Around the Big Sky

Montana State is mourning the death of former basketball standout Al Beye, who died in an auto accident near Dillon, Mont., last Friday. A native of Senegal, Beye was the Big Sky’s co-defensive player of the year last season and was tabbed an all-conference selection. Nick Dissly, Beye’s teammate for three seasons, wrote “55 R.I.P.” on his wristband before the Bobcats’ Saturday game against Utah Valley State – less than 24 hours after Beye’s death. Dissly led the Bobcats with a career-high 29 points and six rebounds and subsequently shared player of the week honors with Weber State’s Dan Henry. … Idaho State improved to 4-0 at home with Tuesday’s victory over Utah Valley State, but the Bengals are just 1-6 away from Pocatello. … Portland State improved to a Big Sky-best 8-4 with Tuesday’s 93-61 victory over UC Davis.