The Big Sky added Eastern Washington in the summer of 1987 to bring total conference membership to nine, but the last-place Eagles were ineligible for the postseason due to recruiting violations.
The next year, the top three seeds were upset in the first round (quarterfinals),[4] and seventh-seed Idaho State won the title.
The Bengals (15–15) met top-ranked UNLV (33–1) in the first round in Salt Lake City and were routed.
[5] The Big Sky implemented a few changes to the bracket structure to reward regular season play.
The top two teams in the league standings were given byes into the semifinal round, while the next two began play in the quarterfinals on Thursday.