Imagine a basketball team on fire, dominating their opponents with precision and skill. That's exactly what the North Dakota State Bison are doing this season, and their latest victory is a testament to their prowess. In a stunning display of teamwork and talent, the Bison secured their 10th win of the season with a commanding 101-67 victory over Minnesota Crookston. This win not only marks their 10th triumph in just 11 games but also solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
Playing in Fargo, North Dakota, the Bison delivered a performance that left fans cheering and opponents in awe. This game was their final home non-conference matchup before diving into the intense Summit League play. With this win, NDSU's record improved to an impressive 10-3, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2012-13 season when they started 16-3. But here's where it gets even more impressive: their success isn't just about winning; it's about how they're winning.
Leading the charge was Markhi Strickland, who showcased his scoring prowess with 19 points on an astonishing 9-of-10 shooting. Strickland's performance was nothing short of stellar, but he wasn't alone. Damari Wheeler-Thomas contributed 14 points, while Andy Stefonowicz and Noah Feddersen each added 10. Feddersen also dominated the boards, grabbing six rebounds to keep the Bison in control. And let's not forget Tay Smith, whose six steals were part of the team's impressive 16 steals overall. This is the part most people miss: the Bison's depth is their secret weapon. Nine players scored at least seven points, proving that this team is a well-oiled machine with contributions from every corner.
NDSU's shooting accuracy was equally impressive, hitting 53 percent of their shots and going 9-of-23 from three-point range (39 percent). Their only loss in the last 40 days was a close 85-80 overtime defeat to Arkansas State on November 28, a testament to their consistency and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Bison are set to travel to El Paso, Texas, for the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on December 21-22. They'll face UC Irvine on Sunday, December 21, followed by a matchup against either Norfolk State or UTEP on Monday, December 22. But here's the controversial question: Can the Bison maintain this momentum as they transition into Summit League play, or will the increased competition expose any weaknesses? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this team is worth watching. What do you think? Are the Bison the real deal, or is their success just a fleeting moment? Let us know in the comments!
