Boise Based Big Sky Basketball Tournament Missing Something
The Big Sky Conference was looking for a way to increase attendance at it's post season basketball tournament. Having the tournament in Reno just wasn't working. Reno locals had no interest in Big Sky teams and if the gambling aspect of the city wasn't drawing Big Sky fans than maybe it was time to cut the Reno cord.
The Big Sky did and because Boise fans still had Big Sky connections with Idaho and Idaho State, the City of Trees was determined to become the new host of the Big Sky post season tournament March 11-16.
Easy traveling for Idaho and Idaho State fans, the Montana schools, Eastern Washington and Weber State all within driving distance made Boise a central location where Big Sky basketball was at least discussed.
Unfortunately, it seems Idaho State and Idaho don't want to participate in this years event. The tournament takes 10 of the 11 teams and ISU and the Vandals are currently 10th and 11th respectively. Idaho State 5-11 in league play after losing to Portland State last night 99-93 and Idaho 1-14 after losing at Northern Arizona, the Vandals 12th consecutive loss of the season.
The Vandals, who really pushed for Boise as the host city so Idaho could showcase it's team to thousands of Vandal alums living in the Treasure Valley, will be the odd team out.
Without the Vandal fan base the Boise location is just that, another location. Don;'t expect any help from, the Idaho State fan base because the Bengals will be a long shot at best and ISU fans may decide to just stay in Pocatello.
The cozy confines of Century Link arena will help. The 4,000 seat arena will lend for a great atmosphere which was lost in Reno but unfortunately Idaho being part of the picture was a major ingredient for the success of the move from Reno to Boise.
The loss of the Vandals will put added stress on the league hitting it's bottom line.
The current Big Sky standings are as follows: Montana 12-1, Norther Colorado 11-4, Weber State 10-6, Montana State 9-6, Eastern Washington 8-7, Southern Utah 8-8, Portland State 7-8, Northern Arizona 7-9, Sacramento State 6-9, Idaho State 5-11 and Idaho 1-14.