Bison Win: North Dakota State Downs Cal State Bakersfield 80-69

North Dakota State Basketball Dominates Cal State Bakersfield, Eyes Drake Showdown

The North Dakota State university men’s basketball team secured its eighth victory in the last nine games with an impressive 80-69 win over Cal state Bakersfield on Thursday evening, demonstrating a potent offensive and rebounding performance.

Bison Surge Past Roadrunners

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The North Dakota State Bison showcased their resilience and offensive firepower, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners. NDSU now boasts an 8-3 record on the season, signaling a strong start to their campaign.

The turning point of the game came in the first half, as the Bison orchestrated a commanding 20-2 run. This surge propelled them from a 23-19 disadvantage to a 39-25 lead with under a minute remaining before halftime. NDSU carried a 40-30 advantage into the break, establishing a momentum that would carry them through the second half.

Did you know? – North Dakota State’s 8-3 start is their best record through 11 games since the 2019-20 season, when they also held an 8-3 record.

Throughout the second half, the Bison consistently maintained a lead of at least six points, effectively controlling the tempo and preventing any significant comeback attempts from the Roadrunners. A key factor in NDSU’s success was their dominance on the boards, racking up an astounding 21 offensive rebounds. This translated into 28 crucial second-chance points,providing numerous opportunities for the Bison to extend their lead.

wheeler-Thomas Leads Bison Offense

Damari Wheeler-Thomas spearheaded the Bison offense with a game-high 21 points, showcasing his efficiency at the free-throw line by converting 14 of 18 attempts. Markhi Strickland contributed a solid 15 points, while Andy Stefonowicz added 13 to the Bison’s scoring tally.

Treyson anderson nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game. The Bison’s defensive efforts were also noteworthy, limiting the Roadrunners to just 37.5% shooting from the field and forcing 16 turnovers,disrupting their offensive rhythm.

Pro tip: – Offensive rebounding is a key indicator of winning basketball. the bison’s 21 offensive boards created extra possessions and ultimately helped secure the victory.

Looking ahead, the North Dakota State Bison will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to face drake on Saturday, December 13th, at 1 p.m. Central Time. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, offering fans the opportunity to witness the Bison continue their impressive run. Fans can also tune in on 107.9 the Fox for radio coverage.

Reader question: – What do you think is the biggest area for improvement for the Bison as they head into conference play?

Why,Who,What,and How:

Why: The North Dakota State Bison were looking to continue their strong recent form and secure another win against Cal State Bakersfield.
Who: The North Dakota State Bison defeated the Cal state Bakersfield Roadrunners. Key players for NDSU included Damari Wheeler-Thomas (21 points), Markhi Strickland (15 points), and treyson Anderson (11 points, 9 rebounds).
What: The North Dakota State Bison won the game 80-69. A significant 20-2 run in the first half propelled them to victory.
How: NDSU overcame an early deficit with a dominant first-half run and maintained control throughout the second half, fueled by strong rebounding (21 offensive rebounds for 28 second-chance points) and efficient offense. The game ended with NDSU securing an 80-6