). They also give up 53.9% of their points from two-point range, which ranks 329th nationally.
However, the biggest mismatch in this game will be on the boards. Northern Colorado ranks fourth in the country in offensive rebounds allowed and 13th in total rebounds allowed. It also ranks 83rd in rebounding percentage. Meanwhile, Montana ranks 276th in rebounding percentage and 356th in offensive rebounding.
That is why that second game does not truly indicate what these two teams are about and why I love the Bears in this third matchup.
It may not be a blowout like the first game, but I certainly don't expect them to lose both on the boards and in the shooting department again.
Montana vs Northern Colorado same-game parlay (SGP)
Northern Colorado -2.5
Northern Colorado team total Over 77.5
I will take the Bears to score at least 78 points to go with my best bet. I prefer this bet to the game total Over because I could see a scenario where the Grizzlies get held to less than 60 points and prevent the total from hitting.
However, Northern Colorado hit this number in both matchups with Montana despite struggling in its best departments in the second game. The Bears should be able to hit this number based on the matchup even if their defense is not as crisp.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Montana vs Northern Colorado odds
Montana vs Northern Colorado live odds
Montana vs Northern Colorado opening odds
- Spread: Montana +2.5 | Northern Colorado -2.5
- Moneyline: Montana +120 | Northern Colorado -140
- Over/Under: Over 148 | Under 148
Odds courtesy of bet365
Montana vs Northern Colorado betting trend to know
Northern Colorado has covered the spread in 17 of its last 31 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Montana vs. Northern Colorado.
How to watch Montana vs Northern Colorado
| Location | Idaho Central Arena, Boise, ID |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-12-2025 |
| Tip-off | 11:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Montana vs Northern Colorado key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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