The schematic diagram outlining the matchups and progression of teams within the Big Sky Conference’s women’s basketball postseason competition is a key element of the tournament. This visual representation displays participating teams, their seeding based on regular season performance, and the sequential order of games leading to the championship. For instance, the top-seeded team will typically face the lowest-seeded team in the initial round, with subsequent games determined by the outcome of prior contests, culminating in a final championship game.
The importance of understanding this tournament structure lies in its role in determining the Big Sky Conference’s automatic qualifier for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Successful navigation of the bracket is crucial for teams aspiring to compete at the national level. Historically, performance within this tournament has significantly impacted a team’s reputation and recruiting potential, serving as a showcase for talent within the conference. The single-elimination format inherently raises the stakes of each game, intensifying competition and adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Further examination will detail the specific components of the bracket, including seeding criteria, potential for upsets, and the impact of venue selection on team performance. Analysis of past tournaments and their outcomes will illustrate the strategic considerations involved in achieving success within this competitive environment, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with postseason play within the Big Sky Conference.
1. Seeding Implications
Seeding within the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket establishes the framework for competition, directly influencing a team’s path towards the championship. A higher seed generally reflects superior regular season performance and confers distinct advantages throughout the tournament.
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Favorable Matchups
Higher seeds typically face lower-seeded opponents in the initial rounds. This often results in more manageable games early in the tournament, allowing top teams to build momentum and conserve energy for later, more challenging matchups. A top seed, for example, will likely avoid facing another top contender until the later stages, increasing their probability of advancing.
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Home-Court Advantage (Potential)
While not always guaranteed, the highest seed in the tournament may earn the right to host certain rounds or the entire tournament. This advantage significantly enhances their chances of success, as they benefit from familiar surroundings, crowd support, and reduced travel fatigue. A team playing at home is statistically more likely to win, especially in high-pressure situations.
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Reduced Number of Games to Championship
Depending on the tournament structure, higher seeds may receive a bye, meaning they bypass the first round of competition. This grants them additional rest and preparation time while lower-seeded teams engage in preliminary games. Fewer games to play before reaching the championship round directly translates to less wear and tear on players and a reduced risk of injury or upset.
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Psychological Advantage
Earning a high seed carries a psychological advantage. It validates a team’s accomplishments during the regular season and instills confidence. Opponents are often aware of a team’s high ranking, which can influence their approach and potentially create an element of intimidation. A team that believes in its ability to win is more likely to perform at its peak.
In summation, seeding implications within the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket are multifaceted, extending beyond simple rankings to encompass strategic advantages and psychological factors that significantly impact a team’s likelihood of success. The structure directly shapes team strategies and potential pathways to the NCAA tournament berth.
2. Potential Upsets
Potential upsets are an intrinsic element of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, fundamentally altering projected outcomes and contributing to the tournament’s unpredictability. The single-elimination format inherently amplifies the impact of individual game performances. A lower-seeded team, even with a statistically weaker regular season record, possesses the capability to defeat a higher-seeded opponent due to factors such as superior game-day execution, strategic advantages, or the emergence of key players. The structured nature of the bracket means a single upset can significantly reshape the path for other teams and dramatically alter the anticipated championship trajectory. For example, in previous Big Sky tournaments, teams seeded fifth or lower have advanced to the championship game, disrupting expectations and demonstrating the real potential for upsets to occur within the planned structure.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of upsets. The relatively small sample size of a single game introduces a higher degree of variance compared to the longer regular season. Teams may experience fluctuations in performance, and individual player contributions can vary substantially from game to game. Furthermore, strategic matchups and tactical adjustments play a vital role. A lower-seeded team with a specific defensive strategy that effectively neutralizes a higher-seeded team’s offensive strengths can create a competitive advantage. The psychological aspect is also significant; a team playing with nothing to lose may exhibit a greater level of risk-taking and determination, increasing their likelihood of overcoming a perceived talent deficit. Understanding these contributing factors allows for a more nuanced evaluation of the tournament bracket and a recognition that seeding alone is not a definitive predictor of success.
In conclusion, the potential for upsets is not merely a peripheral aspect of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket but a core component that introduces dynamism and suspense. Acknowledging the role of unforeseen outcomes, strategic matchups, and psychological factors is essential for accurately assessing the competitive landscape and anticipating potential tournament results. While seeding provides a general indication of team strength, it is crucial to recognize the capacity for lower-seeded teams to disrupt the established order and redefine the championship narrative, adding a layer of complexity and excitement to the tournament.
3. Home-court advantage
Home-court advantage represents a tangible benefit within the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, exerting influence on team performance and overall tournament outcomes. The correlation arises when the higher-seeded team, by virtue of its ranking, is granted the opportunity to host tournament games. This environment creates a supportive atmosphere due to familiar surroundings, established routines, and fervent local fan support. Consequently, teams playing on their home court often exhibit enhanced confidence, improved shooting percentages, and increased defensive intensity. The psychological boost and logistical ease associated with playing at home contribute measurably to a team’s probability of success. For example, in past Big Sky Tournaments, teams hosting games have shown a statistically significant higher win rate compared to their away counterparts, underlining the real impact of the home-court environment on game results within the structure of the bracket.
This home-court dynamic directly impacts tournament seeding strategies and team preparations. Securing a high seed not only ensures a potentially easier path through the bracket but also increases the likelihood of hosting tournament games, maximizing the home-court advantage. Teams vying for a high seed are keenly aware of this potential benefit, and it often influences their approach to regular-season games. Furthermore, the location itself can indirectly affect the bracket; certain venues within the Big Sky Conference may present unique challenges or advantages due to altitude, court dimensions, or other localized factors. Recognizing the potential impact of these factors becomes crucial for coaches and players as they navigate the tournament and adapt their strategies to different playing environments.
Understanding the significance of home-court advantage within the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket requires consideration of logistical advantages, psychological factors, and environmental nuances. While not the sole determinant of success, the home-court environment clearly contributes to the competitive dynamics and overall outcomes of the tournament. Analyzing historical data, coupled with recognizing the strategic value of securing a high seed and potentially hosting tournament games, is critical for appreciating the complex interplay between venue, team performance, and bracket results, even when upsets occur, the psychological effect will be long lasting to team.
4. Tournament Location
The geographical placement of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament significantly impacts the dynamics of the event, extending beyond mere logistical considerations. The chosen location can influence team performance, fan attendance, and overall competitive balance within the tournament bracket.
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Travel Logistics and Fatigue
The tournament’s location directly affects travel requirements for participating teams. Extensive travel can lead to fatigue, potentially impacting performance, especially for teams located far from the host site. For example, a team traveling across multiple states within the Big Sky Conference may face challenges related to jet lag and disrupted routines, which could diminish their effectiveness on the court.
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Altitude Considerations
The altitude of the tournament location can be a critical factor, particularly given the diverse geographical landscape of the Big Sky Conference. Teams unaccustomed to playing at higher altitudes may experience physiological challenges, such as reduced oxygen levels, affecting their stamina and overall athletic performance. A tournament held in a mountainous region, for instance, would necessitate careful acclimatization strategies to mitigate any potential disadvantages.
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Fan Attendance and Atmosphere
The tournament location influences fan attendance and the overall atmosphere surrounding the games. A centrally located venue, or one easily accessible to a large segment of the conference’s fanbase, is likely to generate higher attendance, creating a more energetic and supportive environment. This can provide a significant psychological advantage to teams with a strong local following, potentially impacting game outcomes within the bracket.
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Neutral vs. Hosted Sites
The decision to hold the tournament at a neutral site or allow the highest seed to host can significantly alter the competitive landscape. A neutral site aims to eliminate any inherent home-court advantage, promoting fairness and impartiality. Conversely, allowing the top seed to host rewards regular-season success and leverages the potential benefits of a familiar environment and enthusiastic home crowd. The chosen approach reflects the conference’s strategic priorities regarding competitive balance and the recognition of regular-season achievements within the tournament bracket structure.
In essence, the tournament location is not merely a matter of convenience but a strategic variable that can influence team performance and the overall competitive balance of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament. Factors like travel logistics, altitude, fan attendance, and the choice between neutral or hosted sites contribute to the complex dynamics of the bracket, demonstrating the intricate interplay between location and tournament outcomes.
5. Team matchups
Team matchups constitute a fundamental element of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, dictating the competitive pathways and potential outcomes within the competition. The arrangement of teams, based on seeding and bracket progression, directly influences the strategies employed and the challenges faced by each participant.
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Seeding and Initial Pairings
The seeding process, derived from regular-season performance, establishes the initial pairings within the bracket. Higher-seeded teams are typically matched against lower-seeded teams in the opening rounds, creating theoretically advantageous matchups. For example, the top-seeded team might face the eighth-seeded team, potentially allowing the higher seed to advance with relative ease. However, this initial advantage does not guarantee victory, as upsets are possible.
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Strategic Advantages and Disadvantages
Specific team matchups can present strategic advantages or disadvantages based on contrasting playing styles, player strengths, and historical performance. A team known for its strong defense might fare well against a high-scoring offensive team, while a team with a dominant post presence could exploit a team with weaker interior defense. Analyzing these factors is crucial for predicting potential outcomes and identifying possible upset scenarios within the tournament bracket.
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Potential for Upsets
Mismatches in playing styles, injuries, or exceptional individual performances can lead to upsets, where a lower-seeded team defeats a higher-seeded team. These upsets can significantly alter the bracket’s trajectory, creating unexpected matchups in later rounds. For example, a lower-seeded team with a hot-shooting guard could overcome a higher-seeded team relying on a more traditional inside game, thereby disrupting the anticipated progression.
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Impact on Tournament Path
Each team matchup influences the overall tournament path for both participants. A victory propels a team further into the bracket, bringing it closer to the championship, while a loss results in elimination. The sequence of matchups faced by a team can significantly affect its chances of success, as navigating a series of challenging opponents requires strategic planning, player depth, and adaptability. The bracket structure, therefore, becomes a crucial determinant of a team’s ultimate fate.
In conclusion, team matchups are intrinsically linked to the structure and outcomes of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket. The seeding process, strategic considerations, upset potential, and impact on the overall tournament path highlight the critical role that individual matchups play in determining the champion. A thorough understanding of these dynamics is essential for analyzing the tournament and anticipating potential results.
6. Path to championship
The “path to championship” is inextricably linked to the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, representing a direct consequence of the bracket’s structured design. Each game within the bracket serves as a step along this path; progression is contingent upon successive victories. The tournament bracket dictates the sequence of opponents a team must overcome to reach the final championship game. The seeding assigned within the bracket, based on regular season performance, predetermines the initial opposition, thus directly influencing a team’s early trajectory. An unfavorable draw, resulting in matchups against strong opponents early in the tournament, can significantly impede, or even terminate, a team’s championship aspirations. Conversely, a more advantageous draw offers a potentially smoother route to the final.
Real-world examples from past Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournaments underscore this connection. Teams seeded lower in the bracket have, on occasion, navigated a challenging path by defeating higher-seeded opponents, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the tournament. In such instances, these teams successfully altered the expected trajectory dictated by the bracket, highlighting the capacity for upsets to reshape the path to championship. Conversely, highly seeded teams, burdened by pressure and facing strong opposition, have sometimes faltered, their path cut short despite their perceived advantage. The practical significance of understanding this dynamic resides in strategic preparation. Coaches meticulously analyze the bracket, anticipating potential matchups and tailoring game plans accordingly, recognizing that each game represents a crucial step on the path to championship.
In summary, the “path to championship” is not merely a conceptual aspiration but a concrete reality defined by the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket. The bracket’s structure, seeding implications, and potential for upsets collectively shape each team’s journey. While the bracket provides a framework, ultimate success hinges on strategic execution, adaptability, and the ability to overcome the challenges presented at each juncture. Recognizing this connection is essential for understanding the competitive dynamics and appreciating the complexities of the tournament, and while we explored other impacts, such as “fan attendance” it is also necessary to understand what team gets what benefits.
7. NCAA implications
The Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket carries significant weight due to its direct impact on NCAA Tournament qualification. The champion of the Big Sky Tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, thereby representing the conference on a national stage. This NCAA berth significantly elevates the stakes of each game within the bracket.
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Automatic Qualification
The most immediate consequence is the automatic bid awarded to the Big Sky Tournament champion. This bid guarantees the team’s participation in the 68-team NCAA Tournament field, regardless of its regular-season record or national ranking. For example, a team that underperforms during the regular season can still gain entry to the NCAA Tournament by winning the conference tournament, effectively bypassing the need for an at-large bid. This qualification opportunity shapes team strategy and elevates the intensity of tournament play.
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Conference Representation
The Big Sky Tournament champion serves as the conference’s representative in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s performance in the national tournament reflects on the Big Sky Conference as a whole, influencing perceptions of the conference’s overall strength and competitiveness. A successful NCAA Tournament run by the Big Sky champion can enhance the conference’s reputation and potentially lead to increased visibility and recruiting opportunities for other member institutions.
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Seeding and Bracket Placement
The NCAA Tournament selection committee uses various criteria, including conference tournament results, to determine seeding and bracket placement for all participating teams. The Big Sky champion’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament bracket can significantly impact its potential path to the later rounds. A higher seed provides a more favorable draw, while a lower seed increases the likelihood of facing challenging opponents early in the tournament. The Big Sky champion’s performance in the conference tournament, therefore, has a direct bearing on its prospects in the national tournament.
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Financial Implications
Participation in the NCAA Tournament generates revenue for both the participating institution and the conference as a whole. Each game played in the NCAA Tournament results in a payout to the conference, which is then distributed among its member institutions. A successful NCAA Tournament run by the Big Sky champion can significantly increase the conference’s revenue share, providing additional financial resources for athletic programs and academic initiatives. This financial incentive further underscores the importance of the Big Sky Tournament and its NCAA implications.
The NCAA implications arising from the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket are multifaceted, encompassing automatic qualification, conference representation, seeding considerations, and financial incentives. These factors collectively elevate the significance of the tournament and shape the competitive landscape within the Big Sky Conference, influencing team strategy and athletic program priorities. The outcomes of this tournament will have a lasting effect on program development.
8. Conference rankings
Conference rankings exert a direct influence on the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, functioning as the primary mechanism for determining team seeding. Regular-season performance, reflected in these rankings, forms the basis for assigning teams to specific positions within the bracket, thus establishing the competitive framework for the tournament. A team’s conference ranking directly correlates to its projected path through the tournament, with higher-ranked teams typically facing lower-ranked opponents in the initial rounds. For instance, the team holding the top conference ranking will likely be assigned the number-one seed in the tournament bracket, granting them a theoretically easier route to the championship game. Conversely, lower-ranked teams must navigate a more challenging path, potentially facing higher-ranked opponents earlier in the tournament. The practical significance lies in the strategic importance of regular-season games; each win contributes to a team’s ranking and subsequently improves its position within the tournament bracket, enhancing its chances of advancing and competing for the championship.
Beyond seeding, conference rankings also indirectly impact perceptions and expectations surrounding the tournament. Teams with consistently high conference rankings are often considered favorites to win the tournament, influencing media coverage and fan interest. This heightened attention can create both opportunities and pressures. Higher-ranked teams may attract greater scrutiny and face increased pressure to perform, while lower-ranked teams can leverage their underdog status to their advantage. Furthermore, conference rankings play a role in assessing the strength and competitiveness of the Big Sky Conference as a whole. A conference with multiple teams holding high national rankings is generally perceived as being more competitive, potentially attracting greater media attention and recruiting interest. This ultimately affects the long-term development and sustainability of women’s basketball programs within the conference. For example, if more teams in the conference did good at regular games, then it can make big impact.
In summary, conference rankings are an integral component of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, directly impacting seeding, influencing perceptions, and contributing to the overall competitiveness of the conference. While upsets are always possible, a team’s conference ranking provides a valuable indicator of its potential for success in the tournament. The understanding of this connection is crucial for coaches, players, and fans alike, enabling a more informed appreciation of the tournament dynamics and the strategic considerations involved in competing for the championship. The challenge here is to ensure the rankings are also accurate and represent the conference strength.
9. Historical trends
Historical trends provide a valuable context for understanding the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket. Analyzing past tournament outcomes reveals patterns and tendencies that can inform predictions and strategic planning. For instance, dominance by specific programs over extended periods suggests established advantages in recruiting, coaching, or institutional support. Examining historical data on seeding outcomes shows the frequency with which higher seeds advance or lower seeds achieve upsets. Identifying years with a high incidence of upsets highlights potential factors such as increased parity within the conference or changes in tournament format. A sustained trend of home-court advantage impacting tournament results reinforces the importance of securing a high seed to potentially host games. The absence of a particular seed ever winning the tournament may challenge conventional wisdom about bracket navigation.
Real-life examples from past Big Sky Tournaments illustrate the significance of historical trends. The University of Montana’s consistent success in the tournament across multiple decades established them as a perennial contender. Conversely, other programs may show a historical tendency to underperform in the tournament despite strong regular-season records. These patterns suggest underlying factors beyond simple rankings. Analyzing changes in scoring averages, defensive statistics, or pace of play over time reveals how the game has evolved within the conference. Examining historical data on player performance identifies individuals who consistently excelled in the tournament environment, potentially due to specific skills or mental fortitude. All this information combined influences team match-ups and success.
Understanding the interplay between historical trends and the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket provides practical benefits for coaches, players, and analysts. By recognizing established patterns, teams can better prepare for potential opponents and develop strategies to exploit weaknesses or mitigate strengths. Coaches can use historical data to identify optimal player combinations and tactical approaches for tournament play. Analysts can develop more accurate predictive models by incorporating historical factors alongside current-season data. While historical trends do not guarantee future outcomes, they offer a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of the tournament and increasing the likelihood of informed decision-making. Successfully using trends will increase chances of winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the structure, function, and implications of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket.
Question 1: How is seeding determined within the bracket? Seeding is based on the final regular-season conference standings. The team with the best conference record receives the number one seed, followed by subsequent seeds assigned in descending order of conference record.
Answer: Seeding is based on the final regular-season conference standings. The team with the best conference record receives the number one seed, followed by subsequent seeds assigned in descending order of conference record.
Question 2: What is the significance of earning a high seed in the tournament?
Answer: A higher seed typically confers advantages such as favorable matchups in the early rounds, a potentially easier path to the championship game, and the possibility of hosting tournament games, thereby gaining home-court advantage.
Question 3: Does the tournament champion automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament?
Answer: Yes, the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, regardless of its regular-season record or national ranking.
Question 4: Can a lower-seeded team realistically win the tournament?
Answer: While less likely statistically, lower-seeded teams have demonstrably won the tournament in past years. Factors such as favorable matchups, exceptional individual performances, or strategic advantages can contribute to upsets.
Question 5: How does the tournament location impact team performance?
Answer: The tournament location can affect travel logistics, altitude considerations, and fan attendance. These factors can influence team fatigue, physiological adaptation, and the overall game-day atmosphere, potentially impacting performance.
Question 6: Where can the official bracket be found?
Answer: The official tournament bracket is typically released by the Big Sky Conference shortly before the start of the tournament. It is generally available on the conference’s official website and various sports news outlets.
The Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket plays a crucial role in determining not only the conference champion but also the conference’s representative in the NCAA Tournament. Understanding the intricacies of the bracket is key to appreciating the competitiveness and strategic elements of this event.
The subsequent article section will explore the strategic considerations for teams preparing for the tournament.
Strategic Approaches to the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket
Effective navigation of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket requires careful planning and strategic execution. Teams aiming for success should consider the following approaches:
Tip 1: Prioritize Regular Season Performance: A higher seed directly correlates with a more favorable bracket position. Teams should emphasize consistent performance throughout the regular season to maximize their seeding potential. Securing a top-four seed offers advantages in initial matchups and potential home-court opportunities.
Tip 2: Conduct Thorough Opponent Scouting: Detailed scouting reports are crucial for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of potential opponents. Analyzing game film, statistical data, and player tendencies enables teams to develop tailored game plans and exploit specific vulnerabilities.
Tip 3: Emphasize Defensive Versatility: The tournament format necessitates adaptability. Teams should develop defensive schemes capable of neutralizing diverse offensive styles. This includes proficiency in both man-to-man and zone defenses, as well as the ability to adjust strategies mid-game.
Tip 4: Cultivate Player Depth: The compressed tournament schedule demands a deep and capable roster. Teams must develop players beyond the starting lineup to ensure consistent performance and mitigate the impact of injuries or foul trouble. Building confidence in reserve players is crucial.
Tip 5: Maximize Free Throw Efficiency: Close games are commonplace in tournament play, making free throws a critical factor. Teams should dedicate practice time to improving free throw accuracy, as missed opportunities can prove decisive in high-pressure situations. Consistent free throw routines and mental preparation are vital.
Tip 6: Practice Mental Fortitude: Prepare each player for pressure situations and teach them to focus on execution.
Tip 7: Develop Contingency Plans: Adaptability is key, so be sure to have a plan B.
By implementing these strategic approaches, teams can optimize their chances of success within the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket. The emphasis should remain on preparation, adaptability, and execution.
The subsequent article section offers a conclusion summarizing the key takeaways of the study.
Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket
This exploration of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket has underscored its multi-faceted nature, extending beyond a simple listing of teams and matchups. Factors such as seeding implications, potential upsets, home-court advantage, tournament location, and historical trends all significantly influence tournament dynamics. The interplay of these elements determines the path to the championship and ultimately shapes the conference’s representation in the NCAA Tournament.
Understanding the intricacies of the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket provides valuable insight for teams, coaches, and fans alike. As teams navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the tournament structure, continued analysis and strategic adaptation will remain crucial for success. The pursuit of a championship and the coveted NCAA berth will undoubtedly drive continued innovation and fierce competition within the Big Sky Conference.
