The Big Sky Championship tournament of the NCAAB continues with this clash in Boise, Idaho, on Monday, March 6, and here you can take a look at the best Bengals vs. Grizzlies betting pick and odds.

Montana is looking for the third win in a row when they face Idaho State at Idaho Central Arena. The Grizzlies are 5-point favorites on BookMaker Sportsbook, while the total is set at 132 points. These Big Sky rivals will face for the third time this year; the Grizzlies lead the series 2-0. 

Bengals lost to Northern Colorado on the road

The Idaho State Bengals (11-20, 14-15 ATS) bounced back from a four-game losing streak with a couple of wins over the Idaho Vandals and Eastern Washington Eagles. However, the Bengals couldn’t make it three in a row as the Northern Colorado Bears were too strong and celebrated an 87-72 victory at home. Idaho State played well in the opening half and had a point lead at the interval, but the Bears switched to a higher gear in the second half and limited the Bengals to 33 points. 

Sophomore guard Miguel Tomley led the Bengals with 18 points. Brayden Parker added 12 points and team-high six rebounds, while Austin Smellie scored ten points. Idaho State’s bench outscored Northern Colorado’s 23-17, but that didn’t help them here. 

Grizzlies’ defense was too much for Idaho

The Montana Grizzlies (16-13, 13-15 ATS) are experiencing their best period of the campaign as they recorded seven wins in the last eight games. Although Montana State snapped the Grizzlies’ five-game winning run, Montana returned with a couple of wins over the Sacramento State Hornets and Idaho Vandals. The Grizzlies displayed one of their best defensive performances of the year in a 68-53 road victory over the Vandals. They limited the hosts to 38.8% from the floor and to just two triples, while they scored eight on the other end. 

Junior guard Brandon Whitney led the Grizzlies with 20 points. Josh Bannan posted a double-double of 17 points and game-high 12 rebounds, along with game-high four assists, and game-high four blocks. Aanen Moody had 15 points and five boards, while Josh Vasquez chipped in 14 points off the bench. 

Trends:

Idaho State:

• 2-5 ATS in the last seven games against Montana

• 1-4 ATS in the last five games played in March

Montana:

• 4-1 ATS in the last five games

• 7-1 SU in the last eight games

• 4-1 SU in the last five games against the Big Sky conference rivals

Idaho State Bengals vs. Montana Grizzlies Pick

Montana likes to play against Idaho State; the Grizzlies won both H2H duels this year and 24 of the previous 25 meetings! We can surely say that the Grizzlies owe the Bengals, and I am pretty sure that is going to happen again on Monday. Both offenses are similar and are averaging a bit below 70 points per game, but the Grizzlies have a stronger defense as they allow 67.5 points per contest opposite Idaho State’s 70.6 ppg. Montana outscored Idaho State in both H2Hs this year, and I am backing the Grizzlies to do it one more time. 

Pick: Take the Grizzlies at -4.5 points (-120)

The Total

The latest H2H produced 130 points, and I expect a similar outcome on Monday. After all, we’re dealing with two inefficient offenses, but I do back the Grizzlies to score 70+ here. Montana scored even 84 points in the opening H2H duel this season, and although I don’t expect the Grizzlies to go 80+, I do think they will do well offensively. Idaho State’s defense was poor in the last game as they allowed 87 points to Northern Colorado, which is an opening invitation for Montana to score some easy buckets. 

Pick: Go Over 130.5 points (-133)