The Bengals are in a four-way tie for third and they play two of the schools they are tied with this week: at EWU and Idaho. It may be the toughest road trip to prepare for in the conference because of the vast contrast in styles. EWU is 51st in the nation in adjusted offense, they have scoring threats all over the floor, and they will matchup Austin McBroom against Ethan Telfair at the point. McBroom is tied with ET for the scoring lead in Big Sky only games, both averaging 23.4 ppg. Should be a terrific matchup.
Then it's off to Idaho, a team that plays a completely different style of basketball: 301st in the nation in adjusted tempo, its opponents have the 323rd ranked average possession in the nation. Idaho ranks in the top third of the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. Two totally different styles, two very good opponents, both on the road. I'd love to see ISU get at least a split, but it's going to be an uphill climb. KenPom gives ISU a 21 percent chance in Cheney, 25 percent in Moscow. Go Bengals!
Then it's off to Idaho, a team that plays a completely different style of basketball: 301st in the nation in adjusted tempo, its opponents have the 323rd ranked average possession in the nation. Idaho ranks in the top third of the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. Two totally different styles, two very good opponents, both on the road. I'd love to see ISU get at least a split, but it's going to be an uphill climb. KenPom gives ISU a 21 percent chance in Cheney, 25 percent in Moscow. Go Bengals!