Montana
Montana St. vs. Nothern Colorado Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for Big Sky Championship Semifinal
The Big Sky regular season champions, Northern Colorado, is one win away from advancing to the tournament final and one step closer to a bid in the NCAA Tournament.
Standing in their way is Montana State, fresh off a 20-point win against Idaho State. The Bears had won both of the regular season meetings against the Bobcats including a 73-66 victory in their most recent meeting on February 8.
Let’s dive into the odds, key players, and my best bet for this semifinal showdown.
Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook
Spread
Moneyline
Total
Montana State
Brandon Walker: Montana State’s forward, Brandon Walker, is the most impactful player on this Bobcats team. He leads the team in points (14.7) and rebounds (4.9) while shooting 52.8% from the field. He put up 15 points and seven rebounds in Montana State’s most recent loss to Northern Colorado. He needs to bring his “A” game tonight if the Bobcats want to pull off the upset.
Northern Colorado
Isaiah Hawthorne: The senior forward for Northern Colorado has led the team in scoring this season, averaging 17.8 points per game, but he cranked things up a notch in their first tournament win against Weber State. He put up 29 points and seven rebounds and if he brings that level of play to the game tonight, the Bears will be tough to beat.
Northern Colorado is one of the best shooting teams in the country. They enter tonight’s game ranking seventh in the country in effective field goal percentage, making them a tough out for any team. With that being said, they have some defensive issues that lead me to bet the total instead of laying the points with the Bears.
One thing that Northern Colorado fans and bettors should be concerned about is its perimeter defense. The Bears rank 274th in opponent three-point field goal percentage, allowing teams to shoot 35.4% from beyond the arc. That could come back to haunt them against a Montana State team that primarily shoots the three ball, ranking 81st in college basketball in three-point shot rate.
I’m going to sit back and root for points in what is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair.
Pick: OVER 145.5 (-110) via BetMGM
As a new BetMGM user, you can now claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets when you create an account using BetMGM bonus code SI1500, deposit at least $10, and place a real money wager. If you lose your bet, BetMGM will return your entire stake as bonus bets.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
You can check out all of Iain’s bets here!
POLSON, Mont. — Two motorcyclists crashed on Highway 35 near Polson after failing to negotiate a left-hand curve, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Two motorcycles were traveling southbound on Highway 35 when both drifted into a guardrail. Both drivers were separated from their motorcycles and ended up on the other side of the guardrail.
A 58-year-old Polson man was confirmed dead at the scene. The second driver, a 45-year-old man, also from Polson, was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
The crash is under investigation.
KALISPELL — A Flathead County man is turning a personal rock bottom into a lifeline for his community by starting a free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
Adam Bruzza started Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle LLC, a free ride share service for people who have been drinking, after realizing he was struggling with addiction.
Maddie Keifer reports – watch the video here:
MT man starts free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads
“I just wanted to give people who do still drink the option for a safe, sober ride home,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza said a devastating mistake behind the wheel became a turning point where he decided enough was enough.
“I was charged with a DUI October 22 of 2024,” Bruzza said.
After a few months focused on his sobriety, Bruzza channeled his energy into his community by starting the shuttle service.
He operates the shuttle in his personal pickup truck. Riders can reach him by phone, text or social media at any time of day or night at no cost.
“I just wanted to give others the opportunity to not get a life changing charge,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza works with bars to connect riders with his service. Although the Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle is a new endeavor, he has already seen a big impact.
“The community response without a doubt has been unconditional love and support that makes my heart all warm and fuzzy,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza also shared a message for others who may be struggling with addiction.
“Your life is worth it, there are people that care out there and it is okay to ask for help,” Bruzza said.
To learn more, click here to visit the Facebook page.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 19 drawing
05-13-15-17, Bonus: 01
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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