The college basketball season is heating up as the Eastern Washington Eagles prepare to face the Montana Grizzlies on March 3, 2025, at Dahlberg Arena, Missoula, MT. The game is set to tip-off at 11 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN2. This matchup holds significant importance, as Montana could secure the Big Sky regular-season championship with a win, contingent upon Northern Colorado's performance against Weber State earlier on the same night.
Montana enters the game as the heavy favorite, listed at -9.5 points with a moneyline of -525. The total points for the game are set at 145.5, making it a focal point for bettors eager to capitalize on the action. Both teams have had their struggles, but the stakes are high for Montana as they seek to improve their seeding for the upcoming conference tournament.
Aside from their current predicament, Eastern Washington has faced considerable challenges lately, losing four straight games and has not managed to cover the point spread during this slump. Their recent performances have been marked by poor shooting percentages, hitting only 32% from beyond the arc, combined with allowing opponents to shoot 44% from three-point range over their last five games.
Conversely, Montana, after suffering a disappointing loss to Portland State, finds themselves tied with Northern Colorado for the top spot. Montana’s attacking style has proven effective, especially under the guidance of standout player Money Williams, who has consistently been the driving force behind the Grizzlies' offense. Williams scored 26 points and recorded seven assists during the last encounter against Eastern Washington, which resulted in a 92-81 victory for Montana on January 2, 2025.
Both teams displayed offensive capabilities during their previous matchup, evidenced by their combined score of 173 points. It’s also evident they both struggle defensively, with Montana ranked 302nd and Eastern Washington at 325th for defensive efficiency. Given this backdrop, analysts are inclined to predict another high-scoring affair, hence the recommendation to bet on the over for total points, currently available at odds of -115.
Within the Eagles' roster, Andrew Cook has been the shining star, averaging 15.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He’s shown impressive form, scoring over 21 points in three of his last four outings. The Eagles will rely heavily on Cook to provide the necessary scoring punch against the Grizzlies.
On the other side, Montana’s success has often been attributed to their depth, with no true standout star but rather multiple contributors. Joe Pridgen, for example, averages 11.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, adding valuable support to their efforts.
The Eagles and Grizzlies boast fairly similar offensive philosophies, focusing on create-and-kick tactics. One key area for the Eagles has been their efficiency at the rim, hitting 61% of their shots during the last matchup and capturing 14 offensive rebounds. This dominance on the glass will be pivotal as they face Montana's susceptible interior defense.
What does all this mean for the upcoming showdown? Bettors should feel confident placing their wagers on the over, considering both teams' defensive shortcomings and previous offensive outputs. To put it succinctly, with the high stakes and ability to score, this Big Sky clash promises to be thrilling and hard to predict.
When the dust settles, the outcome may just hinge on which team can impose their style first. Will Montana capitalize on their conference leader status and turn the season around following their earlier setbacks, or will Eastern Washington bounce back, defying expectations to reclaim some momentum before the postseason?
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the game unravels. One thing is certain: this is not just another game—it could set the tone for the postseason and affect not only the standings but also how teams enter the tournament.
With significant betting action expected and both sides possessing dynamic offenses, fans are gearing up for what could be one of the season's most exciting matchups. Don’t miss your chance to catch the action live and see which team emerges victorious.