Montana Grizzlies Face Northern Colorado Bears in Big Sky Tournament

The two teams square off for the third time this season in the Big Sky Tournament in Boise, Idaho.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Montana Grizzlies (16-15, 10-8 Big Sky) will take on the Northern Colorado Bears (20-11, 10-8 Big Sky) in the Big Sky Tournament on Monday in Boise, Idaho. The Bears won the last matchup between the two teams 85-57 on March 3. Northern Colorado has a 9-1 record in its last 10 games, while Montana has gone 4-6 over the same stretch.

Why it matters

This game will determine which team advances in the Big Sky Tournament. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 10-8 conference records, so this matchup will break the tie and send one team to the next round.

The details

The Bears are led by Zack Bloch, who is shooting 43.3% from 3-point range and averaging 11.6 points per game. Quinn Denker has been on a tear for Northern Colorado, averaging 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists over the past 10 games. For Montana, Money Williams is the top scorer at 19.6 points per game, while Te'Jon Sawyer leads the team in rebounding at 5.4 per contest.

  • The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 11, 2026 in Boise, Idaho.
  • The two teams previously met on March 3, 2026, with Northern Colorado winning 85-57.

The players

Zack Bloch

A sharpshooter for the Northern Colorado Bears, averaging 11.6 points per game and hitting 43.3% of his 3-pointers.

Quinn Denker

The leading scorer for the Northern Colorado Bears over the past 10 games, averaging 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists.

Money Williams

The top scorer for the Montana Grizzlies, averaging 19.6 points per game.

Te'Jon Sawyer

The leading rebounder for the Montana Grizzlies, grabbing 5.4 boards per contest.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to match Northern Colorado's intensity and execution if we want to advance in the tournament.”

— Travis DeCuire, Head Coach, Montana Grizzlies (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will move on to the next round of the Big Sky Tournament, while the loser's season will come to an end.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Montana Grizzlies and Northern Colorado Bears features two evenly matched teams that finished the regular season with identical conference records. The outcome of this game will determine which squad continues its postseason run in the Big Sky Tournament.