Women’s Big Sky Tournament overview

No. 1 Montana

Record: 23-6, 13-3 BSCKey Wins: Oregon State, Washington State, Mississippi, Idaho StateKey Losses: Montana State, Portland State Vs. Portland State: 1-1 Jan. 31: 77-73 (OT) Montana March 8: 62-72 Portland State

Strengths: The Grizzlies’ lineup has tremendous balance. “All five of their starters can score well,” said Portland State head coach Sherri Murrell. In his 30 seasons at the helm, Montana head coach Robin Selvig has led the Grizzlies to 21 conference championships and the school has hosted the Big Sky Tournament 18 times.

Weaknesses: Selvig’s deployment of the zone defense has hurt Montana at times this season. A couple instances include their games against Portland State, as the Viking shooters were able to heat up from the outside.

No. 2 Idaho State

Record: 20-8, 12-4 BSC Key Wins: Utah State, UCLA, Montana Key Losses: Northern Arizona, Nevada, Portland State (twice)Vs. Portland State: 0-2 Jan. 12: 57-97 Portland State Feb. 14: 63-81 Portland State

Strengths: Big Sky MVP Senior center Natalie Doma is a national player of the year candidate, while senior guard Andrea Lightfoot is one of the most prolific shooters in Big Sky Conference history.

Weaknesses: In their two matchups this season, the Vikings have controlled the flow of the game and used their ability to score in transition to dominate the Bengals. “We have been able to game-plan for them and contain at least one of their premier players,” Murrell said.

No. 3 Montana State

Record: 16-12, 11-5 BSCKey Wins: Utah Valley, Montana, Portland State (twice)Key Losses: Northern Arizona, Northern ColoradoVs. Portland State: 2-0 Feb. 2: 84-75 Montana State March 6: 74-70 Montana State

Strengths: Featuring perhaps the conference’s deepest squad, the Bobcats rely on a great supporting cast. “They are very similar to us,” Murrell said. “They are deep, they play aggressive defense and they want to get the ball in transition and give themselves opportunities to score.”

Weaknesses: Like the Vikings, Montana State has struggled at times this season with rebounding, as well as hitting perimeter shots.

No. 4 Portland StateRecord: 21-8, 11-5 BSCKey Wins: Gonzaga, Long Beach State, Montana, Idaho State (twice)Key Losses: UC Davis, Northern Colorado, Weber State, Montana State (twice)

Strengths: When the Vikings have been able to push the tempo of the game they have benefited from Claire Faucher, Delaney Conway and the host of young athletic players.

Weaknesses: Lacking a true interior player, the Vikings have been overmatched in some games inside and have struggled to rebound and play solid defense.

No. 5 Northern Colorado

Record: 14-15, 8-8 BSCKey Wins: Colorado State, San Jose State, Portland StateKey Losses: Colorado, Sacramento State, Weber StateVs. Portland State: 1-1 Jan. 19: 61-56 Northern Colorado Feb. 21: 60-82 Portland State

Strengths: The Bears are led by senior center Danielle Hagen, who is averaging near a double-double and is the main reason the Bears qualified for the Big Sky Conference Tourney in just their second season in the league. In their first matchup this season, Northern Colorado controlled the pace of the game, holding Portland State to its lowest point total of the season.

Weaknesses: Northern Colorado has struggled to take care of the ball, and Portland State will look to pressure them into turnovers. “They are not a very deep team, and we hope to be able to get them out their offensive rhythm and keep them from getting the ball into the post,” said Murrell.

No. 6 Northern Arizona

Record: 10-19, 6-10 BSCKey Wins: Idaho State, Montana State, Weber State (twice)Key Losses: Eastern Washington, Sacramento State, Northern Colorado (twice)Vs. Portland State: 0-2 Jan. 5: 56-71 Portland State Feb. 7: 63-89 Portland State

Strengths: The Lumberjacks backed their way into the tournament by losing their final two games. Northern Arizona is led by senior center Ashley Ingle, a conference leader in scoring, rebounding, and one of the nation’s best shot blockers.

Weaknesses: It would be difficult for the lowest seed in any conference tournament to advance, but it is especially difficult for a team that has struggled to a 2-10 record on the road.