The Flathead Bravettes have a chance to qualify for their first Class AA girls basketball state tournament since 2008 when they host Missoula Big Sky today at 6 p.m.

A win would give Flathead the fourth seed from the Western AA conference while a loss would end its season.

“It’s such a great opportunity for us to get to the state tournament,” Flathead coach Karly Tait said of hosting the playoff game. “I think there’s going to be a lot of adrenaline and enthusiasm from both teams and I think it’s going to be a great game.”

Flathead split with Big Sky during the regular season, winning 58-44 on Jan. 5 in Missoula and losing 46-41 on Feb. 7 in Kalispell. To win in the grudge match, Tait said the Bravettes have to improve in a number of areas.

“We didn’t take care of the ball very well against them the second time we played them,” she said. “We’ve got to make baskets, we’ve got to shoot a better percentage from the field, we have to box out better and we have to make free throws.”

Flathead shot 25 percent from the field in its loss to Big Sky and the Eagles hit 9 of 12 free throws in the final minute seal the victory. Five-foot-8 Big Sky junior Dani Baker scored a game-high 16 points and Tait said slowing her down will be a key to stopping the Big Sky offense. Baker averages 12.7 points.

“We’ve got to know where she is at all times,” Tait said of Baker. “Whatever defense we’re in we have to communicate where she’s at, contest all of her shots and not give her any open looks.”

Flathead boasts a pair of double-figure scorers in 5-7 junior Emma Andrews, 13.1 points per game, and 5-7 senior Emily Russell, 10.2. Five-foot-11 junior Jenessa Heine, Flathead’s only low-post presence, averages 8.1 points.

“I think we match up with the pretty well, but they play hard and I think it’s going to be a battle,” Tait said.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

The Class AA state tournament is March 7-9 at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls.