Montana clinched a playoff spot last night with a dominating win over Idaho State, joining Weber at the top of the men's basketball standings. Barring some upsets, those two will get the first-round byes in the Big Sky tournament which begins on March 3.

The Wildcats' Damian Lillard is about ready to retire the Sky's Player of the Week award, winning it for the fifth time this season. He's also the leading scorer in the nation at 25.5 points a game.

Wait there's more: Lilliard is one of 11 finalists for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award.

Did we mention that Weber is Eastern's next opponent? The Eagles are still chasing a berth in the Big Sky tournament, but on paper, at least, this will be their toughest game.

AROUND THE BIG SKY - The conference did a nice Q & A with the Eags' Cliff Ederaine, who probably would have won the Player of the Week award last week if it weren't for Lillard.

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