October 25, 2007

Men's Basketball Chosen Seventh In Coaches And Eighth In The Media Poll

Oct. 25, 2007

OGDEN, Utah - The University of Northern Colorado's men's basketball team, under the guidance of second-year head coach Tad Boyle, was chosen to finish seventh by the coaches and eighth by the media in the Big Sky's preseason poll, which was released on Oct. 25.

 

The Bears received 19 points in the coaches poll and 56 points in the media poll. Weber State was picked to win the conference by the coaches with four first-place votes and 60 total points. Montana was the media choice for top honors with 14 first-place votes and 218 points. The two schools reversed position in the other poll with the Wildcats being chosen second by the media and the Grizzlies being the coaches choice for second place.

 

Weber State shared the 2006-07 regular-season title with Northern Arizona and then beat the Lumberjacks in championship game to advance to the NCAA tournament last season.

 

Portland State is picked third in both polls. The Vikings garnered 52 points (one first-place vote) in the coaches and 183 points (two first-place votes) by the media. Northern Arizona finished fourth in both polls with 44 and 155 points, respectively. Idaho State received 37 points from the coaches to place fifth and 111 points from the media finish sixth.

 

Montana State was picked fifth by the media (114 points) and sixth by the coaches (33 points). Eastern Washington was selected for seventh by the coaches (15 points) and ninth by the media (55 points). Sacramento State was chosen for ninth by the coaches (12 points), but moved up to seventh by the media (74 points).

 

Northern Colorado, who are eligible for the Big Sky Tournament for the first time this season, will begin the campaign was an exhibition game against Colorado School of Mines on Nov. 4 at 4:05 p.m. The Bears will start the regular season on Nov. 9 against VMI at the Air Force Classic at 5:30 p.m.

 

Coaches Poll

1. Weber State (4)             60

2. Montana (4)                   57

3. Portland State (1)           52

4. Northern Arizona            44

5. Idaho State                     37

6. Montana State                33

7. Northern Colorado         19

8. Eastern Washington        15

9. Sacramento State           12

 

Media Poll

1. Montana (14)                 218

2. Weber State (8)             200

3. Portland State (2)           183

4. Northern Arizona (2)      155

5. Montana State                114

6. Idaho State                     111

7. Sacramento State           74

8. Northern Colorado         56

9. Eastern Washington        55